Assistive Technology By: Laura Smith EDU 505

What Is AT? Assistive Technology (AT) is any tool or piece of equipment that helps to increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. These pieces of technology help to aid disabled people to perform daily functions more quickly, easily, or independently. AT tools can range from very expensive pieces to low-cost pieces.

IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized in 1997 by the Federal government. IDEA protects disabled students by mandating assistive technology devises or services to be considered for each child with a disability. These services/tools are reflected in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) as a method for use with the general curriculum.

Other Laws Other laws that protect individuals with the use of assistive technology are The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws require schools to provide AT for students (if needed) with disabilities.

Examples Over the next few slides, you will see examples and images of assistive technology that helps to aid students with hearing, seeing, learning, and physical disabilities.

FM Systems FM systems are a very common AT tool that is used for students with hearing disabilities. The teacher wears a wireless transmitter and the student wears the receiver. As the teacher speaks into the transmitter, it broadcasts radio waves that are picked up by the receiver. This allows the student to hear the teacher anywhere within the broadcast area.

FM Systems Source:

Magnifiers Magnifiers are a common assistive technology tool that is used for students with visual impairments. Magnifiers are used to enlarge words or pictures so students can see them better. Magnifiers come in many shapes and sizes. Some can be handheld, others can be full page. By using magnifiers, they can help visually impaired students become a more successful learner despite their disability.

Magnifiers Source: with_CCTV_116641_7.jpg

Audio Books Audio books are an example of assistive technology for students with learning disabilities. These books can range from a classroom read aloud to classroom textbooks. Audio books are prerecorded or narrated books that students can listen to in many different forms of technology. Audio books are especially great for students who struggle with reading.

Audio Books Source: books.jpg

Keyguards Keyguards are an example of an assistive technology tool that is used by students with physical disabilities. These keyguards are hard, plastic covers that goes over a keyboard with one hole over each key. This tool helps a student to not hit unwanted keys and increases accuracy. They are easy to attach to a keyboard, typically with Velcro.

Keyguards Source: am-intellikeys-s.jpg

References TecEar – Hearing Assistance Technology Consultants (2014). Retrieved October 26, 2014, from South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (2012). Retrieved October 26, 2014, from Dill, Margo. (2012). Using Page Magnifiers in Your Classroom for the Visually Impaired. Bright Hub Education. Retrieved from inclusion-strategies/47379-mouse-and-keyboard-assisstive-technology-options/ Audio Textbooks Help Students With Reading Problems Access Curriculum (2014). Retrieved October 26, 2014, from audio-textbooks-help-students.gs

References Continued Torreno, Stephanie. (2012). Assistive Technology for Children with Physical Disabilities: Keyboard and Mouse. Bright Hub Education. Retrieved from mouse-and-keyboard-assisstive-technology-options/