BY

ii Assistive technology (AT) is any device used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. By decreasing students ’ dependence on others, AT can increase the likelihood of functional independence and, consequently, increase the possibility of inclusion in the general education setting. Current AT use, AT decision-making practices, and barriers and facilitators to effective AT implementation in New Jersey public schools were investigated through survey and interviews. Directors of Special Services were randomly selected and then asked to complete a survey. Quantitative analysis of data revealed trends in AT use, correlations between various aspects of AT implementation and district factors (socioeconomic status and size), and the impact of district factors on AT implementation. Eight directors were randomly selected to participate in follow-up interviews, and the collected data were qualitatively analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach. Findings indicated that a wide variety of AT is used, but often only by a small percentage of special education students, and mor