A child with a learning disability may benefit from a wide array of available assistive technology tools that play to strengths and help work around challenges. By and large, the student’s child study team, case manager and guidance counselor are aware of the variety of computer programs and apps available to meet the unique needs of the student and can make appropriate recommendations.
Many parents prefer to play a proactive role in searching out every opportunity to which their child may be entitled. If you know someone interested in keeping apprised of new developments in this arena, be sure to introduce him/her to the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. This comprehensive website connects the reader with a significant number of assistive technology (AT) resources. Also, you can sign up for a quarterly e-newsletter which highlights numerous resources, products and services. For example, the March 2017 newsletter (revised in April 2017) provides information regarding Bookshare, a national, nonprofit organization that maintains an online accessible library of copyrighted e-books for people with print disabilities.
Some parents are painfully aware that a request for assistive technology may be denied. All too often, the parent simply accepts the decision to the detriment of the child without exploring the legalities. For a basic description of legal rights in this arena, refer to Posternock Apell, PC’s November 16, 2016 legal blog “Siri, Can Technology Help Bridge the Gap?”
Special education students can benefit from the rapid advances in the world of technology if parents are made aware of both the opportunities and accompanying legal rights.
For questions or help in securing assistive technology for your disabled child, call the Special Education Law Department at McDowell, Posternock, Apell & Detrick at 856-242-8151.