How does IDEA affect AAC device provision for students?

The provision of AAC devices under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) hinges on the inclusion of such devices in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). When an AAC device is determined to be necessary for a student to effectively communicate and participate in their education, it must be provided by the school system as part of the special education services. This ensures that the student's right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is upheld, with necessary accommodations and assistive technology included for their academic success.

This legal requirement emphasizes the collaborative nature of the IEP process, where the specific needs of the student, including technology for communication, are identified and addressed. As a result, if an AAC device is specified in the IEP, the school is obligated to provide it, ensuring that all students can access their education in ways that accommodate their unique challenges.