ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING GRANT Kathy Knighton kknightoaccessk12wvus Office of Special Programs West Virginia Department of Education What is Assistive Technology ID: 931793
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Meeting the Needs of Students with Significant Disabilities: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING GRANT
Kathy Knighton kknighto@access.k12.wv.usOffice of Special ProgramsWest Virginia Department of Education
Slide2What 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.
Slide3Legal 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 DecisionHome Use
Funded by districtProvide devices/services
Consideration of special factors.Assistive technology must be considered for ALL students in the special education process.
Slide4Challenges of Delivering Assistive Technology
Lack of InformationCurrent/accurate informationLack of Expertise
Skills/KnowledgeHigh Rate of Abandonment1/3 of assistive technology abandoned after first year
Lack of FundingSignificant barrier
Inclusion and Lack of Assistive Technology
Slide5Implications for Schools
PLANNINGSchool district’s long range technology and special education plans, procedures, services and
budget include assistive technology.
TRAININGAll 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.
Slide6ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FUNDING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS http://wvde.state.wv.us/osp/assistivetechnology.html
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
.
Slide7Funding……..
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 studentConsider rental or long-term lease - purchase optionsLong-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.
Slide8ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING GRANT
PURPOSEFunding 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.
Slide9Slide10GRANT 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
Slide11WV 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.usValerie 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
Slide12THANK-YOU!!!!!
8/24/2012