363.4

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide all students with disabilities with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in compliance with applicable federal and state laws. This shall include the provision of special education and related services necessary to meet the unique needs of each student. The use of assistive technology services or devices or both may be necessary to ensure FAPE. An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of students with disabilities. Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a student with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device. The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team is the required venue for determining if a student with a disability needs assistive technology services and devices.

Additional special populations that may require access to assistive technology services and devices include but are not limited to migrant students, homeless students, students living in poverty, English Language Learners, talented and gifted students, and at-risk students. These students should also be considered if access to such devices and services is necessary for them to benefit from their educational program. The school’s Building Consultation Team is the appropriate forum to discuss and determine need and eligibility.

Student Nondiscrimination
The Appleton Area School District does not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or physical, cognitive, emotional or learning disability in its education programs or activities.

Cross References:
Exceptional Education Procedures Manual
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap/Disability 112.1
Programs for Handicapped Students 342.1
Identification for Talented and Gifted (TAG) Programming 342.3
Computer Use Policy 363.2

Legal References:
Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 115, Subchapter V
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter PI 11

Adoption Date: September 27, 2004