VSA arts of Florida: Assistive Technoloy for Education

VSA arts of Florida's mission is to create a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.

Assistive Technology for Education

Assistive Technology and Grade School Students

Federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) help to guarantee a public school student's right to a complete and barrier-free education. Assistive technology offers children with disabilities the ability to meet their full potential. Devices such as specialized computer keyboards, screen magnification systems, and specially designed software offer children with physical, visual, or cognitive impairments the adaptations they need to succeed. Similarly, items such as augmentative communication devices and FM systems offer students with speech or hearing impairments the ability to fully participate in the educational experience. Other assistive technology devices help students as they move from special education programs to adult activities.

There are three keys to ensuring that any grade school student has access to appropriate assistive technology.

Understand the student's rights and the obligations of the school, the state government, and the local government. One of the many organization that can assist you in this procces is the Family Center on Technology and Disability developed by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). You can contact this organization through its Web site at http://www.ucpa.org or call 1-800- USA-5UCP.
Know what assistive technology is available, and have a clear idea about what you want.
Make sure that the need for assistive technology is discussed during the creation of an individualized education planand included in the plan itself.

Assistive Technology and Postsecondary Students

Students with disabilities may request accommodations to enable them to participate in and benefit from postsecondary education. Modifications and accommodations include (but are not limited to) removing architectural barriers; providing notetakers and interpreters; extending time limits for completing exams, courses, or programs; and providing assistive technology. Any college or university that receives federal financial assistance cannot, by law, discriminate in the recruitment, admission, or treatment of students with disabilities. The place to start in any university or college is with the disability services office.

To find out more information on funding for post-secondary education students contact the

HEATH Resource Center
American Council on Education
One Dupont Circle NW
Washington, DC 20036
phone: (800) 544-3284
http://www.heath.gwu.edu

The Heath Resource Center is a national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Support from the U.S. Department of Education enables HEATH to serve as an information exchange about educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, and opportunities at American campuses, vocational-technical schools, and other postsecondary training entities.

VSA arts of Florida, University of South Florida
3500 E. Fletcher Avenue, Suite 234 Tampa, Florida 33613
Telephone 813-975-6962 Toll-free 888-844-ARTS
Fax 813-975-6596 TDD/TTY 813-975-6962 or 888-844-ARTS

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