Schools Face Challenges Providing Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities
By Shaun Heasley | January 30, 2026
Students with disabilities across the United States are reportedly missing out on critical assistive technology (AT) due to various barriers faced by schools, according to a new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Despite the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandating that students with disabilities have access to necessary assistive tools—from simple aids like pencil grips and modified scissors to advanced devices such as eye-controlled communication systems—many educational institutions struggle to meet these requirements fully.
Limited Awareness and Training Among Educators
The GAO’s extensive investigation, which included site visits to eight school districts in four states, interviews with state and regional education agencies, and a survey of federally funded parent technical assistance centers, revealed significant gaps in staff knowledge about assistive technology. Many teachers primarily associate AT with high-tech devices but often overlook simpler, yet effective, solutions. Moreover, given the rapid innovation and evolution in assistive technology, educators expressed difficulty in staying current with the latest options.
Challenges with Staffing, Funding, and Resources
Beyond awareness, schools also face practical challenges such as staffing shortages and inadequate professional development opportunities related to AT. Budget constraints were consistently cited as a barrier hindering the purchase and implementation of assistive devices. The GAO’s report further highlighted that training for school staff and families is often insufficient, impacting the effective application and maintenance of assistive tools.
Parents and families also encounter difficulties navigating AT processes. According to the GAO survey, 67% of parent center respondents noted that families frequently struggle to access clear, useful information to determine the best assistive technology solutions for their children.
Real-World Impact and Advocacy
Jakob Velez, a young student born with chromosome 2 deletion resulting in intellectual disability and developmental delays, uses advanced communication technology to interact with his family at home in Las Vegas. His experience underscores the vital role that assistive devices can play in fostering communication and inclusion for students with disabilities, yet many families lack similar access.
David Dikter, executive director of the Assistive Technology Industry Association, emphasized the report’s confirmation of long-standing concerns: “Too many families are unaware of their child’s right to AT in school, and school teams lack the resources to provide AT and train all stakeholders in its use.”
Federal Policy Concerns
The report was requested by U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA), ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Scott warned that recent federal policy changes could further restrict access to assistive technology in schools. He expressed concern that actions taken during the previous administration to downsize the Department of Education would exacerbate existing challenges faced by students with disabilities, their families, and educators.
“This report demonstrates that school districts are struggling to implement assistive technology to comprehensively address student needs,” Scott stated. “Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s actions to dismantle the Department of Education will exacerbate challenges students with disabilities, parents, and schools are already experiencing.”
Resources and Next Steps
Schools visited by GAO investigators reported reliance on federal, state, or regional programs to support staff training and provide assistive technology. However, the variability of these resources across different locations suggests a patchwork approach that leaves many students underserved.
Improving education about, access to, and funding for assistive technology remains a critical priority for advocates, educators, and policymakers alike. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the support systems that enable students with disabilities to benefit fully from these advancements.
For families and educators looking for more information, federally funded parent centers and regional education agencies can be valuable resources to learn about available assistive technologies and training opportunities.
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For full details of the GAO report and additional resources, visit Disability Scoop.
