Using Assistive Technology to Support Learning

Equip yourself with a clear, practical framework for selecting and implementing assistive technology (AT) to support students with special educational needs (SEN) in your classroom.

This two-page guide walks teachers and SENCOs through every stage of the assistive technology process — from initial needs assessment through to ongoing monitoring and evaluation. This document includes recommendations on various devices and software, along with practical tips for implementation in the classroom.

What’s Inside
A 2-page PDF (no cover) containing the following:

• Step 1: Assess Student Needs – A practical checklist to help practitioners identify specific areas of difficulty before selecting any technology.
• Step 2: Explore Available Assistive Technology – An overview of five categories of assistive technology, each with tool recommendations and examples.
• Step 3: Match Technology to Student Needs – A checklist guiding practitioners to align technology features with individual student needs and abilities, check compatibility with existing classroom technology, and evaluate cost and available funding options.
• Step 4: Implement and Train – Practical guidance on rolling out assistive technology effectively, including developing an implementation plan, training staff, students, and parents, and creating user guides and support materials to ensure consistent use.
• Step 5: Monitor and Evaluate – A checklist for ongoing review, covering how to assess the effectiveness of the technology, gather feedback from students, teachers, and parents, and document progress towards IEP goals.

How to Use
This guide works well as a starting point for any school or setting looking to introduce or review its assistive technology provision. SENCOs can use it to structure conversations with class teachers and specialist staff at the beginning of a new academic year or when supporting a newly identified student. It can also be used as a reference point during review meetings or as part of staff continuing professional development (CPD) on inclusive practice.

Grade Levels: All year levels
File Format: PDF (printable and projectable)

Note: This is a digital download only.