The Board of Education endorses the provisions of universally designed learning environments to meet students’ needs in the least restrictive environment.The environment is designed to be usable by all students to the greatest extent possible without the need for adaptation or specialized design.For those students whose needs are not fully met using this approach, assistive technology devices and services may be required.An “assistive technology device” means any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of students. “Assistive technology service” means any service that directly assists a student in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.
In accordance with legal requirements, assistive technology must be considered for all students with disabilities by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) team.
Those students having special needs but not requiring a formal IEP according to law will also be considered for assistive technology devices and/or services on a case-by-case basis consistent with legal requirements, District policies and procedures.Special needs students may include, but are not limited to, English language learners (ELL), migrant children, children and youth in transition, children living in poverty, gifted/talented students, Section 504 students with disabilities.