In This Issue . . .

• New! Assistive Technology
• AT for the Struggling Notetaker
• ISO AT Funding Sources
• ISO AT Success Stories

Circulation: 82,039
ISSN: 1538-320
October 19, 2010

IDEA requires schools to use assistive technology "to maximize accessibility for children with disabilities."

Your child's IEP team must make decisions about any assistive technology devices and services your child requires based on his unique needs.

This includes training that your child, your family, or your child's teachers may need so they can learn to use a device.

In this issue of the Special Ed Advocate, you'll find a new page at Wrightslaw about Assistive Technology that includes articles and information, FAQs, guides, free publications, and a list of resources.

Next week in Assistive Techology: Part 2, you will find strategies you can use when negotiating with the school for AT services and an updated list of AT Funding Sources.

Please don't hesitate to forward this issue to other friends, families, or colleagues.

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New Resource Page! Assistive Technology

Assistive technology helps your child use her strengths to compensate or "work around" weaknesses caused by the disability. If you think your child needs assistive technology so that she can be more confident and independent, request that the IEP team refer your child for an evaluation by a specialist.

Check out our new page about Assistive Technology devices, services, evaluations, and resources. You will also find information about Universal Design for Learning and NIMAS.

Assistive Technology for the Struggling Notetaker

My 9th grade son has an IEP and is very low in short term memory. This affects his ability to take notes. I want him to use the livescribe pulse pen in class.  Is this is legal?

Using a recording pen is legal - it’s an assistive technology device.

Read more about asking the school for an AT evaluation and appropriate AT devices and services in Assistive Technology for the Struggling Notetaker. 

Assistive Technology can be highly effective, but incredibly expensive.

We would like to develop a list of funding resources or loan programs for assistive technology. Our focus is on programs that help families get educational AT for their children with disabilities in learning.

If you are aware of any resources that would help parents in obtaining AT devices or services, please let us know. Send us an email that includes the website link or contact name and number of the resource to atech | at | wrightslaw.com.

As we receive information, we'll add to our list of funding sources on the AT page. Thank you!

Do you have a success story to share?

Have you successfully negotiated for assistive technology for your child? Do you have a good strategy for convincing the district to fund a necessary AT device?

Please drop us a line at success | at | wrightslaw.com to find out how to share your creative solution for best practices in obtaining AT. We'll share your success stories with others.

Link to our Submission Policy.

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