Schools and AT

In IDEA, children with disabilities, ages birth through 21, must be considered for assistive technology use if it is needed in order to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). These AT devices and services must be identified by their IEP team and their use determined within the natural environment; the one in which they will use the device.

AT devices and services are to be made available to a child with a disability if required as part of the child's

• special education services,
  
• related services, and/or
  
• supplementary aids and services,
  

and a statement of their use and required training must be included on their IEP/IFSP.

School districts are responsible for helping children with disabilities select and acquire assistive technology devices and must assist in training the child and the persons who work with the child, how to most effectively use it. This must be determined on a case-by-case basis at no cost to the parents.

School districts are developing new policies concerning the use of assistive technology devices and services. Some areas being considered include: evaluation and use of devices, informed consent and the relationship of assistive technology and other technology programs with the current curricula offered and the development of long-range technology plans.

In addition, because assistive technology devices represent a significant investment in money and time, school districts need to develop tracking systems, make arrangements for maintenance and repair of devices, investigate sharing/loaning of equipment within single and multiple districts and developing assistive technology assessment teams to work with individual student teams.

Mandates and Clarifications

Clarity on the use of AT within school districts will happen as the courts continue to define limitations. To date the following statements reflect AT use by students with disabilities:

• It is the school district's responsibility (as a public agency) to evaluate, select, acquire and train students and significant personnel in the use of AT devices
  
• AT devices needed by a student in multiple environments in order to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) must be provided
  
• AT must be identified on a case-by-case basis
  
• AT must be provided at no cost to student's parents

Policy Letters

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has issued several Policy Letters clarifying when a school must provide AT to students with disabilities. A variety of memos have addressed the following concerns: general requirement, evaluations, personally prescribed devices, home use and funding sources.

Conclusion

In summary, information has been provided on federal legislation as impacting either the services that children with disabilities receive, their educational setting, or both.

Civil Rights	Special Ed	AT Laws