ERIC Number: ED599026
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Jan-22
Pages: 52
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Special Education Assistive Technology. Report to the Legislature
Minnesota Department of Education
Assistive technology (AT), as defined in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 (34 CFR sections 300.5 and 300.6), consists of devices and accompanying services that support a student with an IEP or IFSP. AT includes devices ranging from a low-tech pencil with a grip to a high-tech voice-activated computer. AT services assess needs and support the use of the device, i.e., evaluation, purchasing, maintaining, coordination, and training. When students have an Individual Education Program (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), student planning teams are required to consider whether AT devices or services are needed to meet student goals and objectives. If AT is needed, the school district is required to provide the AT devices or services. This report found that both parents and school districts face similar challenges when determining the best AT for students. Even though the challenges are similar, parents and school districts experience them differently. This report examines the current state of AT in Minnesota's school districts and includes recommendations to support the ability of parents and school districts to support their students. One of the challenges identified in the report is the lack of a common understanding of the definition of AT. Without a common understanding, it is difficult for parents and school districts to engage in a thorough and productive AT conversation. This report expands on these common themes: (1) staff knowledge and time; (2) access to AT resources; (3) AT funding and cost; and (4) technology changes and knowledge of new applications.
Descriptors: Assistive Technology, Students with Disabilities, Student Needs, Individualized Education Programs, Individualized Family Service Plans, Barriers, School Districts, Knowledge Level, School Personnel, Time, Costs, Financial Support, Technological Advancement, Purchasing, Disabilities, Educational Legislation, Equal Education, Federal Legislation, Special Education
Minnesota Department of Education. 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN 55113-4266. Tel: 651-582-8200; Web site: http://www.education.state.mn.us/mde/
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Minnesota Department of Education
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A