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SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 53
March 17, 2000 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | JoLynne DeMary Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | Distribution of Assistive Technology Funds for Students with Disabilities |
The Virginia Department of Education will distribute funds for assistive technology training and equipment. All school divisions may apply for funds up to $1,500. These funds may be used for training in the area of assistive technology and/or the purchase of equipment and software to assist students with disabilities. Funds may also be used to pay for assistive technology courses for staff providing services and support for students with disabilities. All applicants are required to obtain approval prior to expenditures and make expenditures and/or complete training no later than September 30, 2000. Final reimbursement requests must be submitted by November 1, 2000. Technical assistance may be obtained from the Department of Education (DOE), Training and Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC), Virginia Assistive Technology Systems (VATS), Virginia Department of the Visually Handicapped (VDVH), Virginia Department of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH), or the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS). Attached are an application form and examples of equipment, software, and training opportunities. These examples are not restrictive and do not limit school divisions' abilities to use these funds to address identified needs in the area of assistive technology. Questions regarding application should be directed to Mrs. Sharon E. Siler, Educational Specialist at (804) 225-2711 or ssiler@mail.vak12ed.edu. Please submit all applications no later than April 30, 2000, to Mrs. Kim Shackelford, program support technician, Office of Special Education and Student Services, P. O. Box 2120, Richmond, Virginia 23218 or by FAX at (804) 371-8796. Attachments JLD:kts