FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
�
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
€
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
€
Members
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SALLY BRADSHAW
€
LINDA J. EADS, ED.D.
€
CHARLES PATRICK GARCÍA
€
JULIA L. JOHNSON
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WILLIAM L. PROCTOR, PH.D.
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LINDA K. TAYLOR
€
March 5, 2004
MEMORANDUM #04-17
TO:
?
Exceptional Student Education Administrators
FDLRS Associate Center Managers
FDLRS Specialized Center Managers
FDLRS Regional Technology Lab Managers
FROM:
Michele Polland
JIM HORNE
Commissioner of Education
SUBJECT: Transitioning of Assistive Technology Assigned to Graduating Students
Technical Assistance Paper
The Department of Education, Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services, fully
supports school districts coordinating with agencies or families to facilitate the transition of
assistive technology equipment to meet the post-graduation needs of technology dependent
students.
We are pleased to provide the attached technical assistance paper
(
TAP) to guide
school districts with these procedures.
Districts often expend Federal funds provided under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) or general revenue funds to purchase assistive technology that is used by
students with disabilities to carry out the provisions of the student’s individual educational plan
(IEP).
This equipment follows the student throughout his/her educational career. Upon
graduation, the technology may be transferred to another agency, the family, or the student, as
appropriate. The transfer could be a gift, loan, or sold at fair market value. Florida Statutes are
consistent with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) guidelines in allowing the transfer of this
equipment.
This transfer of assistive technology will assure that appropriate services can be
provided to support graduating students with disabilities in employment, post-secondary
education, independent living, community participation, and life skills.
In those cases where equipment is not transferred, the IEP team must develop a transition
MICHELE POLLAND
Acting Chief
Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 614 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0475 • www.fldoe.org
Memorandum # 04-17
March 5, 2004
Page 2
procedure that will focus on methods that will allow the student’s uninterrupted access to the
type of equipment and services that meet the student’s needs for successful post-graduation
activity.
Procedures that govern the transfer of assistive devices should be described in the school board’s
policy or procedures manual.
District policy determining the circumstances under which
technology can be transferred and the transfer procedures will help the IEP team make timely
and appropriate decisions regarding the student’s transition plan.
Additional copies of the attached TAP may be obtained from the Clearinghouse Information
Center, Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services (BISCS), Florida Department
of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 628, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.
The
telephone number is 850/245-0477 or Suncom 205-0477, fax number is 850/245-0987, and the
electronic mail address is cicbiscs@fldoe.org. This TAP is also available on the BISCS website
at http://www.myfloridaeducation.com/commhome/; click on publications.
We hope this information will assist district staff as they address assistive technology needs of
students with disabilities.
For further information or assistance, contact Dr. Karen Morris,
Program Specialist, Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services, at 850/245-0478
or Suncom 205-0478 or via electronic mail at Karen.Morris@fldoe.org.
MP/kmm
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