When an IEP specifies assistive technology as an accommodation, what is the teacher’s primary responsibility?

• A. Ensure that the child has access to the device as needed throughout the school day
• B. Train the device’s manufacturer staff
• C. Remove the device during independent work
• D. Replace the device with a different accommodation

Answer: (A)

When assistive technology is listed as an accommodation, the key responsibility is making sure the student can use the device whenever needed throughout the school day. This means having the device available, charged, properly set up, and ready during instruction, assignments, and assessments, and guiding the student in how to use it effectively. The teacher also coordinates with specialists or tech support for setup, maintenance, and any needed adjustments so that the device truly supports learning.

Training the device’s manufacturer staff isn’t part of a teacher’s role, and removing the device during independent work would deny the student access. Replacing the device with a different accommodation would change the IEP, which isn’t appropriate; the teacher should implement the specified accommodation as written and work to ensure it functions smoothly.