NCREL Policy Issues
Issue 15, January 2004
Policy Analysis
4. Technology-Based Resources for Learners With Diverse Needs
The seven states in the North Central region vary greatly in the extent to which technology-based support for special-needs learners is provided. The shortfalls in some states are unfortunate, because all regions of the country face roughly proportionate levels of special needs related to gender discrimination and to physical disabilities. Also, although states may vary in the proportion of urban and rural students who need special assistance as well as the percentage of limited-English-proficient (LEP) learners, all states face some challenges in these areas.
In the North Central region, Michigan and Ohio provide the most extensive technology-based resources for learners with diverse needs. Michigan provides Michigan's Assistive Technology Resource (MATR) to help educators with using assistive technologies. Also, assistive technology resources and references have been developed by a number of Michigan's intermediate service agencies (such as the Special Education department at Eaton Intermediate School District in Charlottesville, Michigan). Ohio's $9.4-million Assistive Technology Infusion Project helps districts in providing assistive technology devices and services.
Resources
Michigan's Assistive Technology Resource
www.matr.org
Assistive Technology at Eaton Intermediate School District, Charlottesville,
Michigan
tech.eaton.k12.mi.us/at/
Ohio Assistive Technology Infusion Project
www.atip.state.oh.us
