Purchasing Assistive Technology with ARRA Stimulus Funds

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more commonly known as the Economic Stimulus Package, was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. According to the Council for Exceptional Children, this act more than doubles federal funding for programs such as special education and early intervention.

On March 7, the Department of Education released their guidelines for how stimulus funds might be used that aligned with their core reform goals. Topping their list of possible uses for IDEA Part B Funds was to “obtain state-of-the-art assistive technology devices and provide training in their use to enhance access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities.” Standing frames like the EasyStand fit the definition of Assistive Technology. According to the Dept. of Education, Assistive Technology is defined as "Any item, piece of equipment, or product system… that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities…”

The Department of Education goes on to explain that these funds are only available for two-three years, and that any purchases made with stimulus funds must be a short-term investment that has the potential for long-term benefits. An EasyStand standing frame is a one-time investment that has long-term benefits and with durability that allows it to be used in your classroom for many years by multiple students.  Including standing on a child’s IEP can also help them to achieve simultaneous goals (i.e. the child uses their stander for weight bearing during speech therapy or for inclusion in physical education activities).

On April 1st, the Department of Education announced that IDEA Recovery Funds for Services to Children and Youths with Disabilities were being allocated. $11 billion in special education aid and Title I aid for disadvantaged students is starting to make its way to states. $32.5 billion from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, which is designed to prop up states’ education budgets, will be available as soon as states turn in their applications.

Now is the time to speak up about the assistive technology needs in your classroom. Request a no-obligation in-service of EasyStand standers for your school staff today. The best way to see if the EasyStand is right for your students is to see them standing!

Learn more about how the economic stimulus plan can help your school:

	IDEA Recovery Funds for Children and Youth with Disabilities – Dept. of Education
	State/Program Allocation Tables: Find out how much your state/program will receive for education programs under ARRA – Dept. of Education
	Education and Recovery Reinvestment Center at Learning Point: Numerous resources, including a Fund Finder, State Resources, district and local services, and more.