Assistive Technology in the Schools

What is Assistive Technology in special education?

Assistive Technology in special education refers to any devices or services that are necessary for a child to benefit from special education or related services or to enable the child to be educated in the Least Restricted Environment.

Some examples of AT devices are(but not limited to):

1. Wheelchairs

2. Communication devices

3. Transportation equipment(adapted buses, lifts, ramps)

4. Computers, laptops, computer assistance, software or hardware, scanners

5. Auditory training equipment

6. Hearing aids

7. Calculators, tape recorders

8. Eyeglasses

9. Pencil grips, modified utensils

10. Pulmonary Nebulizers

How can students get AT through the school?

The need for AT devices should be discussed at the IEP meeting and included in the plan. Students in private schools or home-school programs are also eligible for AT devices.

1. Make a request in writing to the school for the AT device and include documentation of the student's need.

2. Schools can ask parents to seek Medicaid or private insurance funding but not if it will result in a cost to the parents (such as a deductible, lifetime limit on services or increase in premiums, or if the parent must make co-payments to Medicaid related to the cost incurred).

3. The school should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the student's need for the device, at no cost to the parent. If the parents disagree with the school's finding, they can obtain an independent evaluation. The school is usually responsible for the cost of the independent evaluation.(34 CFR '300.503)

4. AT devices purchased by the school belong to the school.

5. Students may take AT devices owned by the school home to complete homework or to practice functional skills. The devices may also be used in after-school activities and non-academic activities. (Arrangements need to be discussed by the IEP team.)

6. Training on the use of the device should be provided by the school. This should be included in the IEP.

7. The school district is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the AT device. This should be discussed with the school before an IEP is implemented. Ask about a rented AT device for use during maintenance.

8. Cost of an AT device may not be a factor if an alternative device would deny the student access to a FAPE.

If there is disagreement about the need for or type of AT device.

1. The IEP team should discuss disagreements and attempt to resolve the issue.

2. If the school denies a request for an AT device, the parent can file a complaint with the Public Education Department. They will request that a facilitated IEP be held. Expect a report/answer from the PED within 60 days. This is usually the fastest remedy.

3. The parent can also request a due process hearing, which is a formal procedure overseen by a hearing officer. (Consultation with an attorney during this process is highly recommended). This process is time-consuming and usually expensive if the hearing officer finds in favor of the school district.

4. Parents can recover attorney fees from the district if they "prevail".

Information and/or funding sources.

1. New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (loan bank)

2. Elks Cerebral Palsy Rehab Clinic(Walkable devices)

3. Los Lunas Community Program (loan bank)

4. DVR (transition only)

5. Special Education-IDEA, Part B(EDGAR)-school owns

6. Medicaid(DD, EPSDT and D&E Waivers)-family owns

7. Medicare-family owns

8. Private Insurance-family owns

9. Loans-family owns

10. AT websites-information only

11. P&A-information and assistance