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Chapter Five Assistive Technology 2

Technology in Education Educational Technology – The study and practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing technological processes and resources. – In practice often involves repurposing technologies developed for other applications. 3

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Assistive Technology Devices – Items, equipment or product systems used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of an individual with a disability. Services – Assist individuals in selecting, acquiring, or using an assistive technology device 6

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History of Assistive Technology Braille Magnification of printed materials Electric amplification of auditory information Talking calculators 1970s application of microcomputer-based technologies to assist individuals with disabilities 8

Assistive Technology Legislation Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act – American Printing House for the Blind – Closed captioned films for schools for the deaf IDEA – Not just for students with more severe disabilities, but for all students with disabilities. – Provided at no cost except for implanted devices such as cochlear implants. 9

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Assistive Technology and the IEP Included on the IEP as a related service, accommodation, goal, and/or objective If written in the IEP it is the school’s financial responsibility but the school is not required to pay for all assistive technologies – Often provided by sources other than the schools 11

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Table 5.5 Examples of Assistive Technology Devices by Purpose Continued 14

Assistive Technology Devices and Tools for Academic Areas Reading Writing Mathematics Science and social studies Life skills Organization and management skills Assistive technology for young children 15

Assistive Technology Issues Possible stigmatization from use of assistive technology Need for adequate training or knowledge to implement technology so it is effective Costs 16

Future Trends Assistive technology and support of Universal Design of Learning (UDL) Trend toward mobile, personalized, smaller, and faster devices and apps Models for evaluating appropriateness of apps for students with disabilities 17