Assistive Technology in Education Group 5 Presentation Software Project TLS 318 Kassie Schauer- Examples of Assistive Technology Nicole Palmer- Universal Design and Compiler

Definitions Commonly Used When Talking About Assistive Technology  Video Magnifier:  also called a closed circuit television, provides a magnified image for people with low vision.  IEP:  An Individualized Education Plan is a plan developed specifically for a student to allow that he or she obtains any help he or she needs in school.  Text to Speech Software:  Abbreviated as TTS, is an application that converts written text into spoken word output.  Screen Reader:  This enables people with visual impairments or blindness to use a computer by providing the text content of a computer display.  Closed Caption/Subtitle:  These are typed words on any video that allow for a person who is deaf to follow along with the video without audio input.

What is Assistive Technology  Assistive Technology is any item, product, or software that allows for a person with a disability to function better in the world.  Not everyone will use the same assistive technology, but there are some common devices that help many people in several different ways.

Examples of Assistive Technology  The Ipad  In the classroom the Ipad can be useful in many ways including developing analytical, critical, and literacy thinking skills. Also, Ipads and tablets can assist students in studying more efficiently which leads to students performing better in classes.  Audio Players  It can be useful for a student to listen to the words being spoken out loud while they read to themselves.  Many computers and other software devices come with text-to- speech software that will read aloud anything on the screen  Timers  Can be used for students to have a visual of how much time they have left to complete an assignment.  Can also help students mentally prepare to transition to another task.  Recorders  These can capture what the teacher said, which can be replayed at a later time for students who struggle with taking notes or listening in class.

Changing Schools: Will my child receive the same assistive technology?  Depending on the circumstance, if a child relocates schools or districts his assistive technology will remain with the school who originally provided it.  Although, in some cases the child’s school will sell or transfer the assistive device to the student.

Universal Design  Universal Design refers to the way in which buildings are arranged or built to be accessible for anyone.  This is included in assistive technology because there are many people with disabilities that require alternate ways to navigate and/or enter and exit buildings.  Universal Design can include anything from ramps, elevators, disability entrances, electric doors, brail signs and more.

Links  Parental Briefing on Assistive Technology Parental Briefing on Assistive Technology  Website to Purchase Assistive Technology Website to Purchase Assistive Technology  Assistive Technology for Teachers’ Use Assistive Technology for Teachers’ Use  learning/assistive-technology/assistive- technologies-basicshttps:// learning/assistive-technology/assistive- technologies-basics  ning-disabilities/strategies-for-learning- disabilities/assistive-technology/ ning-disabilities/strategies-for-learning- disabilities/assistive-technology/  /assistive/ /assistive/