Technology for Special Needs

 Sensory Impairments-   Hearing Impairments: Pocketalker Ultra Personal Amplifier Some students may have a hearing impairment, which could affect their learning in a negative  way, as well as the way they communicate with others. The Pocketalker Ultra Personal Amplifier  gives these students an opportunity to better their learning experience and their hearing  experience. This System amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background  noise. It is ideal for one -on-one conversation or small group listening. This could help the  student focus on the teacher in a noisy classroom as well. This device is customizable based on  the students needs, it is easy to use, and also small and portable. Its small size is also nonchalant,  making it to where the student would not be embarrassed to carry it around. This device can also  be used with or without hearing aids.The Pocketalker Ultra allows students with hearing  impairments to participate more fully in classroom activities, improving their learning  experience, confidence, and academic success.

 Physical Disabilities Adaptive Keyboard for physical disabilities: An adaptive keyboard is one of the many tools that students with physical disabilities can use in  order to boost their learning experience. Adaptive keyboards have multiple differences from a  normal keyboard. There is a trackball for navigation that is easier to use than a mouse.It  reduces strain on the hand and allows for less movement.There could also be joysticks on some  keyboards that help students navigate the mouse in an easier way as well. Head and eye  tracking systems are also often common with these keyboards. These systems reduce the  amount of movement one needs to make, but still allows them to type and complete work as  anyone else would. By combining each of these devices, students with physical disabilities are  allowed to have the access to type, but still maintain less movement which relieves strain on  their body. This keyboard is a great and simple alternative to a keyboard that will promote  learning and confidence for so many students.

 Cognitive Impairments Talking Calculator: A talking calculator is a fantastic tool that can be used for students with cognitive (learning)  disabilities, but it can also be beneficial to students who have visual disabilities as well. This  calculator directly repeated numbers and answers back to students, which is beneficial for their  memory and thinking skills. Some students face a type of dementia that affects their memory in  a way where learning and subjects like math can be very difficult. This calculator is a simple but  effective way to have that repetition of information for the student, providing them with more  opportunity to remember the number and learn more effectively. This helps students become  more comprehensive, which gives them more confidence and the classroom and ultimately  uplifting their learning experience.

 Apraxia Picture Exchange Communication System: The Picture Exchange Communication System is a highly effective tool for students with apraxia  and who struggle with verbal communication. Apraxia can affect motor skills, limiting the child's  ability to express feelings and words.This system allows students to exchange pictures with one  another to communicate.For example, the student could use a picture of a drink to indicate they  were thirsty. Students can build on this, and work up their communication skills without actually  having to speak. This system can help reduce frustration for a student , supports sentence  structure, and encourages speech development. This is also portable and easy to use. Overall  this is a very effective source to help students with Apraxia, and will give them academic  confidence and help them grow despite their disability.

 Reasoning/Critical thinking Audiobooks and Publications: Audiobooks and publications are amazing tools for students with reasoning or critical thinking  disabilities for a variety of reasons.Audiobooks provide a more accessible way for these  students to have more complex material.Known benefits include, enhances students  understanding, supports students memory, and breaks down complex ideas that help students  grasp concepts. It can also improve multitasking skills as well. For example, a student who gets  mentally exhausted when reading a geography textbook can switch to an audiobook, which  ultimately gives their brain rest while they are still learning and focusing on the  topics.Audiobooks help students with critical thinking disabilities by removing reading barriers,  enhancing comprehension, and strengthening critical thinking skills. It is a wonderful way to  engage a student with a reasoning or critical thinking disability.