Policy 6634 – Assistive Technology
The District endorses the provision 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.
The District recognizes that students with disabilities and other students with special needs may require assistive technology devices and/or services to help them access and benefit from their educational program and achieve related standards and goals. The District shall provide special education, related services and/or supplementary aids and services designed to meet the unique needs of each student with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), based on the student’s individual education program (IEP).
In accordance with legal requirements, assistive technology must be considered for all students with special educational needs by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) team.
For purposes of this policy and its implementation with respect to students with disabilities under the IDEA, an “assistive technology” or “AT” 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 with disabilities. Assistive technology services may include services which directly assist students and/or staff with the selection, acquisition, technical assistance, customization, or use of assistive technology devices based on the unique needs of each student.
Those students with disabilities or other special needs but not requiring a formal IEP under the IDEA (for example, students with disabilities under Section 504 or under the Americans with Disabilities Act) according to law will also be considered for assistive technology devices and/or services on a case-by-case basis consistent with legal requirement, District policies and procedures.
LEGAL REF.:
- Wisconsin Statutes
- Section 120.13 [School board powers]
- PI 13, Wisconsin Administrative Code
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Assistive Technology Act of 1998
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
CROSS REF.:
- 5110.1, Student Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment in Education
- 6100, Mission, Vision, Core Values and Strategic Goals
- 6421 Section 504 Plans and Services for Students with Disabilities
- 6425, Multilingual Learners
- 6430, Instructional Arrangements (The Learning Situation)
- 6460, Testing and Assessment
- 6633, Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy
- Special Education Program and Procedure Manual
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS: None
AFFIRMED:
- November 22, 2005
- January 27, 2026