A bill that would give schools $3 million to spend on software to help young students with autism passed out of a legislative committee Tuesday.
Bill sponsor Sen. Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, said a number of school districts are already using the programs, and "they’ve had some profound results helping kids with autism and other special needs."
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SB196 would require the state school board to contract with a provider for the software, which would aim to improve the social skills and achievement of students with autism and other special needs in preschool through second grade.
Draper mother Jennifer Jeppsen testified at the hearing, saying such software helped her son Crew Jeppsen at a fraction of the cost of other therapies the family used.
Martell Menlove, who works with the State Office of Education but spoke as an individual on Tuesday, cautioned lawmakers, however, against thinking software could replace teachers. Menlove said he has a doctorate in special education.
The Senate Education Committee ultimately passed the bill, with one member voting against it. It now moves to the Senate floor.
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