Assistive Technology Rebekah Beason ED 505

Assistive Technology (AT) is defined as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability”(Assistive Technology in Education, 2008) This, however, excludes the use of medical accommodations that have been surgically or removed. But it can include anything from prescription glasses to talking calculators.

Hearing Impaired Assistive Technology Students with Hearing Impairment use AT to enhance the obstacles that inhibit them such as: room acoustics space between student and teacher; and distractive noise around them. Examples of AT for students with a Hearing Disability: FM Systems- This device uses a microphone used by the teacher and a receiver used by the student. The receiver transmits directly to the hearing aid of the student. Sound Field Systems-This device projects the teacher’s voice from a microphone so that students would hear like the teacher was right next them. (Hearing Assistive Technology for Students, 2015) Closed Captioning

Visually Impaired Assistive Technology Students who are Visually Impaired have trouble seeing or are unable to see at all. Examples of AT for students who are Visually Impaired: Books on tape Eye glasses Electronic magnifier Brailed materials Large Print Books (Willings, 2015)

Learning Disabled Assistive Technology Students with Learning Disabilities use AT to enhance their strengths to build on their weaknesses in Math, Reading, Organization, and Writing. The following video shows how to use these types of AT. Examples of AT for students with a Learning Disability: Ipad Computer SMARTboard Telephone Walkie Talkie GoTalk 9+

Physically Disabled Assistive Technology Students with a Physical Disability have a deficit or restriction in muscle control and movement as well as trouble in mobility. Examples of AT for students with a Physical Disability: Mouth Stick Head Wand Voice Recognition Software Wheelchairs Walkers Braces (General Medical Center, 2015)

Additional Tips for Teachers Connect with parents, guardians, and Special Education teachers about what is and is not working Provide ample time for students to become acquainted with devices Appoint students with peer helpers if necessary Go to IEP meetings to collaborate and share data Continuously monitor the student’s growth

Helpful Resources about Assistive Technology for Parents and Teachers  Abledata’s website showcases a wide variety of retailors that provide Assistive Technology.  The Family Center for Technology and Disability  Closing the Gap Solutions describes different types of Assistive Technology as well as their price, features, and instructions for operation.

References Aguilera, G. (2013, December 28). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved January 23, 2015, from Assistive Technology in Education. (2008, January 1). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from Hearing Assistive Technology (HATS) for Children. (2015, January 1). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from Technology-for-Children/. Technology-for-Children/ Assistive technologies for people with physical impairments. (2015, January 1). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from uk.org/accessibility/assistive_technologies/physical_impairments.asp. uk.org/accessibility/assistive_technologies/physical_impairments.asp

References The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2010). Assistive Technology: An Overview. Retrieved on January 22, What is Assistive Technology? How Is It Funded? (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from Willings, C. (2015, January 21). Assistive Technology for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Retrieved January 23, 2015, from technology.html. technology.html