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What is assistive technology?
What assistive technology is and how it is used in schools and kura to help students.
What we fund#
Teachers and specialist support staff can apply for assistive technology funding for some students when standard classroom equipment or technology is not enough to support their learning.
We may be able to fund assistive technology when:
- a student needs specialised equipment to access learning at school
- the equipment is not already available in the classroom or elsewhere in the school.
Assistive technology is used to help students access learning and participate at school.
Who assistive technology funding is for#
Assistive technology funding is for students with additional learning needs where everyday classroom equipment or technology is not enough to support their learning.
To be considered, students must meet 1 of the following pathways.
Pathway 1#
Students supported by learning support services
Students are eligible for assistive technology funding if they are supported by one of our learning support services.
Pathway 2#
Students receiving additional learning support at school
Students may also be considered if they are receiving additional learning support at school and meet all of the following criteria:
- They have a current individual learning support plan that has been in place for at least 3 months.
- They are working at least 1 year level below the expected NZ curriculum level for their year group or within expanded NZ curriculum.
- They are receiving ongoing learning support coordinated by a school leader, such as a:
- special education needs coordinator (SENCO) or
- learning support coordinator (LSC).
- They are receiving additional adult support in class, either:
- at least 2 hours per week one to one, or
- at least 4 hours per week in a small group.
Additional adult support may be provided by a teacher, resource teacher, teacher aide, or a combination of these roles.
Diagnosis requirements#
A formal diagnosis is not usually required to apply for assistive technology funding.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is an exception and does require a formal diagnosis.
Independent schools and homeschooled students#
Students enrolled in independent schools, charter schools, or who are home educated may be able to access assistive technology funding if they have additional learning needs.
To be eligible:
- students must meet the assistive technology eligibility criteria, and
- be supported by one of our learning support services.
Assistive technology funding is only available where specialised equipment is needed to support learning, and everyday classroom or home learning equipment is not enough.
Next step#
Contact your local assistive technology coordinator to confirm that an application is appropriate.
Complete an assessment and apply for assistive technology.
