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Assistive Technology for Special Education Students
by the WPAS Legal Advocacy Team
for publication in the Winter 2002-03 edition of Envoy On-Line
This publication provides answers to commonly asked questions regarding the use of assistive technology for students in special education programs.
My child is currently enrolled in a self-contained special education program. I would like her to be in a regular classroom, but her special education teacher says she would need special equipment due to her physical disabilities. Can I do anything to help get my daughter this special equipment?
Yes. You can request that your daughter receive assistive technology devices as a related service of her special education.
Assistive Technology! What is that?
Assistive Technology is simply any service or device such as a wheelchair, voice-activated computer, telecommunication device, or even a wheelchair ramp. Services include teaching a person how to use the device or support given to the person using the assistive technology device.
I believe that my son needs a computer in class to keep up with the other students. Is a computer considered assistive technology?
Yes.
What are related services?
Under IDEA and Washington's special education laws, special education students are entitled to receive related services. Related services include transportation services, as well as any developmental, corrective, or supportive services that are necessary to allow the student to benefit from their special education program.
Would a computer be a related service?
It depends. Related services can include either services or devices. Services are supports, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, or a teacher's aide, that are provided to students in order to help address their educational needs. Devices can include any piece of equipment, such as a wheelchair, an augmentative communication device, or a computer, that students could use to maintain or improve their functional capabilities at school. The answer to your question depends on whether you and the other members of the IEP Team decide that your son requires a computer as a related service.
What should I do to find out if my son is entitled to have a computer included in his IEP as a related service?
First, raise the issue with the members of his IEP Team. If they don't know, ask the school to assess your son to see if he needs a computer, or some other assistive technology device, in order to benefit from his educational instruction or meet any of his IEP goals and objectives. If the IEP Team finds that your son could use a computer to meet his educational goals or support his educational placement, then the school is required to provide him with a computer as a related service. However, if the requested service or device is needed to meet your son's medical needs, rather than his educational needs, the school district will not be required to pay for it.
Is there anything I can do if the IEP Team refuses to consider my request?
Yes. Parents and school officials often disagree about a child's related service or assistive technology needs. However, these questions can be addressed in a comprehensive educational assessment. As a parent, you have a right to request an independent educational assessment if you feel that the school district's assessment is inadequate or fails to address your child's assistive technology and related service needs.
This publication is an information service of the Washington Protection & Advocacy System (WPAS). It provides general information only and should not be used as legal advice for any specific situation. If you would like more information about this topic, call us and ask for a Resource Advocate.
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