What are funded assistive technologies (ATs)
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Considering Ministry of Education funded assistive technology (AT)’
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What are funded ATs?
What are funded ATs?
The Ministry of Education gives support to learners who need assistive technology and who are receiving a Learning Support service.
Ministry of Education funded AT provides learners with:
- specialised devices over and above what is available in their classrooms
- specialised equipment and technology to support them in their learning
- equitable access to learning.
Understand definitions
Understand definitions
Assistive technologies provide an “on-ramp” to the curriculum for many learners.
Many assistive technologies are built into our phones, tablets, and laptops or can be downloaded for free. They include:
- Text-to-speech
- Dictation tools
- Text magnifiers
- Closed captions
Sometimes a learner may require the support of a specific type of assistive technology that is not freely available in the classroom.
Assistive technologies funded through the Ministry of Education include specialised equipment that requires a formal application and an assessment.
Types of funded ATs
Types of funded ATs
There are different kinds of assistive technology tools.
Some equipment may be funded through the Ministry of Health or as part of an ACC claim.
Mobility or positioning support
- Wheelchairs
- Walking frames
- Specialised seating
- Adjustable tables
Access to information
- Computers
- Touch screen
- Software, for example, screen readers, screen enlargement applications
- Scanners, such as C-Pen
- Switches
- Personal remote microphone (RM) systems
- Magnifiers
Motor aspects of writing
- Word processor
- Voice-recognition software
- Word prediction software
- Stylus access
- Alternative mouse
- Alternative keyboards
Individual solutions
Individual solutions
Work with your learners to trial and consider a range of learning tools to enable success and increase independence.
Who can apply for Ministry of Education funded AT?
Who can apply for Ministry of Education funded AT?
Who can apply for assistive technology outlines who can apply through the Ministry of Education.
Learners may be considered for Ministry of Education assistive technology funding if they are supported through any of the current Learning Support services, including:
- Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)
- Speech-Language (Communication) Service
- Behaviour and Support Service (BSS)
- Services for Blind and Low Vision
- Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Physical Disability Service (PDS)
- School High Health Needs Fund (SHHNF)
- In-class Support (ICS)
- Or receiving specific additional learning support in school.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Considering Ministry of Education funded assistive technology (AT)”:
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Using low-technology optionsShow suggestions for Using low-technology options
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Using digital technologiesShow suggestions for Using digital technologies
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Considering Ministry of Education funded assistive technology (AT)Show suggestions for Considering Ministry of Education funded assistive technology (AT)
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