7540.05 Assistive Technology and Services
7540.05 - ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
The School District is mandated by State and Federal law to provide assistive technology and services to all students with disabilities if it is required for them to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Because any student with a disability from mild to severe may benefit from the use of assistive technology, each IEP team shall include in their deliberations the use of assistive technology devices and services to aid students with disabilities.
A large number of items can be considered as assistive technology. The devices help the student with writing, computer access, composing written material, communication, reading, learning, and studying, math, recreation and leisure, electronic aids for daily living, mobility, positioning and seating, vision, hearing, and vocational needs.
It is the responsibility of the IEP team to select the appropriate assistive technology needed by the student. If the IEP team decides to try an assistive technology with a student they may need to borrow it first to assure that the assistive technology works as intended, before they request the purchase of the technology. The School District is required to "provide," but does not need to own, the assistive technology.
The IEP team may consider borrowing the technology from CESA or from Wisconsin’s AT Lending Library operated by the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI).
The IEP team should carry out an evaluation of the assistive technology to assure that the device provides the expected benefit for the student.
The IEP team must also provide assistive technology services. Assistive technology services are any service that is needed to help the student acquire or use the assistive technology. The services include:
The School District is mandated by State and Federal law to provide assistive technology and services to all students with disabilities if it is required for them to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Because any student with a disability from mild to severe may benefit from the use of assistive technology, each IEP team shall include in their deliberations the use of assistive technology devices and services to aid students with disabilities.
A large number of items can be considered as assistive technology. The devices help the student with writing, computer access, composing written material, communication, reading, learning, and studying, math, recreation and leisure, electronic aids for daily living, mobility, positioning and seating, vision, hearing, and vocational needs.
It is the responsibility of the IEP team to select the appropriate assistive technology needed by the student. If the IEP team decides to try an assistive technology with a student they may need to borrow it first to assure that the assistive technology works as intended, before they request the purchase of the technology. The School District is required to "provide," but does not need to own, the assistive technology.
The IEP team may consider borrowing the technology from CESA or from Wisconsin’s AT Lending Library operated by the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI).
The IEP team should carry out an evaluation of the assistive technology to assure that the device provides the expected benefit for the student.
The IEP team must also provide assistive technology services. Assistive technology services are any service that is needed to help the student acquire or use the assistive technology. The services include:
A. assessing the student’s need for assistive technology;
B. purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices;
C. fitting adapting, maintaining and repairing the assistive technology as needed;
D. coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with assistive technology devices;
E. training the student to use the assistive technology;
F. training the school staff and, if necessary, the family to use the assistive technology.
Assistive technology devices and services may be provided as an annual goal or short-term objective, related services, or supplementary aids and services to any student who requires them in order to benefit from the educational program.
The IEP team must also decide if the assistive technology is needed at home. Such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Technical assistance and support is available from the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI). WATI operates a lending library and a used equipment market place. An assistive technology specialist is available to present current information on issues relating to assistive technology.
The Director of Special Education will be responsible for providing the necessary forms for assistive technology requests and for monitoring progress using assistive technology and services. Such forms may include those developed by WATI.
The Director of Special Education will also be responsible for establishing a training program designed to inform the staff of the assistive technology policy and guidelines and to familiarize the staff with the assistive technologies and services available to students with disabilities.
© Neola 2004
7540.05 - ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
Students with disabilities have special challenges and may need assistive technology in order to more fully participate in their classrooms, homes, communities and workplaces. Through the use of assistive technology and services these students will have the opportunity to become more independent and self-reliant.
Each IEP team must include in their deliberations consideration of whether the use of assistive technology devices and services to aid students with disabilities is appropriate for each specific student. The Board also directs that students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act be provided with assistive technology devices and services when deemed necessary.
Students having special needs but not requiring a formal IEP or 504 Plan according to law, which may include but are not limited to migrant students, homeless students, students living with poverty, and English Language Learners, will also be considered for assistive technology devices and/or services.
"Assistive technology device" means 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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.
"Assistive technology service" means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of assistive technology devices. Assistive technology services include:
Students with disabilities have special challenges and may need assistive technology in order to more fully participate in their classrooms, homes, communities and workplaces. Through the use of assistive technology and services these students will have the opportunity to become more independent and self-reliant.
Each IEP team must include in their deliberations consideration of whether the use of assistive technology devices and services to aid students with disabilities is appropriate for each specific student. The Board also directs that students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act be provided with assistive technology devices and services when deemed necessary.
Students having special needs but not requiring a formal IEP or 504 Plan according to law, which may include but are not limited to migrant students, homeless students, students living with poverty, and English Language Learners, will also be considered for assistive technology devices and/or services.
"Assistive technology device" means 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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.
"Assistive technology service" means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of assistive technology devices. Assistive technology services include:
A. the evaluation of needs including a functional evaluation, in the child's customary environment;
B. purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices;
C. selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
D. coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
E. training or technical assistance for a child with disabilities, or where appropriate that child's family;
F. training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers or other(s) who provide services to employ, or are otherwise, substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.
The Board encourages the faculty to develop the appropriate skills necessary to effectively access, analyze, evaluate, and utilize assistive technology resources and assistive technology services.
The Board designates the District Administrator as the administrator(s) responsible for initiating, implementing, and enforcing this policy and its accompanying guidelines as they apply to the use of assistive technology and services in the District.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended
20 U.S.C. 1401
Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Assistive Technology Act (P.L. 105 – 394) 1998
© Neola 2010