KATS Network >
Publications >
The Buck Starts Here... > Special Education Programs - Local Education Agency (LEA)
Special Education Programs - Local Education Agency (LEA)
Division of Exceptional Children Services, Kentucky Department of Education
Overview:
Since 1975, the federal government has mandated a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children with
disabilities, including those children whose disabilities are multiple and severe. Kentucky's public schools are
responsible for ensuring that each student, regardless of disability, receives an appropriate educational program that meets
his or her individual needs. The Division of Exceptional Children Services of the Kentucky Department of Education exists to
help local school systems provide special education and related services so that all students with disabilities can develop
into productive and successful citizens. Under federal special education law and state rules, students with disabilities who
require AT devices or services in order to receive a FAPE are eligible for those devices and/or services as specified in the
student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Division of Exceptional Children Services provides technical
assistance to local school systems concerning the provision of AT devices and services to students with disabilities,
primarily through the Kentucky Special Education Cooperative Network.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-PL 108-446) stipulate that all students with disabilities
must be considered for assistive technology, as is determined necessary in order to implement the IEP. See Appendix C - IDEA
for more information regarding IDEA.
AT Services Provided/Covered:
- Evaluation/Assessment
- Purchasing/Acquisition
- Selection/Design
- Coordination
- Training/ Technical Assistance
AT Devices Provided/Covered:
- Daily Living
- Speech Communication
- Computer and Related
- Environmental Adaptations
- Vision/Hearing Equipment
Application Process:
- The need for Assistive Technology is determined in the program planning stage of the IEP process
- If it is determined that AT is needed to successfully meet the goals of the IEP, then the school must obtain the
AT.
Contact Information:
For more information, contact the Special Education Coordinator of your local school district, or visit: http://education.ky.gov/KDE/
Additional Information:
Many Kentucky school districts are now approved providers of Medicaid services and assistive technology as a reimbursable
service for children with medical cards. This entails provision of an assessment from an Occupational Therapist and/or
Physical Therapist and/or Speech Language Pathologist supporting the need for the assistive technology. This assessment
is also a reimbursable service under the school-based Medicaid program.
Bridges & Potholes:
Bridges
- Once the need for assistive technology is written into an IEP, the school district MUST insure that the individual
obtains it.
- Since the school has made a commitment to use the assistive technology, the child should benefit from using the
technology in a structured environment with proper training and follow-up.
Potholes
- Just because a parent wants a particular device for his/her child does not mean that the need for that device will
be written into the IEP. The parent is a member of the Committee, but any decisions are team decisions. The parent can
appeal IEP decisions.
- If the school district purchases assistive technology with Part-B funds, the equipment remains the property of
the federal government and the school district is responsible for it and may not want it taken home. Assistive
technology purchased by the school can be used at home as long as it is written into the IEP that the home use is
necessary for educational purposes.
- Once a school district agrees on the need for assistive technology and incorporates it into the IEP, the district
CANNOT use a lack of available funds as a reason for denying or delaying provision of the assistive technology.