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Student with autism asks Socorro ISD to uphold phone exceptions for students with disabilities
Summary
A 15-year-old student with autism told the board that his cell phone is assistive technology necessary to communicate and regulate; board and administration said they will continue outreach and ensure IEP/ARD teams consider phone exceptions under state law.
A 15-year-old Socorro ISD student in special education told the board on Aug. 20 that the Texas ban on student cell phones in classrooms is harming him because his phone functions as assistive technology that helps him communicate, regulate emotions and make transitions between classes. He asked the board to remind schools that exceptions exist for students with individualized education programs.
The student, David Serrano, said his phone is not used for social media and described past bullying incidents where the phone enabled him to ask for help. He said posters at his school include language that exceptions exist for students with IEPs, but that in practice some students with IEPs are not being allowed to use phones that are listed as accommodations.
Superintendent Guillermo Vasquez and board members said the district began an education effort about the new state law as the school year started and pledged to continue public outreach so families and staff understand which exceptions exist for medical conditions and documented accommodations. Vasquez said district staff will follow up with special education and campus teams so that cell‑phone exceptions are included in accommodations where appropriate and that ARD teams are informed.
No formal change in district policy occurred at the meeting; the board asked administration to continue education and to ensure exceptions for students with disabilities are treated consistently through IEP/ARD processes.
