Family Resource Hub

Access and Assistive Technology Tools

Every person learns, communicates, and experiences the world in their own unique way. This space is designed to help families explore how technology and thoughtful strategies can open doors to learning, communication, and daily life. Whether you are just beginning to learn about assistive technology (AT) or looking for tools to support your loved one’s growth, you’ll find helpful tips to get started.

These OCALI resources make learning more adaptable and supportive of independence across home, school, and other settings.

Families can:

  • Learn practical ways to use tools and visual supports.
  • Follow a step-by-step approach to explore options.
  • Try different strategies.
  • Identify what works best to support their loved one’s learning and communication.

This page is just the starting point in a growing collection of resources. Our goal is to empower families and educators to work together in teaching and supporting children and youth - building confidence, access, and success through technology.

Begin exploring by clicking on any resource below.

AT Decision-Making Tool

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This tool helps the educational team assess the need for assistive technology and accessible educational materials. It does not identify specific AT or AEM but gives guidance when an assessment is needed.

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AT Domains Document

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There are many assistive technology tools that help students take part in school activities and become more independent. This chart helps frame the needs that might be helped with assistive technology.

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ATIM Module: Navigating Accessible Educational Materials (AEM): Accessible Formats

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This module explains Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), why they matter for your student’s learning, and how schools provide accessible formats so you can understand the process and advocate for needed IDEA supports.

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ATIM Module: Using Speech Recognition as AT for Writing

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This module highlights how speech recognition, which is already found in most computers, tablets, and phones, serves as an assistive writing tool for students with disabilities and should be considered using an assistive technology assessment process.

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AT Resource Guide – Section 1: AT, AEM and Other Educational Initiatives

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This section defines Assistive Technology and Accessible Educational Materials and explains how they can be included in other education programs to ensure students with disabilities are fully included and supported.

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Autism Internet Modules: Visual Supports

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This module explains what visual supports are, how to create them, and when and how to use them.

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Communication Navigation Essentials Toolkit

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Use this toolkit to learn how to support communication for youth with complex needs in their home, school, and community.

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Communication Planning Guide for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing 

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A guide to help teams facilitate meaningful discussion and planning as they develop individualized communication plans for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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Getting Started with AT Consideration: Identifying the Task

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This first module in a six-part series helps teams consider assistive technology (AT) by focusing on a specific task your student needs support with and review tools or strategies to guide next steps.

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How-To Video: How-to Adapt Books: Page Fluffers

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Video 4 in the How-To Tips and Strategies Series shows simple tips, adaptable materials, and strategies to easily support all learners.

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Least Restrictive Environment

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A video that helps unpack the meaning of least restrictive environment

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Overview of Assistive Technology

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This video explains what assistive technology (AT) is and how AT helps individuals with disabilities build independence, participate in daily activities, and access learning.

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Promoting Access for People Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, or Visually Impaired 

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A free, self-paced module that builds confidence and comfort when communicating with people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired and offers simple ways to improve access.

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SIFTS Feature Matching Tool

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SIFTS is a quick and easy online survey tool that helps teams match a student’s needs and strengths with the right assistive technology (AT) features.

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Supporting Learners with Complex Needs Padlet

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Virtual shelf of resources for educators and families that support the instruction and assessment of learners with diverse and complex needs.

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Yes, We Can: Journey Towards Independence: Play Hard, Work Hard With Assistive Technology

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Learn about what assistive technology (AT) Michelle uses, and how it has been helpful to support her access, participation, and independence. 

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Looking to explore additional topics? Navigate back to the Family Resource Hub.