Student Services

Assistive Technology and Support

Assistive Technology (AT) can enhance the quality of life for a student with specific learning needs and abilities. AT can be a range of strategies and resources which include services and tools used to enable a student to meet learning outcomes. AT has the capacity to increase a student’s control in learning environments, daily activities, and social situations.

AT includes devices or software specifically for students with:

  • severe visual impairments
  • augmentative alternative communication (AAC) needs
  • physical accessibility needs
  • specific learning needs

Assistive Technology:

  • Takes into account the students’ strengths and needs in their learning environment.
  • Does not replace instruction in learning settings.
  • Looks at the least complex and the most efficient type of intervention.
  • Requires collaboration in planning, implementing, and monitoring.
  • Requires ongoing training to support effective practice.

Information for Schools, Students and Families

Lending Library

Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning has three collections for borrowing Assistive Technology equipment, devices, and resources:

  • Alternate Formats Collection
    Schools can borrow from the Alternate Formats Collection large print, e-text, braille and audio material for students with perceptual disabilities (e.g., an impairment relating to comprehension or a visual or physical disability.
  • Assistive Technology Collection
    Clinicians can borrow AT software and devices to support students in rural and northern Manitoba school divisions.
  • Specialized Assistive Technology for Blind/Visually Impaired
    Specialized assistive technology equipment is loaned to students who are blind/visually impaired and who have been identified by a department consultant as requiring it. These items may include electronic magnification devices, braillers, braille displays or notetakers and text to speech software, braille embossers and braille translation software.

Consultation Support

A Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning consultant is available to work with Student Services Administrators, resource and classroom teachers and clinicians to review, select and provide professional development based on classroom and student needs.

Schools can borrow specialized assistive technology equipment from Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning to support learning for students who are blind or visually impaired, based on the recommendation of the consultant for the blind and visually impaired (BVI). These items are assistive devices not normally available in the classroom (ex: electronic magnification devices, braille displays or notetakers and text to speech software, embossers and braille translation software). Consultants for the BVI can provide direct teaching for students who use these devices.

Professional Learning Opportunities

Professional learning opportunities are available on request from the Student Services Administrator.

Assistive Technology Collection

Clinicians can borrow AT software and devices to support students with assistive technology needs who attend schools in rural and northern Manitoba school divisions.

The Assistive Technology Collection catalogue is available online.

To borrow items from the catalogue please complete an Assistive Technology Collection Borrowing Request.

Additional Forms

Resources

Startup/Troubleshooting for Assistive Technology Software and Hardware

Links

Contact

General Enquiries
Inclusion Support Branch
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
Telephone: 204-945-7912
Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7912
Email: ssuinfo@gov.mb.ca