Assistive Technology

Soundbeam, a device that converts movement into sound, is a piece of technology that can be used in classrooms with special needs students. This is a wonderful way for kids that are quadriplegic or have cerebral palsy or other disorders to make music and to experience the process of music making. Soundbeam can convert the smallest movements into sound, so as long as you can move, you can make music.

IDEA, however, has not delivered on the promise that it made in 1975 to fund 40 percent of the educational costs for disabled children. Since then, the level of federal funding has never risen above 19%. Local and state governments have been forced to deal with the resulting financial impact. Federal funding has not kept up with the growing population of children with special needs.In spite of all that has been done in recent legislation, special education students need the support promised to them that is long overdue. With 40 percent of the funding of special needs children being met by the government, perhaps SoundBeam could become a fixture in every school.

Please consider asking your senator to vote to increase IDEA funding to 40 percent.