Meeting the Needs of Students with Significant Disabilities: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING GRANT Kathy Knighton kknighto@access.k12.wv.us Office of Special Programs West Virginia Department of Education

What is Assistive Technology? “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Tremendous potential to promote equity for students with disabilities…… independent self-confident productive integrated into school and society. FEDERAL DEFINITION OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACCORDING TO THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT – IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE IEP COMMITTEE TO DETERMINE THE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES OR SERVICES THAT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR A STUDENT WITYH A DISABILITY TO RECEIVE FAPE ….IF THE IEP TEAM DETERMINES THAT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IS NEEDED - IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE IT.

Legal Aspects…… School districts are mandated to make assistive technology available to all students with disabilities if appropriate to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). IEP Team Decision Home Use Funded by district Provide devices/services Consideration of special factors. Assistive technology must be considered for ALL students in the special education process. IDEA is very clear about the responsibility of the school district Home use is a “hot topic “ and is addressed in IDEA and 2419 – if student needs to take AT home in order to meet IEP goals and objectives – they must be allowed to take it home. AT must be considered for ALL children going through special ed process and checked on the IEP

Challenges of Delivering Assistive Technology Lack of Information Current/accurate information Lack of Expertise Skills/Knowledge High Rate of Abandonment 1/3 of assistive technology abandoned after first year Lack of Funding Significant barrier Inclusion and Lack of Assistive Technology

Implications for Schools PLANNING School district’s long range technology and special education plans, procedures, services and budget include assistive technology. TRAINING All staff are able to appropriately “consider” students for assistive technology services and/or devices. Staff are trained to integrate technology in teaching to help students with disabilities gain skills and achieve higher standards. INCLUSION Assistive technology is used to support the inclusion of students with disabilities in regular education placements and access to the general curriculum. As a result of legislation and the districts obligation – there are several implication for school districts.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FUNDING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS http://wvde. state ARE SCHOOL DISTRICTS REQUIRED TO PAY FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND SERVICES? YES. District must provide the equipment, services or programs recommended in the IEP. Use federal, state or local funds. Access other sources such as Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation, and/or private health insurance policies to pay for the devices and services. CAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS REQUIRE PARENTS TO USE THEIR PRIVATE INSURANCE TO PAY FOR NECESSARY ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND SERVICES? NO “Free” in FAPE is extremely significant regarding children with disabilities who may require assistive technology devices or services. As stated in IDEA and its regulations, all aspects of special education and related services must be provided "at no cost to the parents." If family agrees to allow the district to access private insurance Decision must be strictly voluntary.

Funding…….. ARE SCHOOL DISTRICTS RESPONSIBLE FOR CUSTOMIZATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES? YES. If family owned AT is used by the school, on the IEP, and is necessary for providing Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) District responsible for maintenance, repair and re-placement ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS FOR SCHOOLS TO CONSIDER IN LIEU OF PURCHASING THE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE? YES. Purchase of equipment or devices is not always necessary or even advisable Temporary condition or expected to improve or deteriorate Need to try-out equipment before purchase for a student Consider rental or long-term lease - purchase options Long-term leasing or lease-purchase agreements benefits: no obligation on behalf of the school to purchase device; reduction of obsolete inventory; use of equipment without a lump sum purchase; flexible leasing terms; upgrading equipment as more improved technology becomes available upgrading equipment as the student's needs change.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING GRANT PURPOSE Funding resource when unanticipated costly assistive technology device and/or service for a specific student with a disability occurs and other funding sources are not available. Reimbursement for assistive technology devices and/or services. Contingent upon an approved application with corresponding required documentation and funding availability. Responsibility of district to purchase AT immediately after identified. Districts required to ensure that AT is provided regardless of any funding opportunities from the Office of Special Programs! PRIORITIES Newly identified students with costly assistive technology needs as determined by an IEP Team. Not students who have previously been identified and should have been receiving assistive technology devices and/or services.

GRANT REQUIREMENTS APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDENT MUST: Provide student specific information. Identify student’s specific assistive technology need(s). Include a copy of the student’s IEP that documents the need for the assistive technology services and/or devices. Include an invoice(s) for the assistive technology device(s) or service(s). Include specific Assurance Statements signed by the county superintendent and the special education director. Please Note: Requests from districts who have expired state and/or federal grant awards with unencumbered amounts and/or who have been required to return unencumbered special education funds are not eligible to apply for these supplemental funds. http://wvde.state.wv.us/osp/assistivetechnology.html  Applications should be mailed to: Kathy Knighton, Office of Special Programs 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Building 6, Room 304 Charleston, West Virginia 25305  

WV FUNDING RESOURCES WV DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (WVDE) OFFICE OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS Kathy Knighton kknighto@access.k12.wv.us Annette Carey acarey@access.k12.wv.us Ruth Ann King raking@access.k12.wv.us Valerie Wilson vwilson@access.k12.wv.us WV Birth to Three Program (WVDHHR) Contact: Pam Roush, 304-558-6311, 1-800-642-9704 WV Early Childhood Resource Lending Library (ECRLL) 1-800-642-9704 http://cedwvu.org/resources/library.php West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) 1-888- 829-9426 http://wvats.cedwvu.org/ West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services 304-776-4702 http://www.wvdrs.org

THANK-YOU!!!!! 11/11/2018