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Assistive Technology Device |
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Assistive Technology DeviceThese documents are also available in Microsoft Word and PDF Formats. Children with disabilities have the right to assistive technology devices and services if such technology is needed to provide them with a free appropriate public education. Key Points: 34 C.F.R.§ 300.5 and 34 C.F.R. 300.6 (IDEA Regulation) 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 the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. 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. Service includes: evaluation of the need for a device, purchasing/leasing or providing a device, selecting/designing/fitting/repairing a device, coordinating the use of the device with the child's IEP, training for the child, the family or other professionals as appropriate in how to use the device.What This Means:Children with disabilities may need devices and training to use the devices as part of their program of special education. IEP teams are required to consider a child's need for assistive technology as part of developing an IEP. 34 C.F.R. 346(a)(2)(v). The type of device or system of technology a child may need will vary according to the child's needs. A child with limited verbal communication may need an augmentative communication device. A child with a specific learning disability may need computer software for assistance with spelling or writing needs. Like any other special education service, assistive technology devices and services are individually driven. In most cases, like other special education services, a child's need for assistive technology will be initially discussed by his or her IEP team. In most cases, an evaluation can be a starting point. The use of the device and any services should be incorporated into the child's IEP. As part of an IEP, the device must be provided without cost to the child.Recent Case Examples about Assistive Technology:Sarah: Sarah had developmental disabilities and a verbal vocabulary of less than 100 words at age 8. Her parents requested an assistive technology evaluation. The evaluation was delayed because the District claimed Sarah's parents should tell the school district "what type" of device they wanted for Sarah. A Court found that the district had denied Sarah a free appropriate public education, the device was provided and the district had to provide make-up services for Sarah. ISD 11 v. Pachl, 36 IDELR 263 (D. MN 2002). Scott: Scott was twenty years old and had multiple disabilities, including physical disabilities. Scott's IEP team agreed he needed a laptop computer. But the Court found that the school failed to incorporate the laptop into the IEP in a meaningful way, and denied Scott a free appropriate education. E. Berlin v. Scott B., 29 IDELR 1058 (E.D.Pa. 1999). Grant: Grant was a junior in high school with learning disabilities. He used a calculator for math and his parents requested a more advanced calculator. The Court disagreed. The school provided calculator was allowed. Sherman v. Mamaroneck Union, 39 IDELR 81 (2d Cir. 2003).Contact us!If you have questions about any of the information in this fact sheet or wish to learn more about your child's special education rights, contact the Disability Law Center of Alaska at 1-800-478-1234 (toll-free Voice/TTY). |
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Phone: 907-565-1002 Phone/TTY Fax: 907-565-1000 Toll Free: 1-800-478-1234 Phone/TTY (In State Only) |
Disability Law Center of Alaska Mail: 3330 Arctic Boulevard, Suite 103 Anchorage, AK 99503 E-mail: akpa@dlcak.org |
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(C) 2004 Disability Law Center of Alaska |