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- You have had students with special needs in your classroom. Have you ever wondered what you could do to make it easier for that student to learn? There are ways for the special needs child to be helped in addition to having an aide by his/her side.
- It is the law for a child to receive assistive technology devices "in order to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion within the community and the workforce." (Assistive Technology Act of 1998)
- You can use both accomodations and adaptations within your classroom to help the student with special needs. "Accomodations" is a change in routine, method or approach that aids the student who is disabled. For example, the use of a calculator during a test might be available for the student who has trouble retaining basic math skills. "Adaptations" are devices that assist the special needs student that would not ordinarily be used in a regular classroom environment. This may be a special desk to allow for a wheelchair or a specially designed keyboard.
- One of the ways you can help the special needs student is in the use of a computer in the classroom or lab:
- The visually impaired student may need a magnifier to see the screen more easily. Enlarging the cursor or changing the contrast between the background and text may help also. Click here for complete directions on how to make the modifications on the computer.
- The deaf or hearing impaired student would benefit from visual cues that can be added on the computer. Captions can be added for sounds on the computer without special equipment or additional software. Click here to access the directions.
- There are many reasons a student may have trouble using the keyboard or mouse. This can be due to motor control or other forms of motor impairment. The Accessibility Wizard from Microsoft is a free tutorial to demonstrate setting up Sticky Keys, Mouse Keys and Filter Keys. This allows the student to use single keystrokes to do multiple functions. It can also configure the mouse for clicking and movement options.
- The state of Missouri has a web site called Assistive Technology for Missourians, which has resources available. This site also has a list of used equipment for purchase in the state and links to other informational websites.
- You make a difference in your students' lives. Help to make the life easier of a special needs student who is in your classroom daily. It will be appreciated and your help will make a lasting impact.
Resources:
(2008, May 23). Retrieved 10 28, 2008, from Windows XP Accessibility Tutorials: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsxp/default.aspx
America, 1. C. (1998). Assistive Technology Act of 1998. Retrieved October 28, 2008, from http://www.section508.gov/docs/AT1998.html
AT4MO. (2007). Retrieved 10 28, 2008, from Assistive Technology for Missourians: http://www.at4mo.org/at4mo/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx
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