School therapists, are you aware that federal stimulus funds may be available for adaptive equipment like standing frames through 2010? 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 last year and continues through the end of 2010. 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.
The Department of Education released their guidelines on 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).
Now is the time to speak up about the assistive technology needs in your classroom, before the funds are no longer available.
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.
Has your school used stimulus funds on assistive technology already? What equipment was purchased? What advice would you give others who are going through the process?
I am an OT serving in a school district located in south east Wisconsin. In our schools, we have been coming up with different ideas to use the stimulus money either for high tech or low tech equipment. I have submitted request to purchase a Bantam in hope of being shared by three students. The director of pupil service informed me that there is a separate amount of money that is targeted specifically to the Pre-K students. These students are in the Pre-K and 4-years old kindergarten classes so I am hoping to purchase the stander under this umbrella.