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Understanding Assistive Technology: Tools for Empowerment and Independence

This guide delves into assistive technology (AT) used by children and adults with disabilities, aimed at enhancing learning, mobility, communication, and overall independence. It distinguishes between low-tech aids, which are easy to obtain and implement in educational settings, and high-tech solutions tailored for students with severe disabilities. Examples range from pencil grips and reading software to specialized communication boards and mobility aids. The application of AT in classrooms fosters inclusive education, collaborative learning, and individualized support for diverse needs.

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Understanding Assistive Technology: Tools for Empowerment and Independence

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  1. Assistive Technology Jennifer Hart Polly Foley Erin Tantillo

  2. What is Assistive Technology? • Devices used by children and adults with disabilities. • Designed to compensate for functional limitations. • Enhance and increase learning, independence, mobility, communication, environmental control and choice.

  3. Types of Technology • Low-Tech-Equipment and other supports readily available in schools, including off-the-shelf items to accommodate the needs of students. • High-Tech - Supports students who may need more specialized equipment and support services beyond basic assistive technology, often students with low incidence and/or significant/severe disabilities.

  4. Low-Technology for High-Incidence Disabilities:LD/Communication Disorders/MR • Liquid paper • Pencil grips • Raised-line paper • Post-it notes • Highlighters

  5. Misspeller’s Dictionary • Index tabs • EZC reader- reading strips • Hand-held tape recorder

  6. High-Technology for high-incidence disabilities: LD/Communication Disorders/MR • Word prosessor (Quickpad, Alphasmart) • Reading and writing software • Multi-media software (powerpoint, Inspiration)

  7. Assistive Technology for Students with BD • WatchMinder • Behavior modification through video

  8. High-Tech Resources for Hearing Impairments • Link-it array microphone system • Chatpack desktop sound field system • Tactaid

  9. Hearing Impairments- Resources • www.handspeak.com • www.abcdeaf.com

  10. Orthopedic Impairments • Communication boards • Modified mouse • Switches • Keyguard • Altered keyboard

  11. Autism • Digital camera • Picture making software

  12. Visual Impairments- high -tech Help • Mobility Aid • Braille Machine

  13. Visual Impairments-low-tech assistance • Voice recognition software • Position in classroom • Text to speech software • Braille translation software

  14. Working with technology • Opt for open-ended devices • Try lowest technology first • Collaborate with other teachers • Collaborate with parents

  15. Working with Technology Cont. • Ensure that devices used by students are age and gender appropriate • Use the assistive technology even if it is new to you • Know School district policy concerning equipment • Be willing to ask for training on equipment • Experiment with assistive technology

  16. In Class Application • Computers- can be either low tech or high tech often it depends on the software. Computers can enrich students’ education and assist all students in maximizing their interests. • Instructional assistants- large array of computer software for all ages. • EXAMPLES: teaching mathematics, supporting student journal writing, strategic reading. • Motivational tool • Means for adaptive communication • Data collection tool • Portfolio • Teacher record keeping • Teacher communication

  17. IEPS- Individual Education Programs • IEP software- enables educators to write the IEP electronically • State and local IEP policies and forms- needed for intervention assistance teams, special education referral, IEPs, and other special education activities. • RESOURCE: Additional IEP software Council for Exceptional Education http://www.cec.sped.org/bk/catalog.htm

  18. INCLUDE • Identify environmental, curricular, and instructional classroom demands. • Note student learning strengths and needs. • Check for potential areas of student success. • Look for potential problem areas • Use information gathered to brainstorm instructional adaptation • Decide which adaptation to implement • Evaluate student progress • http://www.closingthegap.com

  19. Cooperative learning and Peer relationships • Cooperative learning- helps overcome barriers on cooperative learning group that are heavily based on reading skills or quick communication. • Peer relationships- dialogue journals and problem-solving videos

  20. Collaboration • Sharing of information among colleagues, traditionally when professionals interact face to face or over the phone. • Internet- enables professionals from all over the country and other countries as well to share ideas, ask questions, and provide support to others. • “A Practical Guide for Educators” http://www.lab.brown.edu/public/ocsc/collaboration.guide

  21. Additional Assistive Technology Links • Useful Websites for Teachers Technology for everyone Assistive technology for students with disabilities Assistive technology consideration Innovation without boundaries

  22. BIBLOGRAPHY • Friend, M. & Bursuck, W. D., (2002). Including Students with Special Needs. Boston: Pearson Education Co. • http://www.assistivetech.com/ • www.abledata.com • Krick, W. “Enable Mart;” Mindnautilus.com. 1999-2004. Mindnautilus.com 05/30/04http://www.enablemart.com • Davis, J. “Assistive Technology.” Sitequest.com. 2004. Sitequest.com 05/30/04.http://www.sightquest.com • Brawley, R., “Assisitive Technology.” California Department of Education. 04/27,/04. CDE 05,/30/04. http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/pn/sm/assistech.asp • Rowley, B. “Family Village School.” Wisc.Edu. 11/03/03. Wisc.Edu 05/30/04 http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/education/at.html

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