Funding+Resources

 Funding Resources

 * Issues with Funding

 With all the recent debates about budget cuts in school districts, it is important to know where the money for special education and assistive technology can be found.

 "Lack of funding is one of the major barriers to the successful implementation of assistive technology. Although IDEA mandates assistive technology consideration, it does not provide adequate funding for the technology that may be considered approriate....in schools facing financial challenges, funding may be viewed as a barrier to assistive technology implementation" (Dell 292).

Unfortunately, what this means for students with special needs is that those students will commonly get tools that are not appropriate for their needs simply because those tools cost less. As Dell puts it, there is more cost than just the purchase of the device. There are several more costs that must be considered which includes insurance, maintenence, repair, transportation, and updates. Training for students, parents, and teachers that will have contact with the device must also be provided. When funds are short, training is not provided and then students are stuck with equipment that they need, but do not understand how to operate. This is a lose-lose outcome for the school and the students. This leaves the student confused and frustrated. (Dell 293)


 * Get some extra help!

There are several organization in which funding resources can be found. This includes:


 * Non-profit organizations such as the Elks and Rotary Clubs
 * Medical insurance- especially for AAC use
 * Medicaid- anything that can be considered durable medical equipment, such as power wheelchairs, will be paid in full. This includes the actual device and a home visit.
 * [|Click here to check if you are eligible for assistive technology through Medicaid]
 * NJDDD or vocational/rehabilitation services (money that can be used for equipment)
 * Social security -SSDI for students with severe disabilities. This can be used if the child's parent passes away, then the child is eligible for SSDI to supplement for their lost parent's income up until age 18.

If you need some assistance for wheelchair expenses, accessible vehicles, and adaptive equipment, look at this site - [|click here]
 * Curious about all the costs? Find out some more information below:

Find out more about the U.S. Department of Education's budget policies and plans by [|clicking here!]

<span style="color: #008080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Find out about funding for your school here]

<span style="color: #008080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Find out about what one student did to fund her "classroom" with a certain amount of money that was proposed. Open the powerpoint presentation below and pay close attention to slide 9 to understand how expensive it can be to fund just one classroom:



<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> The following video includes some remarks made by Governor Christie as a response to New Jersey State Supreme Court and their influence on the School Funding Formula.

media type="youtube" key="TEenHDGGN0Q" height="349" width="560" align="center"

References: Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2008). //Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities//. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall. subject. (n.d.). Budget, Strategic Plan, Performance and Accountability Plans, and More. //U.S. Department of Education//. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www2.ed.gov/about/overview