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Assistive Technology Laura Teal ED 505 The University of West Alabama
What is Assistive Technology? • Assistive Technology is extending the abilities of an individual in ways that provide physical access and sensory access. • Examples of physical access include: wheelchairs, braces, etc. • Examples of sensory access include: Braille, closed captioning, touch screen, etc. • Students can utilize Assistive Technology to: - Communicate - Perform academic tasks - Participate in social and extracurricular activities - Move or travel around school buildings - Use proper seating and positioning - Access materials • Follow this link to find out more about Assistive Technology: http://youtu.be/DB9pKkZoJDc
Laws in Regard to Assistive Technology • In 1988, the Technology-Related Assistance Act for Individuals with Disabilities was passed in order to allow funding for statewide systems and services to provide assistive technology services and devices to individuals with disabilities. • In 1997, reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)instructs that all individualized education plan team consider assistive technology resources when planning for a student with a disability. The recent reauthorization in 2004 simply serves to reemphasize to schools the importance to academic achievement by students with disabilities and the need to do whatever it takes to meet each student’s needs.
Hearing Impaired Assistive Technology • In most elementary school situations, FM amplification systems are used to assist students with hearing impairments. These help students with hearing impairments function better in day-to-day activities. Communication between student and teacher is also enhanced through the use of this technology.
Visually Impaired Assistive Technology • Text to Braille converters can help students who are blind be able to read the text provided by teachers in Braille. • Screen readers can help students read text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer.
Learning Disabled Assistive Technology • One device a student with learning disabilities may use is an audio book. An audio book is good for individuals who struggle with reading but have good listening skills. • Another device students with this type of disability may use is electronic math worksheets, games, and tutorials. These help students understand the concepts in different ways.
Physically Disabled Assistive Technology • A device that may be used for students with physical disabilities is an alternative keyboard. These are helpful to students who struggle with motor skills but can speak the words, punctuation, etc. that is to be recorded. Students are able to complete writing assignments without the pain of writing.
References • Doering, A. H. & Roblyer, M. D. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Location: Pearson Education, Inc. • (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/assist_tech .htm, http://www.afb.org/section.aspx?FolderID= 2&SectionID=4, http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module /at/challenge/#content, and http://www.readingrockets. org/article/33074/ • Graphics retrieved from http://www.google.com