Assistive Technology

As we prepare for finalizing our assistive technology projects, I have come across some interesting information in regards to our district. As I stated in my previous post, I interviewed the director of IT for another class. This past week I interviewed a special educator regarding technology use in his classroom.

In interviewing both, I found conflicting accounts of how assistive technology is procured and integrated with special ed students. The director of IT does not include planning for assistive technology in long term plans. His reasoning is that purchases of this type are driven by student IEP's. If a student requires a specific technology in order to be successful with his/her programming, then it is written into the IEP and a requisition is created to procure the needed item. Sounds very efficient.

Yet, I read numerous IEP's every year as I prepare for my classes. Not once have I seen a specific assistive technology device or software included as an accommodation or as a recommended learning tool. So, I asked the special ed teacher about this. In writing student IEP's, he is instructed not to include specific technology tools or programs as the school district may not have them available and that would violate the student's IEP.

This does not appear to be the best way to meet a student's needs. Through this program and through my own experiences with my son, I know that there are various hardware tools and software programs that could have a significant impact on a student's ability to succeed. To refrain from including these as options, and failing to plan for these needs, is a disservice to these students faced with frustration and failure every day.

I sincerely pray that this is not the way other school districts provide for the most needy of students.