Assistive Technology Emilee Daws Dr. Beverly Ray ED505

What is Assistive Technology? O Assistive Technology is any device or service that helps a students with a disability to meet his or her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and to participate in the general educational setting to the greatest possible extent (The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements). O Assistive Technology devices do not all have to be ordered from a special store. Many of them can be bought locally.

Laws O The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA ’04) defines an assistive technology device as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child and specifically excludes a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device” (e.g., a cochlear implant). Assistive technology, therefore, might be something as complex as a hand-held electronic magnifying instrument or as simple as a specialized rubber pencil grip.

When Can Assistive Technology be used? O Students can utilize assistive technology to: O Communicate O Perform academic tasks O Participate in social and extracurricular activities O Move or travel around the school O Use proper seating and positioning O Access materials ( The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements)

Some Examples of Assistive Technology Devices O Pencil Grips O Post-It Notes O Computer Software and Hardware O Adapted Keyboards O Book Holders O Automatic Page Turners O Ramps O Automatic Door Openers O Wheelchairs O Slant Board O Calculator O Planners O Non-Slip Material

Hearing Impaired O Digital Recorder O A handheld recorder can be used during class to record what the teacher says. The student can then play it back as many times as they want and can turn the volume up so that they may hear the teacher more clearly.

Seeing Impaired O Digital Handheld Magnifier O A magnifier can be used by taking a picture of something or holding the magnifier over it and then being able to zoom in and make the words larger so that the student can read the material.

Learning Impaired O Text-to-Speech Software O Text-to-Speech software allows the student to scan a worksheet, test, or book, and then have the computer read the material aloud to them and highlight it as they go. If the student does not understand a word, he/she can click on the word and go to dictionary to hear a definition.

Physically Impaired O Adapted Feeding Tools O Students who have physical conditions that hinder them from being about to eat properly may require adapted feeding tools. This could consist of the lip of a bowl being raised to prevent spilling, or a special utensil for people who can only use one hand to feed themselves.

Resources The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2010). Assistive Technology: An Overview. Retrieved on August 23, 2014 from h%20Smartlux%20Digital%20Video%20Magnifier%20S m%20copy_LRG.jpg ralreader.jpg