On October 8, 2004, the Department of Public Instruction received a complaint under state and federal special education law from XXXXX against the Greenfield School District. This is the department's decision regarding that complaint. The issues are whether the district, between January and October 2004, implemented a child's individualized education program (IEP) requiring a scan and read software program and supplementary aids and services of modified classroom skill level work.
The mother alleges that the district did not provide a scan and read software program or modified classroom work from January until October 2004. The mother also alleges that the district had not provided the home part of the scan and read software program. IEP team meetings were held in January and February 2004 to determine eligibility and develop an IEP. The IEP completed in February indicates that the student needs a type of scan and read computer software program as assistive technology. The scan and read software allows written material to be scanned and the computer "reads" the scanned material to the student. The IEP requires assistive technology related services in the form of training for the student on the scan and read software program with an amount and frequency of 60 minutes a month initial training and 30 minutes a month thereafter. The IEP did not contain language regarding the home use of the computer software program.
The district received the scan and read software program and had it installed on computers in two special education classrooms in February 2004. Both teachers were provided training by the school's technology representative. During the month of February, the student received 60 minutes of training on the computer software program stated on the IEP and 30 minutes of training per month thereafter
.The district has since held IEP team meetings. Supplementary aids and services now include a laptop computer for both home and school use. The district has provided additional training for the student and teachers and has also provided training for both parents on the scan and read software for the laptop computer that will be used at home. The district has provided modified classroom skill level work as indicated on the IEP. No corrective action is required.
This concludes our review of this complaint, which we are closing.
//signed 12/7/04
Carolyn Stanford Taylor
Assistant State Superintendent
Division for Learning Support: Equity and Advocacy
Dec/tg