BOARD POLICY 342.12

342.12    -      Assistive Technology For Students With Special Needs

A.              The School District of Fort Atkinson shall provide special education and related services designed to meet the unique needs of each student with a disability, based on his/her individualized education program (IEP), as required by law. 

B.               The term “related services” means transportation and such developmental, corrective and other supportive services as required for the student with a disability to benefit from special education. “Assistive technology devices and services” would clearly be a functional part of the services defined. An “assistive technology device” means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of students with disabilities. “Assistive technology service” means any service that directly assists a student with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes:

1.      Evaluation of needs of a student with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child’s customary environment;

2.      Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by students with disabilities;

3.      Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

4.      Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and

5.      Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or others who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of students with disabilities. 

C.               Those students having special needs but not requiring a formal IEP according to law, which may include but are not limited to migrant students, homeless students, students living with poverty, and English Language Learners, will also be considered for assistive technology devices and/or services.

            Legal Ref:         Wisconsin Act 258,   Wisconsin Statutes

                                      Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004

            Cross Ref:         Administrative Rule 342.12

            Approved:         November 15, 2007

            Reviewed:         December 3. 2010