Getting HoloCards through an IEP

For a deaf or hard-of-hearing student, federal rules require the IEP team to consider the child's language and communication needs and whether the child needs assistive technology. If the team writes sign-language materials into the IEP, the school provides them at no cost — and can send them home when the child needs them there.

Your steps

1
Send the request before the meeting
Parents: send the letter below to the case manager and ask for it to be discussed. You can ask for an IEP meeting at any time; you don't have to wait for the annual review.
2
Bring the wording sheet
IEPs describe a type of material, not a brand. The sheet shows exactly where it fits — special factors, assistive technology, supplementary aids, parent training — with sample goal language.
3
Ask for home use in writing
If your child needs the cards at home to practice, ask that the IEP say so (34 CFR 300.105(b)).
4
The school buys them
The special education office orders by purchase order or purchasing card. Point them to the purchase-order page — quote, W-9, net-30.
For the school office →

Already written for you

Open one, fill in the names, and send it as an email, a letter or plain text — or save it as a PDF.

Find the next person

The map opens here when you search.

Get the cards

Request a quote →A numbered PDF quote for your office, good for 30 days.Pay by purchase order →Send your PO; we invoice on net-30 terms. W-9 included.

Good to know

If the team says no, ask for the decision in writing (prior written notice). Your state's Parent Training and Information Center helps families with IEPs for free.
Some states require a communication plan for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the IEP — it is the natural place for sign-language materials.