Equipment

Purpose of the Standard

To inform the ministry, board staff members and other professionals and parents about the provision of individualized equipment for some students with special needs.

Requirements of the Standard

The school boards must describe how the board determines whether a student requires individualized equipment, such as assistive technology, and how the board allocates its budget for equipment, including the criteria used for purchasing individualized equipment.

EQUIPMENT

Schools, parents, community professionals, and board staff work closely to determine specific individualized equipment needs to assist students to access the curriculum. The Board follows Ministry guidelines for Intensive Support Amount Level 1 (ISA Level 1: Funding for Equipment for Students with Special Needs) when determining eligibility for equipment claims. Following a receipt of a recommendation from a qualified professional, the school program resource teacher completes the ISA 1 Equipment Request Form (Attachment 2) and submits the request to the Special Education Consultant for approval. The Consultant facilitates the purchase and delivery to school sites. All ISA 1 claims that meet Ministry guidelines are processed as soon as possible for the benefit of individual students. Non ISA 1 eligible equipment such as supplies, furniture, and various accommodations are also provided for students on an as-needed basis. An in-Board process for ordering, set-up and maintenance of ISA 1 computer equipment has been developed (ISA 1 Computers: Process for Ordering, Set-up and Maintenance).

Current year expenditure for 2003 - 2004 on the above items totalled $268,283. Rather than limiting purchases to budget amounts, the Board strives to provide necessary equipment for all students where a need has been identified.