The Wrightslaw Way

My daughter has assistive technology written into her IEP. I requested to borrow the mobile stander she uses school, for trial at home. The PT claims the school cannot loan equipment to families. I feel that the PT is wrong is saying that we cannot trial the stander, but I’m not sure how to proceed? […]

Exploring AT options or looking for good apps for your kids?  Effectively finding and utilizing the best technology is easier said than done. Luckily, the National Center for Learning Disabilities has recently stepped in to alleviate the problem, releasing a number of time-saving resources to help you locate the best apps for your students. To get […]

We often get questions about the legality of using a recording device or pen in class. Parents ask this question when schools tell them “recording devices violate the confidentiality” of other students in the classroom. Digital recorders or recording pens are Assistive Technology devices. If your child is eligible for special education services under IDEA, […]

Is your child struggling to succeed in grade level academic classes (general education classes)? Are you an advocate or professional who works with a child struggling in general education? Requirements in IDEA 2004 about access to instructional materials and accessibility standards: 34 CFR 300.172(b)  and 20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(23)(B) In order to meet its responsiblity… to […]

My 12 year old son has autism and MR. He has some speech, but could use much improvement. His teacher does not want his Assistive Technology (AT) device in the classroom. His teacher said without the device, “He will be forced to talk more.” Can your son write easily? Does your son have good communication […]

The National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) creates a national standard for print materials in accessible formats. Schools and publishers must adhere to these standards when creating educational materials – textbooks, workbooks, and supplemental materials. NIMAS also requires states to provide instructional materials in a timely manner. Your child’s IEP team determines your child’s need […]

In 2009 when Stephanie Enyart, a blind law school graduate, requested assistive tech to take the bar exam, the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) refused to give her the tech aids she requested. NCBE offered other accommodations that, they said, met ADA requirements. Enyart asked for a combination of visual and auditory aids because […]

Assistive Technology does not have any devices that are suitable for my non verbal autistic 4 year old son in the EC program. I have videotaped him using an iPad. He meets the goals when using this iPad. The IEP Team is not the problem. It’s the Board of Education not knowing how to implement […]

My 9th grade son has been covered under a 504 plan since 4th grade. This year, he had an IEP.  He is a twice-gifted, far superior in perceptional reasoning and very low (20 pts below average) in short term memory. This affects his ability to take notes. I am interested in having him use the […]

New Book! Wrightslaw: All About IEPs is at the printer now! Shipping second week of December                        $12.95    Order now Answers more than 200 frequently asked questions & introduces key legal issues Outlines your rights & responsibilities and explains the law in plain language you can understand Provides the reference source of information, the […]