ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Jessica Spitzer University of West Alabama ED 505

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY? According to IRIS, Assistive Technology is defined as, “any device or service that helps a student with a disability to meet his or her IEP goals and to participate in the general education setting to the greatest possible extent.” Assistive technology allows students to be integrated into the classroom to ensure optimal learning experiences with peers. The following are some examples of daily activities assistive technology can help a student: Communicate Perform academic tasks Participate in activities Travel around school Access materials Assistive technology can be devices or services. It is important for students to have access to the device and the support to know how to use it appropriately for success.

WHAT LAWS ARE IN PLACE REGARDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY? Rehabilitation Act: Section 501- “prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in Federal employment and requires Federal agencies to establish affirmative action plans for the hiring, placement, and advancement of people with disabilities in Federal employment.” Section 504- “prohibits discrimination based on disability in federally funded and federally conducted programs or activities in the United States, including employment programs.” Section 505- “establishes the enforcement procedures for title V of the Rehabilitation act” Section 508- “requires Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.” (National Disability Rights Network)

WHAT LAWS ARE IN PLACE REGARDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY? (CONTINUED) American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA): “prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state, and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.” (NDRN) Assistive Technology Act of 1998: “establishes a grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, to provide Federal funds to support State programs that address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities.” (NDRN) Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996: “requires manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and providers of telecommunications services to ensure that such equipment and services are accessible to persons with disabilities.” (NDRN) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): “guarantees the right of all children with disabilities to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.” (NATRI) Established the Individualized Education Program. IDEA Improvement Act of 2004: “maintains the right of all children with disabilities to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.” (NATRI) Each child must be considered for assistive technology in their IEP meeting. Requires annual IEP goals.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR STUDENTS?

HEARING IMPAIRED FM Listening System- Uses a microphone for the speaker which transmits audio directly to the listener. Helps listener focus on the speaker and not be distracted by other noises or sounds. Can be portable or built in to the classroom or auditorium. Image from

SEEING IMPAIRED Screen Readers allows blind and low vision people to be able to use computers. The user scrolls the mouse or uses the keyboard arrows to go over what needs to be read aloud by a computerized voice. NVDA is one free screen reader available for download. Video from

LEARNING DISABLED Audio Books- Allows students to read or listen to a text in a digital format. Ensures students have access to material being discussed in class or in free reading time. Audio books help students remain focused on material, in which they may have lost interest in other formats. Variety of services that offer audiobooks for students, one being audiobooks.com. Image from

PHYSICALLY DISABLED FaceMouse - Uses a computer’s webcam as a mouse. Allows “students to use their head and facial gestures to perform a number of tasks, including pointing the cursor, clicking on sites, or typing on the keyboard.” (TeachThought) Facial gestures and actions can be assigned a keystroke or a mouse click. Image from

REFERENCES 8 Helpful Assistive Technology Tools For Your Classroom. (2013, May 15). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from classroom/ Assistive Technology: An Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2015, from Assistive Technology: Federal Law and Regulations. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2015, from regulations.html Assistive Technology Legal Mandates. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2015, from

REFERENCES (CONTINUED) Face Mouse. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from Just Press Play. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from NV Access: Our Mission (Developers of free screen reader NVDA). (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from Stanberry, K., & Raskind, M. (n.d.). Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An Overview. Retrieved June 14, 2015, from learning-disabilities-overview TecEar - hearing assistance technology consultants. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from