ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Created by Nina Jones August 30 th, 2014 Fair isn’t everybody getting the same thing…. Fair is everybody getting what they need to be successful.

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY? Assistive technology in education refers to any device that helps a student with disabilities perform daily activities in the classroom(“Assistive Technology,” n.d.). Assistive technology devices are designed to meet physical, verbal, and visual needs of students to help them function more efficiently in the educational setting. Devices can range from “low” to “high” technology. “Low” technology devices require little to no electronic equipment. “High” technology devices require more electronic equipment, and are typically more costly. Utilizing assistive technology devices in the classroom insures that all students have the opportunity to succeed in the learning process.

LAW REGARDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY The Assistive Technology Act of 1988 is a grant program, which is presented by the U.S. Department of Education (“Technology Specific Laws and Regulations,” 2012). This program provides Federal funds to state assistive technology programs. STAR is Alabama’s Assistive Technology Act program that is federally funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (“STAR, Alabama’s Assistive Technology Resource,” 2012). This program was put in place in regards to the Assistive Technology Act of STAR provides residents of Alabama with free access to materials and attainment of assistive technology.

HEARING IMPAIRED DEVICE Numerous auditory assistive technology devices are available for classroom use. Auditory trainers, an assistive technology tool, are often used in classroom settings (“Auditory Processing Disorders in Children,” 2012). The teacher wears a microphone which transfers his/her voice to earphones worn by the student. One benefit of using an auditory trainer is less background noise so that the child can focus on instruction within the classroom. Auditory Trainer

VISUALLY IMPAIRED DEVICE When working with students who are seeing impaired, large print and/or high contrast tools are favorable (“Low Tech Aids,” 2005). Visually impaired students can utilize a video magnifier in the classroom. A video magnifier enlarges print to make reading documents easier for the student. The print is enlarged through a monitor, which is projected using a camera with a zoom lens. This assistive technology device is favorable for documents that are not electronic. Putting documents in large print for students with vision problems can help them become more successful in the classroom. E-bot PRO is a video magnifier that is compatible with an iPad or Android tablet (“E-bot,” n.d.). This device uses the tablet screen as a monitor. Users can adjust the magnification level, text color, or take a screenshot of a document. Desktop Video Magnifier E-bot PRO

LEARNING DISABLED Learning disabilities can be a difficult obstacle for students. While there are several learning disabilities that exist, along with an abundance of assistive technologies to take advantage of, an individual observation of the student should determine the tool that is needed. An effective tool for a student struggling in reading is a Franklin Bookman reference tool. The Franklin Bookman Children’s Talking Dictionary and Spell Corrector is a great tool for students struggling with reading, writing, and spelling (“Children’s Talking Dictionary and Spell Corrector,” n.d.). It has a speaking dictionary, automatic phonetic spell corrector, handwriting guide, rhyme finder, and word-building games. It also has a headphone jack for student privacy. This tool is beneficial to students who need the extra support during classroom instruction. Franklin Bookman Children’s Talking Dictionary and Spell Corrector

PHYSICALLY DISABLED Voice recognition software is most often used with people who have difficulties typing (“Voice- Recognition Software”, 2009). Additionally, users with dyslexia or those who struggle with spelling could benefit from this program. The basic idea of the software is that the user speaks into the microphone and the words appear on the computer screen. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a well-known software program for voice recognition. Voice Recognition Software Dragon NaturallySpeaking Voice Recognition System

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