Assistive Technology is a device and/or service
that is determined by an IEP team to be necessary to provide a student
with educationally relevant and necessary access to a Free and Appropriate
Education
in a least restrictive environment (LRE). Assistive technology services
must be considered for any student receiving special education, IDEA,
1997.
The Office of Technology in Special Education is a result of
the collaboration of the Offices of Special Education, Instructional
Technology and the Department of Technology. Federal guidelines
(IDEA) provide for a structure for considering and implementing a hierarchy
of technology supports geared toward successful access of the curriculum
for individuals with special needs.
Mission: The Baltimore County Public School's Office of Technology
in Special Education supports federal and state regulations (IDEA) by
assessing a student's needs on case-by-case basis, taking into consideration
the unique educational needs of the child. The IEP team recommends the
use of school purchased Assistive technology devices. The location of
access is determined by the IEP team, based upon the student's unique
educational needs as well as the purpose of the Assistive technology
device.
