Assistive technology can help!

What is assistive technology?

Public schools are required to provide assistive technology for students if needed to meet their educational goals. Federal law (IDEA 1997) defines an assistive technology device as the following: “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.” -20 USC 1401 (1)

This definition is broad, but clearly, it identifies assistive technology as something that helps a child become more capable. Technology can help children who have disabilities do thing others can do without technology. When it is used this way, it is considered assistive technology. Assistive technology can be anything from a pencil grip to a computer system. Assistive technology can help students be more independent, more productive and have a better quality of life.

How can assistive technology help?

If school tasks are hard for a student, standard classroom tools and instructional strategies can help. If those aren’t working, there are many assistive technology tools that can help with school tasks. These range from something as simple as the kind of paper used to high tech gadgets.

Specific subjects where assistive technology tools can be used

Reading

Reading tools include colored overlays, reading windows, line markers, hand-held talking dictionaries, and audio books (on computer or portable devices). Electronic tools can adjust text size, color and spacing of the text. Highlighting programs, text-to-speech support, online textbooks with audio support, and web-based tools also may be helpful reading tools.

Writing

Writing tools include low-tech tools like pencil grips, adapted paper, and hand-held spellers. High-tech tools include word processing with audio support, word prediction, visual organization and voice dictation programs (on computer or portable devices). Digital Books may read more independently with digital books.

Math

Students who have difficulty with math may benefit from the following AT tools: abacus, number line, graph paper, talking calculator with large keys and large display, or onscreen calculator. Computer and other hand-held devices with math software also can be helpful.

Organization & Studying

Organization is important for many daily school tasks and assignments. Tools such as visual schedules, folder systems, and planners can help students stay focused, remember assignments, and stay organized. Graphic organizers, highlighters and sticky notes can help students study and remember information more success-fully. Other electronic tools can help students take notes and organize their schoolwork more effectively.

Communication

There are many low-tech tools to help students communicate including picture systems and object symbols. Many high-tech speech-generating devices also are helpful for students who need to clarify their speech or who communicate through augmentative communication.

Hearing, Vision & Physical Aids

Low and high tech tools to assist with vision and hearing needs include hand-held magnifiers, computer screen readers and digital books in Braille and audio displays. Assistive listening devices to help with hearing include hearing aids, FM systems, and CART real time spoken access systems.

Aids to Daily Living

Students may need assistive technology to participate in activities in their daily lives. Some examples of these aids to daily living include switch-activated toys, Velcro fasteners, seating systems, adapted lockers or utensils, and hands-free controls.