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Special Education Law, in Plain English

Does an item count as assistive technology if it was bought off the shelf?

Yes. Assistive technology can be an item, a piece of equipment, or a product system that was bought off the shelf, changed, or customized. What makes it assistive technology is what it is used for: to increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of a child with a disability.

Official law

“Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.”

— 34 CFR 300.5

This section is educational support, not legal advice. Special education rules can depend on your state and your child's facts. Talk with your IEP or 504 team, and with counsel when you need legal advice.

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