INFORMATIONAL

  The Virginia Department of Education will distribute funds
  for assistive technology equipment.  All local school
  divisions may apply for funds, up to $1,000.00, for the
  purchase of equipment or software to assist students with
  disabilities or for training in the area of assistive
  technology.

  Important note for all applicants:  without exception, all
  equipment and software must be purchased and all training
  completed no later than September 30, 1998.

  Technical assistance may be obtained from the Department of
  Education (DOE), the Training and Technical Assistance
  Centers (T/TAC), the Virginia Assistive Technology System
  (VATS), the Virginia Department of Visually Handicapped
  (VDVH), the Virginia Department for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  (VDDHH), or the Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind
  (VSDB).  For further information about receiving assistance,
  please call the T/TAC, VATS, VDVH, VDDHH, or VSDB contact
  person in your region, or contact Mr. David Aldrich at (804)
  225-2711 (VA PEN address daldrich@pen.k12.va.us) or Ms.
  Joyce Faye White at (804) 225-2958 (VA PEN address
  jfwhite@pen.k12.va.us).

  Attached, please find an application form and a list of
  examples of equipment and software from which to select
  items.  Please submit all applications no later than April
  3, 1998, to Ms. Kim Shackelford, Program Support Technician
  by mail or by FAX at (804) 371-8796.

  JLD/da

  Attachment:  A hard copy of this memo and its attachment
               will be sent to the superintendent's office