Assistive Technology and the IEP Family Center on Technology and Disability Page 2 of 2

• Document in the IEP what AT devices and services are most appropriate for the child. Keep in mind that even if your child does not require assistive technology at the moment, he or she may benefit from using it in the future. Therefore, the law requires that your child’s AT needs be considered continually as long as your child has an IEP.

Obtaining a Formal AT Evaluation for Your Child

If the IEP team is unable to determine what AT devices and services are best for your child, then a formal AT evaluation may be needed. The evaluation should be performed by a qualified professional in a timely fashion. This may present a problem, as there is a shortage of qualified AT evaluators in many areas of the country. The school system may choose to use its own personnel to conduct the evaluation, but if parents disagree with the recommendations, they have the right to an independent evaluation at district expense. Be aware, however, that parents may have to assume the cost of an independent evaluation if the results do not differ from the one provided by the school system and if the system can show that the original evaluation was appropriate.

Disagreeing with the school about assistive technology

You have the right to disagree with the school’s decisions concerning assistive technology. Some situations in which parents and school personnel should meet to resolve disagreements include when:

• You disagree in writing with the IEP
• You believe your child is not receiving appropriate assistive technology devices and/or services
• You think additional devices and/or services are needed

When differences arise, try to resolve them informally first. If you can’t work out a solution that is satisfactory, you can take more formal steps to reach a satisfactory resolution. The procedures for taking more formal action vary from state to state, but may include mediation, a due process hearing, or fi ling a formal complaint with the state.

You can get state-specific information from the Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) at http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/index.cfm. You can also contact a Parent Training and Information Center, a Parent Advocacy Center, a Tech Act Center, or an Alliance for Technology Access Center (in some cases, these will be the same organization).

From the Family Center on Technology and Disability. This information is copyright free. www.fctd.info.

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