Have a student with a disability? Six facts you should know about AT in education

The Disability Law Center of Utah's tips for looking at assistive technology in an Individualized Education Plan:

1. School districts and charter schools are required to

   

   Have you considered assistive 
   technology in your child's IEP?

   consider the use of assistive technology (AT) for every student receiving special education services. This should not merely be a box that is checked on the individualized education program (IEP); there should be a conversation about possibilities for AT to help your individual child access education. 
2. An IEP should ensure access to the general education curriculum. If your child needs AT in order to access the same content as the other students, the school is required to provide it.
3. Even if a student doesn’t need an AT device for academic purposes, the school may be required to provide it in order to help with functional skills, such as communication, mobility, independent living or social skills. Functional skills are also part of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
4. A child does not necessarily have to receive special education services in order for the school to pay for an AT device. The student may also receive AT under the equal access to public education programs protected in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
5. Sometimes schools are required to allow students to take home AT devices, depending on if it’s necessary for the child to receive a FAPE. For example, if a student needs the device to complete homework assignments, they may be permitted to take the device home.
6. The Disability Law Center helps advocate for students to receive the AT devices and services they need. Call 1-800-662-9080 or visit us online at www.disabilitylawcenter.org for more information. 
   

This is general information. It is not intended to be legal advice. Only an attorney can give you legal advice to help you with a problem or answer a question.