Assistive Technology for Students with Auditory Processing Disabilities

1. Assistive Technology for Students with Auditory Processing Disabilities

2. Auditory Processing Disability • Children with Auditory Processing Disabilities can hear speech normally, but have difficulty processing and retaining it. • These students require extra time and assistive technology to aid them with their auditory memory and attention. • The following presentation displays some of the assistive technology that can be used with students who have an auditory processing disability.

3. Carbonless Paper • This paper is effective for the student who has difficulty turning lecture into notes. This enables another student, aide, or the teacher to write the notes once for themselves, and produce copies for the auditory disabled student. It is available in full notebooks, assignment pads, loose leaf paper, and story frame paper.

4. This system is installed in a classroom to provide stereo sound. The teacher wears a microphone, which then transmits sound to the speakers. Classroom Amplifier Systems • This is beneficial for the student who has trouble hearing specific sounds, such as the teacher’s voice.

5. This device consists of a microphone worn by the teacher, and a headset worn by the student. The student is able to directly hear what the teacher is saying through the head set, proving to be less obtrusive and distracting than the classroom amplification system. Personal FM Trainer • Based on personal experience, this device also draws less attention to the student, providing to be a positive learning experience.

6. This is similar to any generic tape recorder, and can be found in most electronics stores. The component that is beneficial to the student with auditory processing disabilities is the variable speech control. This allows the student to record lecture notes, and play them back later at a speed the student can comfortably understand. The speed can be adjusted faster or slower so that the student will be able to reinforce the information in a way it can be easily be comprehended. Variable-Speech Control Tape Recorder

7. Textbooks and leisure reading books may be loaded onto a computer using special software. The book is then synthesized using voice output, and ‘read’ to the student using a multi-sensory approach on the computer. Pairing auditory with visual cues enhances the comprehension level of the student, and provides a positive listening experience. Books on Disc

8. This device is a simple version of a laptop. It allows the student or an aide to type notes, assignments, and class work in organized files for each subject. The student is then able to directly connect the device to a printer or computer and print the text in minutes. AlphaSmart • I have not only seen positive results for the learner with auditory processing disabilities, but also those who need assistance in note taking or organization. The AlphaSmart is designed to be simple enough for a student to learn to use rather quickly, and without difficulty.

9. This is a more complex device than the AlphaSmart, designed for the computer-savvy student. This is a smaller version of a personal computer and can be used anywhere and anytime to take notes, produce media files, and use software. This would also be able to load specific software for the student, as the AlphaSmart is simply a word processing component. Since it is designed to be portable, notebooks usually average about 5 pounds in weight, making it easier for students to carry around. Electronic Notebook • This device would not only benefit the auditory processing deficient student, but also those students who need assistance in organization or fine motor skills.

10. This is a method of captioning lectures, classes, Television shows, and other forms of auditory media CART – Computer Aided Realtime Translation • A CART reporter listens to the auditory material, and then types it into a stenotype keyboard connected to a computer. It is then translated into readable language for the student to see on a separate monitor. • The text on the screen will reflect everything going on in the environment, including environmental sounds and speaker identifiers. Examples include: INSTRUCTOR: MALE STUDENT: FEMALE STUDENT: (LAUGHTER) (APPLAUSE) (BELL RINGING)

11. CART – Computer Aided Realtime Translation • This is beneficial for college students, as most classes are lecture. Some colleges have a CART reporter on staff for those students with auditory impairment. • This is also how closed captioning on television is provided for those who are hearing impaired. Windows XP also offers a caption feature that can be turned on to provide all information visually. Click here for directions on how to install this feature

12. Although these assistive technologies can be very helpful for students with auditory processing deficiencies, it is important for all staff involved to have adequate training, as well as tech support for troubleshooting. It is also important to remember that not every piece of technology will benefit a child with auditory processing deficiencies. Each piece of technology should be tested on a trial basis to see if it is effective. Commentary Thank you!