Assistive Technology

1. Assistive Technology Melanie Thomas University of West Alabama Spring 2015

2. What is assistive technology? • Everybody deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of a disability. • Assistive technology (AT) is any item used to improve the functional abilities of a person with a disability. • With the aid of assistive technology students with disabilities are able to eliminate frustrations caused by their disability and focus on their strengths.

3. Assistive Technology and the Law • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) entitles eligible children a free and appropriate public education. • In order to fulfill the requirements of IDEA, all schools must provide assistive technology devices or services as required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

4. Assistive Technology and the Law • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against anyone with a disability. • ADA does not require the government or public to provide individuals with personal devices or services; however, devices or services must be provided if needed for an individual to use their programs and services.

5. Assistive Technology and Disabilities Types of Disabilities Examples of Assistive Technology • Hearing impaired • Seeing impaired • Learning disabled • Physically disabled • Portable Keyboard • Pencil Grip • Calculator • Voice Recorder • Highlighting Pens • Manual Wheelchair • Timer • Spellchecker • Audio Books

6. AT for Hearing Impaired • Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) is any device that helps with listening situations. • The most common HAT is a hearing aid or an implant; however, these are sometimes not enough in certain situations. • Distance, noise, and quality of sound can create listening problems for the hearing impaired. HAT can help overcome these problems.

7. Soundfield Amplification System • A soundfield amplification system amplifies the teacher’s voice in the classroom through speakers that are mounted on the wall or ceiling. • Soundfield amplification systems typically consist of a microphone, amplifier, and one or more loud speaker. • It is best to allow the hearing impaired student to sit close to the speakers for maximum benefit.

8. Soundfield Amplification System

9. AT for Seeing Impaired • There is a variety of assistive technology to help the seeing impaired student complete tasks as easily as classmates who do not have a disability. • The types of assistive technology can range from systems that require the use of a computer to handheld devices that are easy to transport.

10. Video Magnifier • Students can use a video magnifier to project a magnified image on a screen. • Video magnifiers are sometimes mounted on a fixed stand; however, the one pictured is handheld which makes it easy for the student to guide across instructional materials.

11. AT for Learning Disabled • Reading, writing , and arithmetic are core values all students must master in order to be successful in the classroom; however, it is a challenge for students with learning disabilities. • Difficulties related to retention, memory, and comprehension prevent learning disabled students from meeting the objectives in the classroom. • Assistive technology provides a range of options to compensate for a student’s disabilities.

12. LiveScribe Smartpen • The LiveScribe smartpen is a valuable tool for students who have difficulty with memory and retention. • The smartpen records what is being said while the student takes notes. • The student can click on a note and hear what the teacher was saying at the time of writing.

13. AT for Physically Disabled • Assistive technology for students who are physically disabled enables them to participate fully in an educational setting. • With the aid of assistive technology, physically disabled students can communicate with their teachers and peers. • Assistive technology also includes tools that aid in mobility, eating, sitting comfortably, and exercising.

14. Roller II Joystick • The Roller II Joystick is a replacement for a computer mouse. • It comes with an interchangeable soft ball controller or handle. • Students with physical disabilities can use this joystick to operate many devices such as computers or communication systems.

15. References Assistive Listening Devices. (2015). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.necc.mass.edu/academics/support-services/learning-accommodations/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-services/student-resources/accommodations-tipsheets/assistive-listening-devices/ Dalton, C., & Hoyt-Hallett, G. (2013). Enablement through provision of assistive technology: case reports of two children with physical disabilities. British Journal Of Occupational Therapy, 76(2), 108-111. doi:10.4276/030802213X13603244419356 Haq, F., & Elhoweris, H. (2013). Using assistive technology to enhance the learning of basic literacy skills for students with learning disabilities. Internation Journal of Social Sciences & Education, 3(4), 880-885 Hearing Assistive Technology | Hearing Loss Association of America. (2015). Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://www.hearingloss.org/content/hearing-assistive-technology No Limits to Learning: Build Your Own Virtual Driving Course for Training Joystick Driving Skills. (2013, January 9). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://nolimitstolearning.blogspot.com/2013/01/build-your-own-virtual-driving-course.html The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2010). Assistive Technology: An Overview. Retrieved on January, 22, 2015, from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/ Video Magnifiers. (2014). Retrieved January 22, 2015, from http://www.afb.org/info/living-with-vision-loss/using-technology/assistive-technology/video-magnifiers-221/1235 What is Assistive Technology? How Is It Funded? (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2015, from http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859