Special Education Initiatives (PreK-12)
Proposals under consideration include 4 student laptop computers for the Fullstream program at Collin County Community College. These college-age students' instructional levels range from pre-first grade to approximately 5th grade. These computers would allow students to work independently as teachers provide direct instruction to other students. Laptops would provide teachers with flexibility in grouping for instruction and enable them to support instruction in a variety of settings.

Provide the funding mechanism for replacement and repair of assistive devices and for back up systems. Every campus uses assistive technology devices to support instruction for students with disabilities. IDEA requires that every student who receives special education services (1) be considered for assistive technology, and (2) be ensured access to the general education curriculum. These requirements focus on services and equipment necessary for participation in general education curricular areas. School districts are required to provide supplementary aids and services (including augmentative/assistive technology) in order for the student to receive instruction in an environment with non-disabled peers. Some examples of these types of devices are: specialized scanners for speech generation, hands-free computer operation, augmentative communication devices that are not obtrusive and can be worn by the individual, more efficient and sophisticated visual language representation.

The Special Education proposal also includes PW WebSpeak and large screen computer monitors for the remaining 11 secondary libraries. PW WebSpeak is a non-visual web browser for individuals with visual impairments. It uses synthesized speech to read a web site aloud and displays text only (no graphics) in large, plain letters as the user punches computer keys to move around the page. An additional twelve SpeechViewer IIIs are needed for deaf education teachers at elementary, middle, high school and senior high school levels to facilitate the education of students with auditory impairments. Speechviewer III is a speech and language tool that transforms spoken words and sounds into graphics. It provides visual feedback of speech production and reports that contain measurable data. Also proposed are 2 real-time translation set-ups. This equipment, developed from court reporting technology, provides for real time-translation in the educational setting. It consists of laptops, court recording machines and captioning cables. PPCD is proposing a replacement of augmentative communication devices in several classrooms. Examples of these devices are "Tech Talk" and "Voice In A Box." The request also includes the expansion of PPCD lending library cause-effect devices such as toys for sensory stimulation, low-tech communication devices and augmentative communication devices.

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