Students with disabilities and special education needs may be eligible for equipment to help them access learning through Specialized Equipment Allocation funding.
What is the Specialized Equipment Allocation (SEA)?
SEA funding helps cover the cost of equipment for students with special education needs to participate in school and programs.
Some examples of SEA Equipment include:
- Specialized software
- Frequency Modulation (FM) Systems,
- Braillers
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
- Personal care items such as change tables or commodes.
What are the eligibility requirements and the process?
Eligibility for SEA equipment in the TDSB starts with an In School Team (IST) meeting focusing on the students strengths and areas for growth. The School Support Team (SST) assesses the need for individual SEA equipment, which must be clearly outlined in the student’s IEP and reviewed by the Special Education and Inclusion Department prior to its purchase. Demonstrating a student’s need on an IEP is a requirement. Students do not have to be identified as exceptional through the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process to be eligible for equipment funded through SEA.
How can equipment help?
SEA equipment can help students with special educational needs to:
- Build on educational strengths
- Gain motivation and confidence
- Improve learning, achievement and mental well-being
- Be more independent
How do students use the SEA equipment? How are they supported with the use?
Students are supported by school based staff along with guidance and training from Professional Support Services (e.g., Speech-Language Pathologists or Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists) and Special Education and Inclusion Teams (Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Assistive Technology). The training and support provided depends on the type of equipment received. A plan for training and support will be discussed with the School Support Team (SST). Further support is provided by the AT/SEA team in their work with school staff and students to incorporate assistive technology into all classroom settings and create resources for parents, including the Assistive Technology website.
For additional information about SEA funding, please see the Specialized Equipment Allocation (SEA) 2024-25 Directives and the Equipment section of the TDSB Special Education Plan