Assistive Technology (AT) is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them The main purpose of Assistive Technology devices is to lessen or eliminate barriers and to increase functioning. In a school setting, an Assistive Technology device can enhanced the learning environments for students with disabilities that may otherwise be prevented from participation in school.

Categories Low-Tech Mid-Tech High-Tech

Low-Tech Don't require much training and do not have complex or mechanical features. Examples: Pencil Grip Used to help students with their handwriting. The pencil grip encourages proper pencil use. It helps to position the hand and fingers properly for handwriting. Raised number rulers Have easy to read and touch numbers and lines that help to speed up math calculations in the area of measurement.

Pencil Grip Encourages proper pencil use and promote hand-eye coordination which further promotes other fine motor skills such as cutting, which will be beneficial to the Vision Impaired students.

Raised Number Rulers People who are visually impaired can use the raised numbers in the ruler to measure different items. The raised numbers allow them to touch the numbers and lines, rather than just see the lines like on the everyday ruler that you and I are used to.

Mid-Tech Have some complex features, may be electronic or battery operated, may require some training to learn how to use and are more expensive than the low-tech devices.  Examples: Books on CD A CD that when played reads a book out loud. This is great for readers who are learning how to read, students who can not read and students who are not able to read because of visual impairments

Books on CD

Mid-Tech Have some complex features, may be electronic or battery operated, may require some training to learn how to use and are more expensive than the low-tech devices.  Examples: Electronic organizers Some students are more successful with electronic systems that can provide audible and/or graphical cues and assist with activities such as homework assignments, steps of task, etc.

Electronic organizers

Electronic organizers

High-Tech Have digital or electronic components, may be computerized, will likely require training and effort to learn how to use and cost the most. Example: Power wheelchairs and scooters Help students to be more functional.

Power Wheelchair

Specialized Software

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