Can an independent evaluation be requested to address assistive technology?
Yes. The school district is required to evaluate a student in all areas of suspected disability including, if appropriate, evaluating the student’s need for assistive technology. A parent has the right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense if the parent disagrees with an evaluation obtained by the school. However, the school may initiate a hearing to show that its evaluation is appropriate. If the evaluation is appropriate, the parent still has the right to an independent educational evaluation, but not at public expense. Individuals conducting the evaluation must be knowledgeable and have experience in conducting these assessments. It the parent obtains an independent educational evaluation at private expense, the results of the evaluation 1) must be considered by the public agency in any decision made with respect to the provision of FAPE to the student; and 2) may be presented as evidence at a hearing under this subpart regarding the student.
