This monograph provides an overview of critical policy and practice issues facing educators in the area of assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities and discusses emerging policy directives and best practices for service delivery in a way that is supportive of quality AT programs in schools. Following an introduction, Section 2 addresses the legal basis of assistive technology, including AT definitions, the mandate to provide AT, definitional ambiguity, and mandate complexities. Section 3 explores critical issues in policy, including personal use devices and medical exclusion, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team consideration of AT, specifying AT in the IEP, external funding and repair/maintenance, home use, equipment ownership, and provision for private school students. Section 4 highlights critical issues in practice and provides information on staff training, staffing patterns and program organization, traditional evaluation and IEP process, AT assessment options and independent evaluations, short-term equipment loan, and educational and AT interface. Section 5 provides an action plan for those interested in becoming more proactive in responding to the AT needs of their students. Appendices include AT special factor considerations for IEP teams, a list of access questions, and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 proposed requirements for accessibility. (CR)