7540.05 - ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
The use of assistive technology may, in some cases, be required for students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE).
Each Individualized Education Program (IEP) team shall determine in the course of the IEP process whether, at any time, a student's IEP should include the use of assistive technology devices and services.
Assistive technology is a term that encompasses a wide variety of devices that help students with any activity or skill necessary for the student to obtain FAPE, including 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, vocational needs, and behavioral supports.
It is the responsibility of the IEP team to select the appropriate assistive technology needed by the student, if any. If the IEP team decides to try an assistive technology with a student, the team is expected to locate a low, or no-cost resource for the technology, and to conduct an evaluation of the assistive technology to determine whether it provides the expected benefit as intended, before requesting that the District purchase the technology. The School District is required to "provide," but does not need to own, the assistive technology.
The IEP team may also consider the use of assistive technology services as part of an IEP. Such services include any service needed to help the student acquire or use the assistive technology. Services may be provided to address the following needs:
- assessing the student’s need for assistive technology;
- purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices;
- fitting adapting, maintaining and repairing the assistive technology as needed;
- coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with assistive technology devices;
- training the student to use the assistive technology;
- 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 depending on the determination of a student's IEP team, which shall also determine the extent to which such technology or services are required for the student in order to benefit from the educational program, as well as whether the assistive technology is needed at home.
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