[Pibe-division] Technology

[Denise Robinson]

I ditto a million times over Everything Carlton just said...well put

Denise M Robinson
Sent from my iPad

On Mar 23, 2013, at 1:51 PM, Carlton Anne Cook Walker <attorneywalker at gmail.com> wrote:

> Gail,
> 
> I see this as an IEP issue, not an ESY issue.
> 
> In creating the IEP, we look at present levels.  We perform assessments and use our professional knowledge and judgment to determine student needs (and strengths).  These needs drive all other aspects of the IEP.
> 
> If the assessment of present levels indicates that the student has a need in the area of technology instruction (or a need will arise within the next 12 months), that need must be listed on the IEP.
> 
> Next, all needs listed on the IEP must be addressed by the IEP.  Instruction, goals, accommodations/modifications, and/or supports to school personnel must be provided in order to meet the needs of the student (whether to remove the need altogether, such as to provide speech therapy for articulation, or to ameliorate its effects upon the student, such as providing materials in braille or providing instruction in technology).  The availability of school personnel during the school year is NOT a legal reason to withhold services to meet a documented IEP need.
> 
> However, the IEP team can decide to provide instruction outside of the school day or the school year.  Certainly summer instruction is an option.  No, it is not technically ESY.  Some schools call it ESY.  Some schools simply make provision for this summer instruction in the IEP because (1) the school cannot meet the need under its current procedures and/or the school does not have personnel qualified to provide the services and (2) the IEP team agrees to delivery of IEP instructional services in the summer.  It does not matter what the instruction is called -- it matters that the student receives the instruction.
> 
> On a side note, while summer programs are terrific, regular instruction is also vital.  The school could construct with its own instructors or with outside providers to provide necessary services.  Technology lends itself very well to distance education.  Of course, a hybrid method could be used with intensive technology instruction in the summer followed by assessment/maintenance services during the school year.
> 
> 
> In all these matters, the student's needs are key.  Availability, cost, etc.  are NOT appropriate (or legal) factors to consider.  So long as needs are documented, they must be met.  Creativity and flexibility can help all team members find the solutions to the bureaucratic problems that can arise.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hope this helps,
> 
> Carlton 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Carlton Anne Cook Walker
> Attorney at Law
> President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children 
> Teacher of Students with Blindness/Visual Impairment
> 105 Creamery Road
> Boiling Springs, PA   17007
> Voice: 717-658-9894
> Twitter: braillemom
> 
> 
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