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Assistive Technology Checklist

A list intended to provide examples of assistive technology.

Note: This list is intended to provide examples of assistive technology and should not be misconstrued as a mandate for payment by any agency, including: local educational agencies, California Children's Services, the California Departments of Rehabilitation, Developmental Services, or Education.

Writing

Mechanics of Writing

  • Pencil/pen with adaptive grip
  • Adapted paper (e.g., raised line, highlighted lines)  
  • Slant board
  • Typewriter
  • Portable word processor
  • Computer
  • Other (explain other)

Alternate Computer Access

  • Keyboard with easy access
  • Key guard
  • Arm support
  • Track ball/track pad/joystick with on screen keyboard
  • Alternate keyboard
  • Mouth stick/head pointer with standard/alternate keyboard
  • Head mouse/head master/tracker with on screen keyboard
  • Switch with Morse code
  • Switch with scanning
  • Voice recognition software
  • Word prediction to reduce keystrokes
  • Other (explain other)

Composing Written Material

  • Word cards/word book/word wall
  • Pocket dictionary/thesaurus
  • Electronic/talking electronic dictionary/thesaurus/spell checker
  • Word processor with spell checker/grammar checker
  • Word processor with word prediction to facilitate spelling and sentence construction
  • Talking word processor for multisensory typing
  • Voice recognition software
  • Multimedia software for expression of ideas (assignments)
  • Other (explain other)

Reading, Studying and Math

Reading

  • Changes in text size, spacing, color, background color
  • Use of pictures with text
  • Book adapted for page turning (e.g., page fluffers, 3-ring binder)
  • Talking electronic device to pronounce challenging words
  • Scanner with talking word processor
  • Electronic books
  • Other (explain other)

Learning/Studying

  • Print or picture schedule
  • Low tech aids to find materials (e.g., index tabs, color coded folders)
  • Highlight text (e.g., markers, highlight tape, ruler, etc.)
  • Voice output reminders for assignments, steps of task, etc.
  • Software for manipulation of objects/concept development input device (e.g., switch, touch window)
  • Software for organization of ideas and studying
  • Recorded material (e.g., books on tape, taped lectures with number coded index)
  • Other (explain other)

Math

  • Abacus/math line
  • Calculator/calculator with print out
  • Talking calculator
  • Calculator with large keys and/or large LCD print out
  • On screen calculator
  • Software with templates for math computation (may use adapted input methods)
  • Tactile/voice output measuring devices (e.g., clock, ruler)
  • Other (explain other)

Communication

  • Communication board/book with pictures/objects/letters/words
  • Eye gaze board (eye gaze communication)
  • Simple voice output device
  • Voice output device with levels
  • Device with speech synthesis for typing
  • Other (explain other)

Activities of Daily Living

  • Adaptive eating devices (e.g., foam handle on utensil)
  • Adaptive drinking devices (e.g., cup with cut out rim)
  • Adaptive dressing equipment (e.g., button hook, reacher)
  • Other (explain other)

Mobility

  • Walker
  • Grab rails
  • Manual wheelchair
  • Powered mobility toy
  • Powered wheelchair with joystick, head switch or sip/puff control
  • Other (explain other)

Environmental Control

  • Light switch extension
  • Use of universal link and switch to turn on electrical appliances (e.g., radio, fan, blender)
  • Radio/ultra sound/remote controlled appliances
  • Other (explain other)

Recreation and Leisure

  • Adapted toys and games (e.g., toy with adaptive handle)
  • Use of battery interrupter and switch to operate a toy
  • Adaptive sporting equipment (e.g., lighted/bell ball, velcro mitt)
  • Universal cuff to hold crayons, markers, paint brush
  • Modified utensils (e.g., rollers, stampers, scissors)
  • Arm rest to support arm for drawing/painting
  • Drawing/graphic program on computer
  • Playing games on the computer
  • Music software on computer
  • Other (explain other)

Vision

  • Eye glasses
  • Magnifier
  • Large print books
  • Screen magnifier (mounted over screen)
  • Screen color cornets
  • Screen magnification software
  • CCTV (closed-circuit television)
  • Screen reader
  • Braille keyboard and note taker
  • Braille translation software
  • Braille printer
  • Other (explain other)

Hearing

  • Hearing aid
  • Classroom amplification
  • Captioning
  • Signaling device (e.g., vibrating pager)
  • TDD/TTY (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf/Teletypewriters) for phone access
  • Screen flash for alert signals on computer
  • Other (explain other)

Positioning and Seating

  • Non-slip surface on chair to prevent slipping
  • Bolster, rolled towel, blocks for feet
  • Adapted/alternate chair, side lyer, stander
  • Custom fitted wheelchair or insert
  • Other (explain other)

The Open Access Learning and Participation for ALL website External link opens in new window or tab. provides information about other materials that have been developed, and has available for downloading a copy of Resource Manual for Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology.

Questions:   Special Education Division | specedinfoshare@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-4613
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
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