Removing "when available" from SDI accomodation for Audiobooks

[AM23]

Hi everyone!

I have a question about an SDI on my son's IEP for audiobooks that says  classroom textbook eBooks and relevant audiobooks will be provided for use during homework and in-class assignments when available digitally. I have a problem with this wording, because this leaves it up to teachers and interpretation as to what "available" means. The school should provide what he needs and it shouldn't be based on whether it's available, right?

Also, he will not listen to poor quality "computer voices" read extended text to him.  How can I show he needs a premium, human-like text-to-speech reader or human-read audiobooks?  I have seen some of the standard/free voices in apps/programs are improving, does anyone know if quality human-like voices are currently built into Word, OneNote,  or Edge?  (We are not a Google/Chrome school.)

Thanks!

[Carolyn Rowlett]

I don't really have a problem with the "when available digitally" language.  But if you're concerned about different interpretations, ask the team what is meant by "when available digitally"?  And what are your concerns as to how it might be interpreted?  Maybe those concerns could be addressed with clarifying language.  Regardless, they need to have a backup accommodation for when such books are not available, such as human reader or a C-pen.

Totally agree with you regarding the quality.  If he won't listen to computer voices (many kids won't), then it's the same as not providing him with the accommodation.  You could add language to the accommodation along the lines of "such books will either have text-to-speech capabilities or a voice pattern that the student responds to/engages with."

Can't answer your question regarding specific programs.