FTCE ESE Assistive Technology and Accommodations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under IDEA, assistive technology (AT) devices and services must be considered for every student with a disability during the IEP process because:
- AT is required for all students receiving special education services
- The IEP team must consider whether the student needs AT to receive FAPE (Correct answer)
- AT devices are provided at no cost to all families under IDEA
- Federal law mandates that all students with disabilities use some form of AT
Correct answer: The IEP team must consider whether the student needs AT to receive FAPE
IDEA requires IEP teams to consider whether each student needs assistive technology devices and services to receive a free appropriate public education.
Question 2: A student with a reading disability benefits most from which low-tech accommodation to access grade-level text?
- A graphic organizer for pre-reading
- Text-to-speech software (Correct answer)
- Highlighted key vocabulary in the textbook
- A peer reading buddy
Correct answer: Text-to-speech software
Text-to-speech software allows students with reading disabilities to access written content independently at grade level by converting text to audio.
Question 3: Which accommodation allows a student with a motor disability to complete written assignments without using a standard keyboard?
- Extended time
- Voice recognition software (Correct answer)
- Preferential seating
- Reduced assignment length
Correct answer: Voice recognition software
Voice recognition software (such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking) allows students to produce written work through speech, bypassing the need for fine motor control required for keyboarding.
Question 4: The difference between an accommodation and a modification in special education is that:
- Accommodations change what is learned; modifications change how learning is demonstrated
- Accommodations change how a student accesses content; modifications change the content or expectations themselves (Correct answer)
- Modifications are legally required by IDEA; accommodations are optional
- Accommodations apply only in testing situations; modifications apply only in instruction
Correct answer: Accommodations change how a student accesses content; modifications change the content or expectations themselves
Accommodations change the process or environment to help a student access the same content (e.g., extended time), while modifications change the actual content or performance expectations (e.g., reduced grade-level standards).
Question 5: Which assistive technology is most appropriate for a student with autism spectrum disorder who struggles to communicate verbally in the classroom?
- A motorized wheelchair
- A speech-generating device or AAC app (Correct answer)
- Screen magnification software
- Closed captioning on videos
Correct answer: A speech-generating device or AAC app
Speech-generating devices and AAC applications provide students with limited verbal communication a means to express themselves, participate in instruction, and interact socially.
Question 6: Extended time as a testing accommodation is appropriate for students who:
- Simply prefer more time to check their answers
- Have a disability that affects the speed at which they can process information or produce responses (Correct answer)
- Are English language learners only
- Have received any IEP designation regardless of disability impact on pace
Correct answer: Have a disability that affects the speed at which they can process information or produce responses
Extended time is appropriate when a student's disability directly affects processing speed, reading fluency, or written expression — not as a general benefit for all students with IEPs.
FTCE ESE Assistive Technology and Accommodations 1
Under IDEA, assistive technology (AT) devices and services must be considered for every student with a disability during the IEP process because: