School District of Winter
Bylaws & Policies
 

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:

 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 and the Director of Pupil 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.

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997
20 U.S.C. 1401
Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Assistive Technology Act (P.L. 105 – 394) 1998

Revised 2/15/10
Revised 5/16/11