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 its 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 consistent with the student's 504 Plan.

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 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:

1. the evaluation of needs, including a functional evaluation, in the child's customary environment;

2. purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices;

3. selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;

4. coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

5. training or technical assistance for a child with disabilities, or, where appropriate, that child's family;

6. 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.

Assistive technology used in conjunction with a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) shall be used with any external communication or recording function disabled.

The Board designates the Superintendent and the Director of Student Services 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.

Revised 9/16/24
T.C. 2/26/25

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