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Assistive Technology: Easier Than You May Think… By Emily Dalgleish. Fair means that each person gets what they need in order to succeed. What is Assistive Technology?.
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Assistive Technology:Easier Than You May Think…By Emily Dalgleish
Fair means that each person gets what they need in order to succeed.
What is Assistive Technology? • Assistive technology, as defined by The Family Center on Technology and Disability, is anything that “helps a person with a disability do something s/he otherwise cannot to do.” • “Assistive technology can be anything from a simple device, such as a magnifying glass, to a complex device, such as a computerized communication system.”
Why Use Assistive Technology? • Besides enabling formerly “disabled” students, assistive technology is beneficial for all students • Research shows students in the early and middle grades benefit in reading instruction as well as students with special reading needs when technology is used • Studies show that students in technology rich environments show higher overall academic achievement, improved attitudes towards learning, and increased self-esteem
Isn’t Assistive Technology Expensive? • Many free programs and resources available online • Medicaid • Grants
Free Assistive Technology Online • Online spell checkers • Audio calculators • Text to speech programs • Visual aids • Computer based learning and review options
Medicaid • The doctor writes a letter of medical necessity • Describe the assessments given to determine the need • Formal request of specific equipment • Vendor ships AT device to individual • Device is used • Additionally- Schools are eligible to apply for Medicaid, these same steps should be followed
Grants • Multiple grant programs can be found through the US Department of Education • Small grants through civic organizations such as: • Lions Clubs • Junior League • Rotary International • Kiwanis International
Wrap-up • Assistive technology is useful and beneficial for all students • Assistive technology does not need to be expensive • By using technology, our school can diversify its population and better service its students
References Family information guide to assistive technology (2005-2006). Retrieved from http://www.fctd.info/resources/fig/index.html. Grahame, K. (2006) The wind in the willows. New York: Signet Classics. Honey, M., Culp, K.M., & Spievogel, R. (2005). Critical issue: Using technology to improve student achievement. Retrieved from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm. Maes, A. Funding assistive technology through Medicaid. Retrieved from http://www.onlineconferencingsystems.com/dn/funding_at/. Socol, I. (2009). Software collection. Retrieved from https://angel.msu.edu/section/default.asp?id=FS09%2DCEP%2D842%2D730%2D870191%2DEL%2D14%2D204&goto=.