what the schools can't tell you

The best people to tell you what services and devices your child needs is probably those on your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Committee, but their organization, school district, etc. is also the one who has to pay for it.  The Federal and State Governments give them money, but it is never enough.  Unfortunately, services get watered down.  Teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals get stretched too thin.  

I try not to whine too much about this because my son is lucky to have good services and excellent staff!  I also have not made an effort to write letters or lobby for more funding even though I live fairly close to my state capital.

Checkout this site for great advocacy and information on the laws:  wrightslaw.com

Information about the IDEA is located at:

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/Policy/IDEA