School therapists, are you aware that federal stimulus funds may be available for adaptive equipment like standing frames? Your school could have the opportunity to get adaptive equipment for your classroom through the Economic Stimulus Package. As a therapist in education, it is important to be the advocate for your students and voice the need for assistive technology in your classroom.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more commonly known as the Economic Stimulus Package, was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. According to the Council for Exceptional Children, this act more than doubles federal funding for programs such as special education and early intervention.
. . . this act more than doubles federal funding for programs such as special education and early intervention.
On March 7, 2009, the Department of Education released their guidelines for how stimulus funds might be used in ways that aligned with their core reform goals. Topping their list of possible uses for IDEA Part B Funds was to “obtain state-of-the-art assistive technology devices and provide training in their use to enhance access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities”. According to the Dept. of Education, Assistive Technology is defined as “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system… that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities…” Standing frames like the EasyStand fit the definition of Assistive Technology.
Topping their list of possible uses for IDEA Part B Funds was to “obtain state-of-the-art assistive technology devices and provide training in their use to enhance access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities”.
The Department of Education goes on to explain that these funds are only available for two to three years, and that any purchases made with stimulus funds must be a short-term investment that has the potential for long-term benefits. An EasyStand standing frame is a one-time investment that has long-term benefits. Its durability allows it to be used in your classroom for many years by multiple students. Including standing on a child’s IEP can help them to achieve simultaneous goals (i.e. the child uses their stander for weight bearing during speech therapy or for inclusion in physical education activities).
On April 1st, 2009 the Department of Education announced that IDEA Recovery Funds for Services to Children and Youths with Disabilities were being allocated. $11 billion in special education aid and Title I aid for disadvantaged students is starting to make its way to states.
$32.5 billion from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, which is designed to prop up states’ education budgets, will be available as soon as states turn in their applications. On May 18th, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan urged states to submit applications for State Fiscal Stabilization Funds as quickly as possible. As of that date, nearly $13 billion or 27% had been awarded to a total of 13 states.
Now is the time to speak up about the assistive technology needs in your classroom.
Learn more about how the economic stimulus plan can help your school:
State/Program Allocation Tables for Recovery Funds at Dept. of Education: Find out how much your state/program will receive for education programs under ARRA.
Education and Recovery Reinvestment Center at Learning Point: Numerous resources, including a Fund Finder , State Resources, district and local services, and more.
How could your school benefit from some of these funds? Would your students with special needs benefit from using adaptive equipment like standing frames?
Jo Anna,
I don’t think this applies to you, but we will continue to search.
Love You,
Dad