Our Assistive Technology expert, Dr. Brian Friedlander, is available to answer your questions and concerns. We have established an eBoard Power Bulletin site to allow you to post your questions and keep abreast of the latest hardware and software developments in the area of assistive computer technology, simply click the following link to visit this site. You need to register as a member in order to post a question. This site has a searchable database both in the Ask the Expert and Assistive Technology Resources Forums. If you are uncomfortable posting your question to this site, please click the following link which will be emailed directly to Dr. Friedlander.
| QUESTION: If my child is having difficulty in school and is in a special education program can I request an assistive technology evaluation? |
| ANSWER: As part of the New Jersey Special Education Administrative Code, parents can request that the Child Study Team perform an assistive technology evaluation |
| QUESTION: Who would perform the assistive technology evaluation? |
| ANSWER: If the Child Study Team has members that have the skills they can perform it or the school district can contract with an agency or organization that is capable of doing the evaluation. |
| QUESTION: If as a result of the assistive technology evaluation a recommendation is made for a piece of hardware or software who is responsible for acquiring it? |
| ANSWER: The school district is responsible for purchasing or leasing equipment so that each student can receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. |
| QUESTION: What about training on the software and hardware? |
| ANSWER: The school district is responsible for the training and implementation of the hardware and software. The training can be done with the student, teacher, paraprofessional and parent. |
| QUESTION: If my child is placed in an approved special education outside of the school district, is my child entitled to assistive technology services? |
| ANSWER: Yes – it is clear that your child is eligible to received assistive technology services even though they are in an out of district placement. |
| QUESTION: Are assistive technology services generally written into the IEP? |
| ANSWER: Yes – assistive technology should be written into the IEP when appropriate and can appear as a goal or objective or part of supplemental aides and services or on the Program page. |
| QUESTION: Who is responsible for the maintenance of the equipment should it get damaged? |
| ANSWER: The school district is responsible for the maintenance of the equipment for normal wear and tear. |
| QUESTION: What's the best way to know if the assistive technology is making a difference? |
| ANSWER: The district should write specific behavorial goals with benchmarks to assess if the assistive technology is impacting on the student's performance. |
