Which service is NOT identified under IDEA for AAC?

The focus of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE), which includes special education and related services tailored to their needs. Within this framework, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services are designed to support individuals who have communication challenges.

When it comes to AAC, services that are typically covered under IDEA include evaluation to determine the appropriate needs for communication supports, training for families to help them effectively use AAC systems with the individual, and technical support for maintaining and troubleshooting AAC devices. These services are critical in developing communication skills and ensuring that individuals can interact effectively with their environment and peers.

However, while personal devices may be a crucial component of AAC, the specific procurement or purchase of these devices is not a service mandated under IDEA. Funding for devices often falls outside the scope of IDEA provisions. Instead, IDEA emphasizes the provision of related services necessary to assist a child with a disability in benefiting from their education. Thus, while support for their use is covered, the purchase itself is not identified as a service provided under this law. This distinction underscores the focus on educational needs rather than on the acquisition of equipment.