Assistive Technology By Andrea Bilello, M.Ed.

Definition Assistive or Adaptive Technology (AT) “…products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities…” (Assistive Technology Act of 1998) “…products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities…” (Assistive Technology Act of 1998)

Assistive Technology Services Any service that directly assists students with disabilities in selecting, obtaining, or appropriately using AT devices or programs. Any service that directly assists students with disabilities in selecting, obtaining, or appropriately using AT devices or programs.

Assistive Technology Categories/Product Families. Communication Aids Communication Aids Computer Access Aids Computer Access Aids Daily Living Aids Daily Living Aids Education and Learning Aids Education and Learning Aids Environmental Aids Environmental Aids Ergonomic Equipment Ergonomic Equipment Hearing and Listening Aids Hearing and Listening Aids Mobility and Transportation Aids Mobility and Transportation Aids Prosthetics and Orthotics Prosthetics and Orthotics Recreation and Leisure Aids Recreation and Leisure Aids Seating and Positioning Aids Seating and Positioning Aids Vision and Reading Aids Vision and Reading Aids

Universal Design: definition Universal design is the design of products and environments to be accessible by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. –Ron Mace ( ) Universal design is the design of products and environments to be accessible by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. –Ron Mace ( )

Universal Design continued Access to everyone Access to everyone Providing products, communication and environments that are accessible to everyone Providing products, communication and environments that are accessible to everyone UDL Universal Design for Learning UDL Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design as defined by the AT Act of 1998 and IDEA 2004 “The term `universal design' means a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly usable (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are made usable with assistive technologies.” “The term `universal design' means a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly usable (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are made usable with assistive technologies.”

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) “…research-based framework for designing curricula; that is, educational goals, methods, materials, and assessments that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning.” “…research-based framework for designing curricula; that is, educational goals, methods, materials, and assessments that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning.”

What does a Universally Designed Curriculum Offer? Multiple means of representation Multiple means of representation Multiple means of expression Multiple means of expression Multiple means of engagement Multiple means of engagement

UDL Explore these links to learn more about UDL: What is Universal Design for Learning?, UDL Toolkits: Teaching Every Student, _introduction.cfm?tk_id=61 _introduction.cfm?tk_id=61 Curriculum Access and Universal Design for Learning,