An assistive technology (AT) device is 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. AT devices include hearing aids, special telephones, and wheelchairs as well as more "computer related" items such as text readers, touch screens, or specialized keyboards. AbleData provides an exhaustive list of such devices.
Educators may need to address whether a student should be considered for an assistive technology device by asking some of the following questions.

• Is the provision of an assistive technology (AT) device or service necessary for the student to receive a free appropriate education?
• Is an AT device or service necessary to be educated within the least restrictive environment?
• Does the student experience deficits in performance that may be remediated or compensated for by the use of assistive technology? evaluation?
• Is the assistive technology device that is being considered necessary for the child to meet one or more of the goals of the IEP?

The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) serves organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. This site features AT reviews, a resource library, fact sheets, including Assistive Technology 101 , an informative introduction to assistive technology and more.

Assistive Technology, Inc. develops assistive technology devices. Their web site is a good resource for research and "browsing" to understand the types of devices that are available.

Closing the Gap is an organization that focuses on computer technology for people with special needs through its bi-monthly newspaper, annual international conference and extensive web site.

Gallaudet University for the Deaf includes the Assistive Devices Center which provides a central location where deaf and hard of hearing people, their families, and professionals can examine and learn about assistive technology designed to enhance receptive communication.

In addition to specialized devices, assistive technology also deals with web page accessibility.
Designing More Usable Web Sites from the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides guidelines and resources to enable easier access to web-based information by those with disabilities.