Web Posted on: November 25, 1998
Resources and Strategies for Assessing and Providing Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Students with Disabilities
Jack Hazekamp
Special Education Consultant
California Department of Education
California Assistive Technology System (CATS)
Sherry L. Purcell, Ph.D.
Specialist, Los Angeles Unified School District
Ann Caragher
Coordinator Special Day Class
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Debbie Grant
Specialist, Santa Barbara County Education Office
Paul Richard
Assistive Technology Coordinator
Orange County Department of Education
Public Law 105-17 or IDEA-97 requires that assistive technology be considered for all students with disabilities. The definition includes:
Assistive Technology Device is an item, equipment, product system, used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities
Assistive Technology Service any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes:
Functional evaluation in the child's customary environment; Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices. Additionally the law requires that the (Local Education Agency) LEA determine if other public agencies can provide assistive technology services specified in the IEP. If a public agency other than the LEA fails to pay for a specified service in the IEP, the LEA is responsible for paying for the service and to seek reimbursement from the other public agency
Other Questions to Consider:
- What kinds of assistive technology and services are to be considered by the IEP team?
- What is the process for considering whether the child requires assistive technology and services?
- Who should be involved in considering the need for assistive technology and services?
Sherry L. Purcell, Ph.D., Specialist, Los Angeles Unified School District
- District Demographics: Geographic, Student Enrollment
- Local Organization of Resources: Equipment, Personnel
- Assessment Procedures: Modifications and Accommodations, Referrals, Evaluation Characteristics
- Training: District Level, State Level, National Level
- Technology Center: School Sites, Centralized Sites
- Future Vision: Normalization, Specialization
Ann Caragher, Coordinator Special Day Class, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
- District Demographics, Geographic, Student Enrollment
- Training: Previous Training Efforts, Current AT Training for KCSOS Employees, Future Training Plans
- Special Education Local Plan Areas: Kern High School District, Bakersfield City School District, Kern County Superintendent of Schools
- Technology Center: Kern High School Assistive Technology Lab
- Assessment Procedures: Long Term Assessment, Natural Setting (Classroom), Testing Formats, AT Assessment Personnel
Debbie Grant Specialist, Santa Barbara County Education Office
- District Demographics: Geographic, Student Enrollment
- Local Organization of Resources: Equipment, Personnel
- Assessment Procedures: Modifications and Accommodations, Referrals, Evaluation