AT Tools

Assistive Technology (AT) Tools within the Classroom

Universal Design/Supports

Elements designed to meet everybody's needs. (Some real-life examples include: automatic opening doors, detachable shower heads, and curb cuts.)

While universal supports were invented with a specific group in mind, they are beneficial to everyone. For example, automatic doors were invented so that people with physical handicaps could easily enter and exit buildings. However, it is also helpful to everyone who is leaving a grocery store with a cart full of groceries.

This concept can be applied to education and classroom routines. Some children may need supports that could benefit the entire classroom. For example, a visual schedule shows the daily routine or plan for the day. While they are not necessary for everyone, it helps people stay on task, know what is ahead, and can keep people on task.

AT representatives can help teachers with ideas for implementing universal supports in their class room that will benefit children with and without disabilities.

AT Tools can support students in the following areas:

• Sensory seeking behaviors

• Sensory aversions

• Attention supports

• Visual impairment supports

• Visual aids

• Memory aids

• Spelling aids

• Reading supports

• Writing supports

• Mathematics supports

AT Ideas- Master Sheet (Provided by Brenny Kummer)