Assistive technology (AT) includes any device, software, or equipment that helps students with disabilities increase, maintain, or improve their learning capabilities, ranging from simple pencil grips to sophisticated text-to-speech software.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology encompasses a broad spectrum of tools designed to help individuals with disabilities succeed academically and in daily life. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines AT as any item, piece of equipment, product system, or software used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities. For homeschoolers, AT can transform how children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning differences engage with curriculum. The right technology helps students focus on content comprehension rather than struggling with the mechanics of reading, writing, or organization.
Key Takeaways
- AT ranges from low-tech (pencil grips, reading guides) to high-tech (text-to-speech, AI tutors)
- Many built-in accessibility features on existing devices are free to use immediately
- ESA programs in states like Arizona can provide up to $28,000 annually for students with autism
- The AT market is expected to reach $26.4 billion by 2026, driven by AI innovations
- Trial equipment before purchasing through state AT Act lending libraries
Categories of Assistive Technology
Popular Tools for Homeschoolers
For reading support, Speechify and Natural Reader convert text to speech, while Learning Ally and Bookshare provide human-narrated audiobooks for students with documented disabilities. The OpenDyslexic font is freely available and helps reduce letter confusion. For writing, Ghotit learns from spelling mistakes to provide personalized suggestions for dyslexic students. Word prediction software and speech-to-text tools like Dragon help children who struggle with physical writing or spelling. Many families start with free options like browser extensions and built-in device accessibility features before investing in paid solutions.
Funding Your AT Needs
Several funding pathways exist for homeschool families. State ESA programs often cover AT under educational technology or instructional materials categories. Arizona's ESA provides additional funding based on disability category, with autism qualifying for up to $28,000 and multiple disabilities with severe sensory impairments up to $37,000. The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation offers grants up to $5,000 per year for children with commercial insurance. State AT Act programs provide free device lending libraries so families can trial equipment before purchasing. Some families also access AT through their local school district's special education services, even while homeschooling.
Getting Started
The Bottom Line
Assistive technology opens doors for students who might otherwise struggle to access curriculum at their intellectual level. The key is finding the right match between tool and challenge without overcomplicating your homeschool setup. Start with free options, trial paid products, and remember that what works for one child may not work for another. With ESA funding increasingly covering AT expenses in many states, more families can access sophisticated tools that were once cost-prohibitive.
