Teacher Newsletter Assistive Technology: Explaining AT to Families

Assistive technology in schools is one of the most underexplained aspects of special education for families. Many families know their student has an AT device but are not sure why it was chosen, whether they should push their student to work without it, or how they can support AT use at home. A newsletter that addresses these questions directly helps families become AT partners rather than AT bystanders.

Define assistive technology clearly

"Assistive technology is any tool, device, or software that helps a student with a disability access education more effectively. AT ranges from low-tech solutions like pencil grips and highlighters to high-tech solutions like text-to-speech software, speech-to-text dictation, AAC devices, and screen magnification. The goal of every AT tool is the same: to give the student access to learning and to the ability to demonstrate what they know, without being limited by the disability itself."

AT builds independence, not dependence

The most common family concern about AT is that it will prevent the student from developing the underlying skill. Address this directly. "AT tools help students access content and demonstrate their knowledge while their skills are still developing. A student who uses text-to-speech to read is still building reading comprehension. A student who uses speech-to-text to write is still building their ideas and communication skills. Research consistently shows that students who use appropriate AT make better academic progress, not less. AT provides access; it does not replace skill development."

Common AT tools and what they do

Text-to-speech software reads digital text aloud, supporting students with dyslexia, visual impairments, or low reading fluency. Speech-to-text software transcribes spoken language into text, supporting students with writing disabilities or motor difficulties. Word prediction software suggests likely next words as the student types, reducing the writing burden for students with dyslexia or motor challenges. AAC devices provide a means of communication for students who do not use functional speech. Each tool is selected specifically for the student's assessed needs.

How to support AT use at home

Give families practical guidance. Ensure the AT device or software is accessible and charged for homework time. Do not require your student to complete homework without the AT they use at school. If the AT is a tablet-based app, download it on the home device if possible. Contact the teacher immediately if the device has a technical problem rather than waiting for the next school day. Treat the AT tool as a normal, expected part of how your student works, not as a special accommodation that signals limitation.

Free AT tools families can use at home

Share specific low-cost options. Built-in screen readers (VoiceOver on iOS, TalkBack on Android, Narrator on Windows) are free and already on most devices. Google Read Aloud is free and works in Chrome. Otter.ai provides free speech-to-text transcription. Natural Reader has a free tier for text-to-speech. Microsoft Word's Immersive Reader is free and built into many school accounts. These tools let families replicate school AT tools at home without additional expense.

Template: AT newsletter section

"Assistive Technology in Our Classroom Some students in our class use assistive technology tools to access their education. Common tools include text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and AAC devices. These tools help students demonstrate their knowledge and skills without being limited by a disability. AT is not a crutch. Research shows that students who use appropriate AT make stronger academic progress than those who do not have access to it. To support AT use at home: keep the device charged, allow its use during homework, and contact me if there is a technical issue. Free AT tools for home: [Links to 2-3 specific free resources]."

Daystage makes it easy to include embedded links to free AT resources and tutorials directly in the newsletter so families can get started immediately.