Is your child missing out on vital assistive technology now that school is out for the summer — or was the “assistive tech” box never checked at all? In this episode, The Parenting Cipher breaks down what assistive technology really means, how to recognize if your child needs it, and the concrete steps you can take to keep their supports strong — especially when extended school year (ESY) services or school tech access fall through.
The conversation focused on demystifying assistive tech: from low-tech solutions like pencil grips and fidgets to high-tech software that turns speech into text and highlights words as they're read aloud. The discussion explored how to identify if your child's IEP is missing critical services, what to document over the summer, and why it's so important to keep communication lines open — not just with schools, but with your child themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Assistive technology is broadly defined — from simple tools like pencil grips and graphic organizers to sophisticated programs for text-to-speech and speech-to-text, all designed to help children bridge academic gaps and express themselves more fully.
- Many schools overlook assistive technology supports, and parents are often surprised to learn their child is eligible — or already receives them without the IEP “tech” box checked.
- The documentation and observations you gather over summer about regression or lost progress will be powerful evidence if you need to challenge ESY or IEP decisions in the fall.
- Tools like Learning Ally and Sora provide age-appropriate, accessible reading for students with reading challenges — making a huge difference in motivation and comprehension.
- Graphic organizers and specialized software can unlock your child's ideas and allow them to demonstrate their knowledge, even if writing or reading is still a hurdle.
- Parents are encouraged to review their child's IEP, identify missing tech supports, and advocate assertively for new or better technology — using provided scripts and strategies.
- Maintaining open, trusting conversations with your child about school, technology needs, and teacher relationships builds their confidence and ensures their voice is heard.
Chapter Markers
- 00:00 — Importance of assistive technology
- 06:26 — Assistive tech for learning support
- 08:41 — Using assistive tech for ADHD
- 12:09 — Text to speech for dyslexic kids
- 16:05 — Using assistive tech for writing
- 20:06 — Assistive technology benefits for students
- 23:04 — Discussing child's communication skills
- 25:47 — Teacher-parent relationship dynamics
- 28:59 — Inviting listeners to subscribe
Links and Resources
- Five Advocacy Scripts (Instant Download): — templates for communicating with schools when services are withheld or disrupted.
- Book recommendations: Learning Ally, Sora (school-provided resources for accessible reading).
- Rescue Strategy Session — Did the school year end with you feeling as though your child did nor receive the education that they deserve?
- Reading tools: Learning Ally, Sora
- For more information about assistive tech listen to these podcast:
Quotes:
- “The ESY decision is reviewable. If your child's IEP team determined they didn't meet the criteria and you believe that was wrong, you can challenge it. And the documentation you build this summer, the regression you're seeing right now, the progress they've lost, the services they're missing, is the evidence you’ll need.” 01:31
- “Assistive technology is so important to our children… It’s something that can be implemented as young as kindergarten, as young as pre-K, and it’s usually something that could be overlooked by the school.” 02:52
- “Writing is not just writing… for some kids who have mobility issues in their hands and their fingers, having to grip a pencil… is difficult, so that’s when you have a low tech assistive technology like a pencil grip.” 05:33
- “Many things our children are given at school… the assistive technology box is not being checked. But we want to have them check that box.” 19:51
- “Always remember… we’re talking about supporting our child to be able to work at their best, but also to work past some of their limitations or struggles.” 16:52
Short Biography:The Parenting Cipher’s host is a passionate advocate and educator with lived experience navigating the special education system for her own children. Through stories, expert insights, and practical resources, each episode is crafted to fortify families and empower them to champion their child’s educational journey at home and in school.
Parents: Remember to check your child’s IEP, ask about tech supports, and build your case over the summer. Don’t miss part two, where the conversation will go deeper into why schools may not check the assistive technology box—and how to ensure your child gets what they need.
