Tips for Selecting AT

Other Notes:

Some other things to keep in mind:

• no AT is a magic fix; any software used will help enhance the learning experience, but will not correct underlying problems. For example, with reading, using a text-to-speech software will help for comprehension and reading materials from other subject areas, but basic reading and decoding skills should also be practiced.
• the AT only works if the student is willing; limiting the feeling of being different, encouraging the use with all the students, showing the student how much their marks improve or how much easier something is with the AT are all ways to encourage them to want to use it
• communication with parents is also key; if the teacher, parents or student believe that it is cheating or being lazy to use AT then the implementation will not be successful; everyone needs to be on the same page that it is in the best interests of the student to use the AT, and its use should be encouraged in all subject areas and at home
• the AT cannot be beyond the student's ability; selecting a technology that is too difficult to use will only frustrate the student and will not give them the independence it should; if the teacher needs to be present to help them navigate or troubleshoot then the software is not effective
• on a related note, the student needs to be physically able to use the AT; providing a student who struggles with speaking clearly and annunciating with a speech-to-text software will not be effective as the program will not understand what they are trying to say
• it is imperative that the student is fully trained in the new AT; not simply a "watch me" session, but properly trained, over various days; as well, parents and teachers should have sufficient training to help troublshoot without having to call in IT for everything, and they should be able to help the students operate the software when needed
• it's a good idea to get input from the classroom teacher, resource teacher, parents, and student when it comes to implementing AT; unless everyone is on-board and willing to give it a shot, it won't be successful

At the bottom I have included some files that give more examples of AT and what cognitive processes or subject areas they benefit. This site has a list of generic tools or types and the areas of difficulty they would help.