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Committee raises concerns about AAC law rollout, training and classroom practice
Summary
Members discussed Virginia's new AAC law requiring staff to review AAC devices before working with students; members warned training and enforcement remain inconsistent and that schools may not uniformly implement the guidance.
Committee members asked whether schools and substitute teachers will receive adequate training to meet Virginia's new AAC law, which requires staff to review a student's AAC device before working with them.
"The new law that I know passed this year came from an AAC using family in the Springfield area...ensure that before teachers substitutes, other specialists work in the classroom with AAC users, that they have reviewed that student's device and how they use that device," Lucy explained. Members said the Department of Education has released a short guide but worried local implementation and compliance will be uneven and that families may still face gaps in practice.
Participants also connected the issue to civil‑rights obligations under Olmstead and the ADA, saying that schools have long been inconsistent about ensuring communicative access; several members urged ongoing monitoring and stronger training plans.
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