Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities

Assistive Technology Overview:

• Assistive Technology (AT) is a vital tool for enhancing the educational experience of students with diverse needs or disabilities. It enables teachers and disability services providers to support students in acquiring greater independence and independence skills, reducing the need for adult assistance. By providing AT programs, educators provide students with the best chance for success both in and out of the classroom, and help to meet the needs of special needs students in their various vocational pursuits.

High-Technology Examples:

• A screen reader -Software that reads screen tech such as windows, pop-ups, dialog boxes, document text.

  • Examples include Jaws, Window Eyes, NVDA

• Text-to-speech-A screen but more geared towards document text. 

  • Examples include Kurzweil, read and write, natural reader 

• Speech-to-text -Voice recognition that dictates voice through a microphone and can also control operating systems. 

  • Examples are Dragon Naturally Speaking & Microsoft Speech Recognition 

• Talking devices -Standard functioning electronic devices with a speech output function. 

  • Examples include a talking calculator and talking watch

• Assistive listening devices -Provide sound or signal amplification to either an individual or an entire group. 

  • Examples include an FM system or a TV listening system

• Accessible viewing devices -Digital camera systems that allow for magnification, color contrast, and resolution enhancement. 

  • Examples include CCTV, handheld magnified, MAGic 

• Recording devices -Capture audio and video often with features. 

  • Example includes livescribe pens

• Mobile devices -Portable multi functional electronic devices. 

  • Examples include smart phones tablet computers

Assistive technology for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing:

• LCD- Allows students with special needs to amplify the sound of the teacher's voice while filtering out unwanted noises, such as the sound of other students talking or someone typing on a keyboard

• CART (Communication Access Real-Time) – Providing students with real-time access in the classroom

• Assistive listening – FM system, TV system

• AI-Powered smart glasses - Help show real-time subtitles 

• Video Captioning 

• Video Relay Service 

• Phone – TTY

Assistive Technology for Individuals who have physical or mobility-based disabilities:

• Adaptive furniture – This is often accompanied by a “preferential seating” accommodation. Accessible seating and adaptive furniture (such as tables that can raise and lower) can be placed in classrooms

• Mobile devices/apps – assistive touch & e-reader apps (a tablet with all textbooks loaded is easier to transport than a bag of books)

• Adaptive kitchen tools - Helps with cooking independence

• Relatively low-tech AT like canes and wheelchairs help with navigation

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)- Can be used for a range of non-speech methods of communication, including gesture, manual signs, picture or symbol-based communication systems, and computer-based speech-generating devices 

Assistive Technology for individuals who have learning disabilities:

• Livescribe smartpen – Used for shorthand notes with captured audio which allow students to focus on faculty and not on writing.

• Text-to-speech – Used for auditory text with visual highlights to improve comprehension in students that may miss, transpose, or omit words or letters.

• Speech-to-text  – Allows students to lessen the barriers imposed by spelling, syntax & mechanics

• Mobile apps – Text to speech apps, reading apps that simplify the page (remove background noise such as pictures and ads), calendar/organization apps, note taking apps, etc. 

• Alphasmart- A small keyboard with a small screen attached used to view word processing

• OrCam Learn – Helps students to hear the words on the screen 

• Features that should be turned on for iOS devices include:

• • For students with dyslexia, inverting colors to switch from black text on white to white text on black will help with reading

  • For students with speech disabilities, there is speak selection which provides ability to highlight any text in an app or website and have the option to have it read aloud

Assistive technology for individuals who have ADHD:

• Livescribe smartpen – Helps capture missed details during class that would normally represent gaps in notes.

• Text-to-speech – Helps focus distracted readers with visual and auditory cues. 

• Speech-to-text  – Helps capture thoughts that are “difficult to get out.”

• Mobile apps  – Calendar and organization apps help with executive functioning, note taking apps, homework reminders, etc. 

Smart Home Devices for Safety and Independence:

• Smart Home Technology Project is a centralized resource center linking members of the disability and aging communities, service providers, housing professionals, and technology consultants to enhance independence, safety, and accessibility through the integration of smart home technology for people with disabilities and older adults.