Assistive Technology (AT)

The Assistive Technology (AT) Centre, located at Hebbville Academy, provides services and support for SSRCE students with diverse learning needs. In the education system, AT is any device and/or service that maintains or enhances functional capabilities of students. Assistive Technology provides access to the curriculum and inclusive learning and leisure opportunities.
To download the AT brochure, click here.

Assistive Technology Fact Sheet 2019

Check out the latest Assistive Technology newsletter, AT In Action!

Categories of Assistive Technology
There are numerous items that can be considered assistive technology. A useful way of categorizing these items is according to the features of the item may be helpful. Common categories (with some examples) include the following:

  • Daily Living (including home/school/work): book stands, grab bars, custom desks, adapted washrooms
  • Communication (including AAC): communication displays, speech-generating devices
  • Computer/ Tablet Access: specialized keyboards, touch screens, Chromebook
  • Visual Related Supports: electronic magnifiers, screen readers, screen magnification, braille-writing devices
  • Hearing Related Supports: hearing aids, visual and tactile alerting systems, FM systems
  • Recreation and Leisure: adaptive sporting equipment, such as lighted or beeping ball
  • Support, Seating and Positioning: custom inserts, cushions
  • Mobility: wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetics, orthotics
  • Environmental Interaction: switch-operated appliances, door openers
  • Service/ Therapy Animals: animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities
  • Sensory Integration: weighted vest, gel cushion
  • Academics: graphic organizers, word prediction software, C-pen, text-to-speech, timers, electronic books, pencil grips, Equatio, etc
    • This includes educational/vocational/cognitive, organization/study skills, reading, writing including motor aspects of writing, math
Assistive Technology Services
“Assistive technology services mean any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.” The term includes:
  • The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;
  • Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;
  • Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
  • Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs
  • Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and
  • Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.”
Process for Accessing Assistive Technology Services
Referrals to the Assistive Technology Centre may be initiated by resource teachers, classroom teachers or parents, but must first go through the Program Planning Team Process at the school level. Training is available for teachers, resource teachers and teacher assistants; primary users of Assistive Technology; administrators; and parents and guardians including staff at APSEA and Early Intervention Programs in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.
Please contact:
Barbara Welsford, Assistive Technology Specialist
Email: bwelsford@ssrce.ca
Phone: 902-541-3008
Anita Kingdon, Assistive Technology Facilitator
Email: akingdon@ssrce.ca