An assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system – electronic or non-electronic, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized – used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device. (IDEA 2004, § 602(1)(a, b)

Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
Assistive technology services include:
1. The evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;
2. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by such child;
3. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
4. Coordinating and using other therapies, intervention, or services with the assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
5. Training or technical assistance for such child, or, where appropriate, the family of such child; and
6. Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life function of such child. (IDEA 2004, §.602(2.)(a-f) *

The term “universal design” is defined in section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3002). (IDEA ’04, §602.35) * UNIVERSAL DESIGN - The term “universal design” means a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly usable (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are made usable with assistive technologies. Assistive Technology Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 3002) *