Assistive Technology (AT) refers to tools that help individuals with disabilities improve their daily lives and academic performance. This includes software, devices, and systems tailored to meet specific needs.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
What is assistive technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) includes a range of tools designed to help people with disabilities succeed in school and daily life. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), AT is any item, equipment, or software that boosts functional capabilities. For homeschoolers, AT can change how kids with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning differences engage with their studies. The right tools let students focus on understanding content without getting stuck on reading, writing, or organizing.
Popular tools for homeschoolers
There are many great tools out there. For reading support, apps like Speechify and Natural Reader turn text into speech. Learning Ally and Bookshare offer audiobooks read by real people for students with documented disabilities. The OpenDyslexic font is free and helps with letter confusion. For writing, Ghotit learns from spelling mistakes and gives personalized help for dyslexic students. Tools like Dragon help kids who find physical writing or spelling tough. Many families start with free options, like browser extensions or built-in features, before moving on to paid solutions.
Funding your at needs
Homeschool families can find several ways to fund Assistive Technology. Many state ESA programs cover AT under educational technology or instructional materials. For example, Arizona's ESA gives extra funds based on disability, with autism qualifying for up to $28,000. The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation offers grants up to $5,000 per year for kids with commercial insurance. Plus, state AT Act programs have free device lending libraries, so families can try out equipment before buying. Some families also get AT through their local school district's special education services, even while homeschooling.
The bottom line
Assistive Technology can really help students who might struggle with the standard curriculum. The key is to find the right tool for the specific challenge without making your homeschool setup too complicated. Start with free tools, test out paid ones, and remember that what works for one child might not work for another. With ESA funding covering more AT expenses in many states, families can use tools that were once too expensive.
