ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The research paper discusses how Assistive Technology hardware and software can be used to help students with communication problems, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dyslexia, visual problems and physical disabilities. Assistive Technology is important because it offers an individual with disabilities increased opportunities for learning, productivity, independence, opportunities that otherwise would not be available. INTRODUCTION

According to the United States Assistive Technology Act of 1998, assistive technology (also called adaptive technology) refers to any product, device, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (CATEA, 2010). With the device, an individual with disabilities will function more independently. These devices extend the abilities of an individual in ways that provide physical access and sensory access such as wheelchairs, braces, Braille. Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.Assistive Technology Act WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies. For example, people with limited hand function may use a keyboard with large keys or a special mouse to operate a computer, people who are blind may use software that reads text on the screen in a computer-generated voice, people with low vision may use software that enlarges screen content, people who are deaf may use a TTY (text telephone), or people with speech impairments may use a device that speaks out loud as they enter text via a keyboard. For more information, see the Access IT Knowledge Base article what is accessible electronic and information technology?what is accessible electronic and information technology? WHAT IS ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?

Montgomery County Public Schools provides Assistive Technology Services provides support for students from birth–age 21. Augmentative communication and technology services support nonverbal students who are severely limited in verbal expression or written communication skills due to physical disabilities. These services are provided for students at their elementary, middle, or high school, whenever the individual need is identified. There are organizations such as High Incidence Accessible Technology (HIAT), Interdisciplinary Augmentative Communication Technology Team (InterACT) and The Vision Program.(HIAT) (InterACT)Vision Program STANDARD SIX:

Each of these programs provides supports, technology, collaborates to schools in the county. Watch this video to find out what the county is doing about Assistive Technology (video): arents/services/video-assistive-technology.aspx STANDARD SIX:

A SGD or communication device is used by an individual to enable him or her to communicate more effectively with others. A device assists an individual in communicating through printed words, speech or voice output, pictures, or any combination of these. Devices range from having basic components and performing fundamental language functions to having the ability to perform computer-like functions and control household appliances. SGDs are designed to be used as either a primary method of communication or a supplementary mode of communication to augment existing communication strategies and can be configured or customized to address most communication needs. (CATEA, 2010). COMMUNICATION HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE:

COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). The behavior of children with ADHD can also include excessive motor activity. ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) :

Dyslexia is a developmental reading disorder that occurs when the brain does not properly recognize and process certain symbols and also called dyslexia. Developmental reading disorder (DRD), or dyslexia, occurs when there is a problem in areas of the brain that help interpret language. The disorder is a specific information processing problem that does not interfere with one's ability to think or to understand complex ideas. Most people with DRD have normal intelligence, and many have above-average intelligence. It may appear in combination with developmental writing disorder and developmental arithmetic disorder. DYSLEXIA

Each visually impaired student is unique and offers his or her own set of strengths and challenges. Students' levels and types of visual impairment not only differ, ranging from mild low vision to total blindness, but they might also have any number of other disabilities. General technology: such as computers, smartphones and cell phones, GPS devices, etc. can be used to help students with visual impaired disabilities. Assistive technology: items designed specifically to help people with vision loss or other disabilities, including everything from screen readers for blind individuals or screen magnifiers for low-vision computer users, devices for reading and writing with low vision, to braille watches and braille printers can be used by the school. (AFB 2012)screen readers for blind individualsscreen magnifiers for low-vision computer usersreading and writingbraille watchesbraille printers VISUAL IMPAIRED:

SOFTWARE WITH VOICE

BRAILLE WRITER SOFTWARE

Braille Displays MORE DEVICES TO HELP STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRED DISABILITIES. Braille EmbossersBraille Translation Braille Paper Digital Book Players Daily Living Devices Electronic Notetakers Screen Readers

Individuals whose physical impairments limit their mobility may need any of a number of devices to help them get around in the school building and participate in student activities. Mobility devices include such things as self-propelled walkers, manual or powered wheelchairs, and powered recreational vehicles like bikes and scooters. People with these disabilities often must rely upon assertive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and artificial limbs to obtain mobility. PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:

A tremendous variety of assistive technology is available today, providing the opportunity for nearly all people to access information technology. Teachers have to be aware of conditions and research on the different disorders in order to find ways of helping the students to learn under comfortable environment. Besides using technology, teachers can use these tips to help out on daily routines for the student. Work on the most difficult concepts early in the day; Give directions to one assignment at a time instead of directions to multiple tasks all at once; Vary the pace and type of activity to maximize the students attention; and structure the students environment to accommodate his or her special needs. Assistive Technology hardware and software used to help students with communication problems, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dyslexia, visual Impairment and physical disabilities have been discussed in this research paper. CONCLUSION

AFB American Foundation for the BlindAFB American Foundation for the Blind (2012) Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss American Foundation for the Blind. All rights reserved. 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 1102, New York, NY Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA), (October 9, 2010) Argumentative and Alternative Communication. Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) College of Architecture (COA).assistivetech.net: National Public Website on Assistive Technology CATEAGTCOA Robyler, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. (Fifth Edition). Boston, MA: PEARSON Education. Wikipedia, (17 October,2012) Assistive Technology. The free encyclopedia. Wikipedia project. Powered by MediaWiki. What is assistive technology? REFERENCES