Funding Assistive Technology and Related Health Services in Service Settings
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2001
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1026599319684
Abstract
In 1997, amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act required IEP/IFSP teams in service settings (e.g., child care programs, schools) to consider whether a child requires assistive technology (AT) devices and services in order to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). AT includes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems (from simple communication boards and wallets to sophisticated electronic communication devices), mobility aids (from long white canes for students with visual impairments to powered wheelchairs), and computer-based devices such as adapted keyboards, touch windows, and speech recognition systems.
However, securing the funding necessary for these often expensive devices may present the single largest barrier to accessing these resources (e.g., DeWitt, 1991; Wallace, Flippo, Barcus, & Behrmann, 1995). Since consideration of AT in developing IEPs is mandated under IDEA, this law remains the most obvious funding source. In addition, an especially powerful alternative funding stream is the Medicated program.
Publication Information
Kemp, Crystal E.; Parette, Howard P.; and Hourcade, Jack J.. (2001). "Funding Assistive Technology and Related Health Services in Service Settings". Early Childhood Education Journal, 28(3), 189-192.