Portland Public Schools

Assistive Technology

Helping educational teams find the technology and strategies to support student access to learning and communication.

 Starting in Q2: - General AT Office Hour Fridays 8:30-9:30 

Description of Services

PPS Assistive Technology Team consists of specialists with backgrounds in occupational therapy and speech-language pathology.

We work in partnership with the building educational team to provide the following AT/AAC services:

Assistive Technology (AT)

"Assistive technology device means any 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 a child with a disability.

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."

Federal and Oregon Law

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to methods of communication that enhance or replace conventional forms of expression. The goal of AAC is to promote the most effective communication possible for individuals with severe communication disorders.

Augmentative and alternative communication includes:

All speakers communicate in a variety of ways. The most successful augmentative communicators use a multi-modal approach, which may include several of the following: