ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Published on Nov 18, 2015
Have you ever wondered about what technology is available for disabled students? This deck will teach you about what assistive technology is and some of the devices students have in today's classrooms.
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
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WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?
Assistive technology (AT), in schools, is a device or program that helps students accomplish individualized education program (IEP) goals.
Students with disabilities use assistive technology in various ways and to perform different tasks.
Typically, the decision about what AT to use is determined by the IEP team. This team evaluates the AT needs of the learner and creates a plan that includes specific AT to be used by the learner. In my district, we have a department, Special Services, that acquires the equipment and software needed. Special Services also works with the student and teacher about the use of any equipment.
Students with disabilities use assistive technology in various ways and to perform different tasks.
Typically, the decision about what AT to use is determined by the IEP team. This team evaluates the AT needs of the learner and creates a plan that includes specific AT to be used by the learner. In my district, we have a department, Special Services, that acquires the equipment and software needed. Special Services also works with the student and teacher about the use of any equipment.
Photo by weesen
Assistive technology
The effect government has had on
The following are only a few of the laws in place to assist families and educators on what provisions are made for students with disabilities:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)- people with disabilities are entitled to a public education.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)- children with disabilities are entitled to a free public education designed to meet their individual needs.
Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act Amendments of 1998- requires schools to implement AT and report results to ensure that state performance goals are being met.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)- people with disabilities are entitled to a public education.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)- children with disabilities are entitled to a free public education designed to meet their individual needs.
Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act Amendments of 1998- requires schools to implement AT and report results to ensure that state performance goals are being met.
Photo by Michael Kappel
picture board
Hearing Impaired
A picture board is a great way for hearing impaired students to communicate face to face. Students are able to express themselves using a variety of pictures or icons.
The image provided is a device called Vantage. It is a touchscreen device that allows communication through the use of pictures and a keyboard.
The image provided is a device called Vantage. It is a touchscreen device that allows communication through the use of pictures and a keyboard.
Desktop magnifier
Vision Impaired
Vision impaired students have a wide variety of magnifiers, from small handheld magnifiers to larger desktop versions.
Students place items or text under a camera on a desktop magnifier and the image is enlarged and shown on a screen.
This past school year, I had a vision impaired student that was provided a desktop magnifier. This enabled her to participate in activities that would have normally been very difficult for her, During our unit on geology, she was able to observe the different rocks. Her magnifier also assisted some of the general education students to see some of the more slight variations of the different rocks.
Students place items or text under a camera on a desktop magnifier and the image is enlarged and shown on a screen.
This past school year, I had a vision impaired student that was provided a desktop magnifier. This enabled her to participate in activities that would have normally been very difficult for her, During our unit on geology, she was able to observe the different rocks. Her magnifier also assisted some of the general education students to see some of the more slight variations of the different rocks.
Talking Calculator
Learning Disabled
This assistive technology device is a talking calculator. It is designed for students with learning disabilities associated with numbers and math. Students using the talking calculator have access to immediate auditory feedback when working with math and numerical problems.
This particular model is less than twenty dollars, making it a very economical and efficient tool for those students who have IEP math goals.
This particular model is less than twenty dollars, making it a very economical and efficient tool for those students who have IEP math goals.
Mouth stick
Physically Disabled
Similar to a stylus that is widely used by today's users of technology, the mouth stick can be used by physically disabled students to manipulate various devices with a stick or stylus in their mouth.
My aunt, who is a quadriplegic, has several of these devices. She uses different mouth sticks depending on the task she is working on. It is amazing to watch how quickly she types and navigates her computer without the use of her hands.
My aunt, who is a quadriplegic, has several of these devices. She uses different mouth sticks depending on the task she is working on. It is amazing to watch how quickly she types and navigates her computer without the use of her hands.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CONCLUSION
Ultimately, educational assistive technology encompasses the evaluation, acquisition, use, and training of all sorts of devices designed to improve the educational experience of students with disabilities. Students and teachers, alike, are empowered with these devices. Students can engage and be a part of the general education classroom. Teachers are able to include disabled students in more activities and better guide the learning of ALL students.
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