Assistive Technology

We Have Moved!

Wayne RESA Annex Building 

5454 Venoy Rd, Wayne, MI 48184

Room 161 

This is the first room on the left right after the reception area.



The Wayne Assistive Technology Team (WATT) provides assistive technology devices and services to local districts and public school academies in Wayne County.

Pick up and Drop off

Pick up and Drop off appointments can be made using our Online Scheduler(opens in new window).

Make & Take Sign Up

Make and Take appointments can be made using our Online Scheduler(opens in new window).

For large groups looking to schedule half-day or full-day sessions, please email us at wattsupport@resa.net or give us a call at (734) 334-1701.

Contact WATT

The Wayne Assistive Technology Team (WATT) is available to provide consultations and Assistive Technology equipment loans to students across Wayne County who have a moderate to severe disability. Additionally, WATT is happy to help support Wayne County school teams in building capacity and growing their overall knowledge around Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

WATT Trial and Loan Orientation Module

Before requesting a new Assistive Technology (AT) trial or renewing an existing loan during the 2025-2026 school year, all educators requesting an AT trial or renewing an existing loan are strongly encouraged to complete a brief WATT Trial and Loan Process Module. This short training ensures teams are familiar with the trial and loan process, responsibilities, and available supports.

  Wayne Assistive Technology Trial and Loan Process(Video, opens in new window) 

First Time Contacting WATT or Using the New Platform?

In order to submit a request, you must first create a RESA service desk account (powered by Jira). This is FREE and needs to be done only ONCE using your school email address. After you have an account, you will be able to view all of your requests, make additional comments to the WATT team, and receive quick updates about the status of your request.

  Create Your Account Here(opens in new window) 

Make Assistive Technology Requests and Updates

Use the link below to select the ticket type to support your needs

MAKE REQUEST

 Consultation graphic Consultation: Request a meeting with an AT Consultant to chat about your student and their needs to begin brainstorming possible AT Solutions.

Lending icon Lending Library: If you know the AT you want to try with your student and are ready for a trial.

Computer iconLoan Transfer: If you need a student’s Assistive Technology loan to be transferred into your name.

Computer iconRepairs: If a device needs repair, is broken, or requires updates (e.g., app installation or software reconfiguration).


WATT Guidelines

Here are PDFs of the Wayne County Core Vocabulary boards. The 48 and 108 versions have different styles: b = black background, w = white background, r = rounded corners, and s = square corners. Additionally, there are versions of the Wayne County Core Vocabulary Board with pragmatic indicators on the right side, as well as a variety of translated versions of the Core 108 boards.

Translated Core Communication Boards

Accessibility Resources

Accessibility means designing materials and environments so that everyone—including people with disabilities—can access information, participate in activities, and benefit from services equally. It ensures that all users can reach, understand, and use what’s provided.

Built-in Accessibility for Operating Systems and Browsers

Explore the built-in accessibility tools available on various platforms that support all learners. These features are designed to promote independence, engagement, and access for students with a wide range of needs.

Video Conferencing Accessibility

Free Resources

For individuals with disabilities, Assistive Technology (AT) improves access to education, employment, independent living, recreation, and participation in the community. The importance of assistive technology is at the heart of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004(opens in new window).

The AT Act promotes awareness and access to assistive technology devices and services.

The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 defines "AT Device" and "AT Service" as follows:

AT Device

An AT Device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system—whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized—that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

AT Service

An Assistive Technology Service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes:

  • Evaluation: Assessing the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation in the child's customary environment. (An in-district team will conduct the evaluation with support from WATT, if needed.)
  • Acquisition: Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices.
  • Customization & Maintenance: Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices.
  • Coordination: Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans.
  • User Training: Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family.
  • Professional Training: Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.

Considering a Student's Need for Assistive Technology

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004(opens in new window) states that Assistive Technology must be considered annually for every student with a special need. The outcomes of the consideration process then become part of the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

The need for assistive technology may be indicated when a student is:

  • Having difficulty achieving their IEP goals and objectives.
  • Struggling to participate in classroom activities.
  • Not making progress in the general education curriculum.

Professional Development

View our offerings

Stay Connected

This sign-up is for school and district staff working in special education. Use this Google Form , select the email lists that match your role and interests to receive timely updates, resources, and professional learning opportunities.

Contact Us

Barry Aherne
Assistive Technology Consultant
(734) 334-1317
Laura Begley
Assistive Technology Consultant
(734) 334-1706
Pamela Cunningham
Assistive Technology Consultant
(734) 334-1704
Amber Wade
Assistive Technology Consultant
(734) 334-1707
Corey Farkas
Assistant for Internal Operations - Wayne Assistive Technology Team (WATT)
(734) 334-1705

Wayne RESA Resources

Professional Development
Early Childhood
Career Counseling
Literacy
Multilingual Support
District / School Continuous Improvement
Special Education and Early Intervention
Shared Operational Services