The definition of Assistive Technology (AT) includes both AT devices and AT services. An AT device is any durable 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 children with disabilities.

An AT service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device. The term includes:

  1. The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's natural environment;
  2. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of AT devices by children with disabilities;
  3. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing AT devices;
  4. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with AT devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
  5. Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family; and
  6. Training or technical assistance for professionals who provide services to children with disabilities through the Early Intervention program.