Special Ed News Brief: Guidance on AT in the IEP Process

Education News Brief:

Guidance on AT in the IEP Process

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) under the Department of Education has just released new guidance on Assistive Technology:

Myths & Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Programs and Services.

This federal guidance provides school leaders and educators clear guidance on the consideration & implementation of assistive technology in the IEP process.

OSEP’s Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) will be offering additional resources and technical assistance on the AT guidance over the coming months. Information and updates will be posted to the CITES webpage.

In the meantime, register for a live webinar featuring leaders from OSERS and OET scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET.

AT Takeaways

Low tech, Mid Tech, and High Tech: AT must be considered for all children with IEPs and can play an important role in the provision of FAPE, regardless of the type of disability. AT has been proven to be effective for children with a variety of disabilities.

The Maryland AT Program can explore a wide variety of AT options. Vision, hearing, communication, learning, and/or physical disabilities, our AT specialists are available to guide educators & families as they explore a multitude of solutions.

AT Takeaways

Every State has a State or Territory AT program that can provide device demonstrations and device loans to LEAs so they may evaluate an AT device’s effectiveness prior to purchasing.

The Maryland AT Program is available to provide consultations, device demonstrations, and short term device loans to help educators & families explore AT solutions. Our libraries encompass a variety of devices, including pediatric AT to serve the youngest clients.

Email mdtap.general@maryland.gov to schedule your consultation.

ED Releases 2024 National Education Technology Plan & Call to Action

On January 22nd, the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology released an updated version of the 2017 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) entitled A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design, and Use Divides. The plan identifies three key divides in equitable use of technology: digital use, digital design, and digital access. To address these divides, the NETP offers actionable recommendations to promote the effective use of accessible technology in supporting teaching and learning. Each recommendation is tagged to indicate whether it is primarily intended for states, districts, or school buildings. While these recommendations contribute to bridge each divide, they are not exhaustive solutions and need to be adapted to the specific geography, culture, or context. Throughout each section, examples are provided of states, school districts, and schools actively implementing these recommendations.

Read the full report here

AT/Tech Grants for Educators

Are you looking for a way to purchase high-quality assistive tech and STEM products?

If so, the Rural Technology Fund (RTF) offers two types of grants, one for Rural Technology Education projects and another for Assistive Technology projects for schools, educators, and organizations operating in the United States.

The average grant amount ranges from $500 - $2500, but larger amounts may be considered for projects whose impact reaches large groups of students.

RTF will grant funds for projects that are conducted by schools in rural or high-poverty areas!

Rural Technology Education Grant

Projects that receive funding are typically teacher and/or student-led projects in public schools and libraries designed to help spark interest in technology-based careers like computer science, computer engineering, information technology, programming, cyber security, robotics, or similar areas.

Assistive Technology (AT) Grant

Projects eligible for funding include AT equipment that increases accessibility for students with disabilities in public schools and libraries. Because AT is so vast, projects that specifically provide accessibility to students and include technology access for inclusive purposes are chosen first.

For details on eligible grant requests and to apply, visit the RTF Grants page.

Beyond the IDEA and WIOA Requirements:

Knowing What To Expect When It Matters

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | 1:00-2:30 PM ET

The 2023-2024 OSERS Symposia Series will provide an opportunity for the field to join OSERS in the challenge to raise expectations, engage families earlier, and fully empower all individuals who support transition services to improve post-school outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and their families.

This symposium will focus on the important considerations children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and their families need to be aware of, and prepared for, to maximize their potential as they enter and move through the K-12 school system.

General and special education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and vocational rehabilitation specialists can all support high expectations, engagement, and empowerment by building their collective capacity to support children, youth, young adults with disabilities, and their families throughout their educational and professional endeavors.

Upcoming Webinars

Check out our calendar of trainings to sign up for a variety of free AT learning sessions in 2024.

MDTAP website

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