In January, the Office of Special Education Programs and the
Office of Education Technology issued important guidance on
Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services through a
Dear Colleague Letter and a document addressing “Myths
and Facts Surrounding AT Devices and Services.” These
resources aim to benefit a diverse audience, including
parents, early service providers, special educators, general
educators, related service providers, school and district
administrators, technology specialists and directors, as well
as employees at state lead agencies and educational agencies. The purpose of these documents is to enhance comprehension of AT requirements, dispel prevalent myths associated with AT, and furnish examples illustrating the use of AT devices and services.
To provide further insight, SETC created explanatory videos including: Myth and Fact #5 regarding how children acquire proficiency using AT devices, and Myth and Fact #8 concerning state testing. (For further reference on state testing, watch 2024 Updates on Accommodations and Language Supports and this Quick Demo of ALS, Text-to-Speech, and Word Prediction on WA State Testing.) Washington State, recognized for its leadership in AT, is actively supporting educators and students by challenging the myths featured in this recent guidance. Discover notable highlights of the ongoing initiatives and resources available in Washington State below.