Consent for AT Evaluations - GA DOE Oct. 2013 Friday Blast
GA DOE October 2013 Friday Blast (e-mail to Special Education Directors)
(included in the link above)
Consent for Assistive Technology Evaluations:
If an assistive technology evaluation is requested as part of an initial evaluation it must be completed within 60 calendar days. The evaluation would be covered under the initial consent for evaluation.
However, if the assistive technology evaluation is requested subsequent to the initial evaluation, after the student has been placed, has an IEP, and is receiving special education services, then a new consent for evaluation should be signed and the evaluation should be completed within a reasonable timeline. While reasonable is not defined, best practice would be to strive to complete any subsequent evaluation in 60 calendar days. In some instances, extension of assistive technology evaluation timelines may be necessary considering the complexity of the student and the need for extended trial use of assistive technology tool(s).
Advocates Advice
Please notice, reference above is AT Evaluations, NOT screenings or consults or referral, etc. I’ve been hearing again, esp. several times from Fulton Co. that they do not do AT “Evaluations”. Obviously, the GA DOE is clarifying they must do “evaluations” so put your request in writing and/or request in a recorded IEP meeting that you are requesting an EVALUATION, not a screening, have your request documented in the minutes and check the minutes to be sure it states “AT Evaluation”, and parents should sign a Consent for Evaluation since it IS an evaluation (so request a Consent to Evaluate Form) and make sure “AT Evaluation” is specifically listed on the Consent to Evaluate Form.
I also love that DOE clarified that “while reasonable is not defined, best practice would be to strive to complete any subsequent evaluation in 60 calendar days”.
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Carol Sadler, Special Education Consultant/Advocate
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Information contained in this communication is confidential and privileged. It is not meant to represent legal or medical advice, but rather advice given based on my knowledge as a trained Parent Advocate by the GA Advocacy Office, Council of Parent Advocates & Attorneys, CHADD, LDA, the GA DOE Parent Mentor program as an invited guest and the special education attorneys that I often work with on educational matters. Please do not forward without my permission.
posted by Carol Sadler @ 9:22 AM
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