Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with disability (Robyler&Doering,2013,p.403).   Assistive technology has been thought of as extending the abilities of an individual in ways that provide physical access (e.g., wheelchairs, braces) and sensory access (e.g., Braille, closed captioning), helping address special teaching and learning needs(Robyler&Doering,2013,p.400). Using assistive technology in the classroom helps students with disabilities participate in a general education classroom the best possible way they can. We the devices they are able to complete and participate in activities with the whole class. Below are certain disabilities and how assistive technology can help.

Mild Cognitive Disabilities  

Mild disabilities are considered to be the most prevalent type of disability, according to Robyler&Doering, 2013, p. 406. Mild disabilities include learning disabilities, serious emotional disabilities, and mental retardation (Robyler&Doering,2013,p.406) The software used for these students would be for developing reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Reading software could be JumpStart Kindergarten Reading, Simon Sounds It Out, and FastForward. Writing software that can be used is Dragon Talk’s Dragon Naturally Speaking and Renaissance Learning’s NEO Writer. For math the students can use specialized calculators, mobile apps that will help with math skills such as Math Racer.

Moderate and Severe Cognitive Disabilities

These students have to devote a considerable effort to ensuring that they acquire daily living skills such as personal hygiene, shopping, and use of public transportation according to Robyler&Doering,2013,p.408. Software that can be used for these students could be AbleNet, Inc.and Attain Company.

Physical Disabilities

According to Robyler & Doering ,“Physical disabilities usually affects the person’s mobility and agility”(p.408) These students will need technology that will provide them the opportunity to operate it independently.   Assistive technology for severe students could be a joystick that is used for a wheelchair and to use the computer. Switches are also commonly used for controlling and getting input to the computer as well as activating environmental control systems (Robyler&Doering,2013,p.408)

Sensory Disabilities

According to Robyler &Doering, “Sensory disabilities involve impairments associated with the loss of hearing or vision”(p.409). For students that have vision impairments can use optical character recognition and Scan and Read Pro software that will scan and translate text.  Resources for sensory disabilities are VisionCue and  TeleSensory . Students with hearing impairments use assistive listening devices that may involve the teacher to wear a wireless microphone. Software used is AudioEnhancement.

At-Risk Students

At-risk students are not disable their academic performance is just on the level with students with disabilities. “The use of assistive technology by students with disabilities has helped the profession understand the types of academic tools that allow them to be successful”, (Robyler&Doering,2013,p.409-411). According to Robyler&Doering, at-risk students have difficulty remembering things to do, sequence of tasks, inability to read and comprehend at grade level, difficulties in written expression, math computations and concepts, and lack of motivation to engage in school work (p. 411) Software that can help these students is BrainPop, Don Johnston, Inc , ReadPlease and  WebMath.

Gifts and Talents

Gifts and talents has been defined as “students, children,  or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop hose capabilities( NO Child Left Behind Act of 2001,Title IX, Part A, Section 9101(22);U.S. Department of Education,2004), (Robyler&Doering,2013,p.411) Software that can help gifted and talented students is DUKE TIP Program and Hoagie’ Gifted Education Page , The Creativity Web, the Center for Creative Learning . These resources will help the students to be more engaged and self-directed in the skills.
 More information on Assistive  Technology

 

Reference

Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H.(2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching 6thEdition

Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall

Info on Assistive Technology http://t.co/NXoUl0978q, and http://t.co/V8wcB9MQXM #ED5059413UWA
— Shaquetta Bradford (@shaquettaeric) July 17, 2013