Designed for parents of children who have a wide variety of disabilities, this manual discusses the ways in which assistive technology can facilitate the child's active participation in developmentally appropriate activities and offers ideas for incorporating devices and strategies into daily school and home routines. The manual attempts to present information in a straightforward manner and includes numerous illustrations and mini-case examples. References and resources are provided for people who want to go beyond this introductory information. Chapter 1 introduces definitions and describes assistive technology. Chapter 2 offers a number of common questions relating to assistive technology that parents often have with attempted answers after each. Chapter 3 provides light tech strategies used in the home and the classrooms. Chapters 4 and 5 include information on High Tech strategies, including both augmentative and alternative communication and computers. Chapter 6 introduces the topic of adaptive play, including the adaptation of both toys and games. In chapter 7, the topic of emergent literacy is considered. Each chapter is covered with regard to students primarily in early childhood education and addresses how to make assistive technology functional and easy. (Contains 33 references.) (CR)