What is Assistive Technology
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) defines assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child
Listed below is some examples of Assistive Technology
Audio players and recorders: It may help your child to be able to listen to the words while reading them on the page. Many e-books have audio files, and smartphones and tablet computers come with text-to-speech software that can read aloud anything on your child’s screen. If kids struggle with writing or taking notes, an audio recorder can capture what the teacher says in class so they can listen to it again at home.
Timers: From wristwatches to hourglass timers, these inexpensive devices help kids who have trouble with pacing. Timers can be used as visual aids to show how much time is left to complete an activity. If kids have difficulty transitioning from task to task, timers can help them mentally prepare to make the switch.
Reading guides: These are good tools for kids who have trouble with visual tracking or who need help staying focused on the page. The plastic strip highlights one line of text while blocking out surrounding words that might be distracting. The strip is also easy to move down the page as your child reads.
Seat cushions: An inflatable seat cushion can help kids with sensory processing and attention issues. The cushion can provide enough movement and stimulation to help a child maximize focus without having to get up and walk around.
FM listening systems: These can reduce background noise in the classroom and amplify what the teacher says. This can help with auditory processing issues as well as attention issues. The teacher wears a microphone that broadcasts either to speakers around the room or to a personal receiver worn by the student. FM systems are also used to help kids with hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorder and language-processing issues.
Calculators: Depending on your child’s math issues, it might be appropriate to use a basic calculator in class. There are also large-display calculators and even talking calculators. A talking calculator has built-in speech output to reads the numbers, symbols, and operation keys aloud. It can help kids confirm that they pressed the correct keys.
Writing supports: If your child has trouble with writing, try using plastic pencil grips or a computer. Basic word processing programs come with features that can help with spelling and grammar issues. For students whose thoughts race ahead of their ability to write them down, different kinds of software can help. With word prediction software, your child types the first few letters and then the software gives word choices that begin with that letter. Speech recognition software allows your child to speak and have the text appear on the screen. These kinds of software are built-in features on many smartphones and tablet computers .
Graphic organizers: These can be low-tech. There are many different designs you can print out that can help your child organize thoughts for a writing assignment. There are also more sophisticated tools such as organizing programs that can help kids map out their thoughts. Talk to your child’s school about finding the right assistive technology for your child.
Computers: These allow students to use multiple types of software (e.g., word processing, Internet browsers, email, electronic text) to support learning.
Communication devices: Used to help students communicate more easily and effectively, these talking devices have keyboards that include the letters of the alphabet, pictures, and word-keys so that students can produce thousands of sounds, words, and phrases.
Specialized writing tools: Used to develop gross-motor and fine-motor skills such as pencil control and pencil grasp, these tools reduce frustration for students when writing while increasing their writing speed and movement.
Planners: Notebooks or calendars are used to help students keep track of their schedules and upcoming events, as well as to plan how much time is needed to complete an assignment.
Raised-line paper: Raised-lined paper provides visual and tactile feedback to students to write between the lines and is used to help students improve their handwriting skills.
Highlighting pens and tape: Bright colors draw a student’s attention to vocabulary terms or other important points in their notes or books. Highlighter tape allows students to temporarily highlight in a textbook without making permanent marks.
Non-slip material: Non-slip material grips both sides of a surface to help students stabilize their paper or notebook on a writing surface and keep items like pencils or markers from rolling off a desk. Some students sit on non-slip mats to help stabilize them while seated.
Rubber stamps: Students can use stamps to reproduce letters, numbers, and math functions as an alternative to handwriting
Adaptive utensils: These are used to assist students with eating. For example, large grip handles making grasping the utensil easier and a cup with a base and lid can benefit those who spill frequently or who have weak lip control.
Tablet: Any of a number of lightweight, portable computer devices. Tablets typically feature user interface based around touchscreen technology or the use of a pen-like stylus.