Importance of Providing Assistive / Adaptive Technology (AT) for Students Sam Cordero EME 2040 Sec 170 Professor Washburn March 28, 2014

Assistive/Adaptive Technology Devices As Defined by the Technology-Related Assistance for Individual with Disabilities Act of 1998 (PL ) Assistive Technology Devices, also referred to as Adaptive Technology Devices, are any item, used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (Cavanaugh). Google Pics

Assistive/Adaptive Technologies Hearing Sight Mobility, or Cognitive Challenges To be able to translate text and understand Make it possible for individuals with: spoken words and data.

Adaptive Technology for Hearing Impairments Video Captioning Enables captions to be added to videos Captions represent audio content of video presentations Captioned information is displayed at the bottom of the presentation Caption information is appropriately synchronized with the video. Google Pic

Adaptive Technology for Vision Impairments Technology for Vision Impairments: Software JAWS for Windows JAWS works alongside popular applications, reading information on the computer screen using synthesized speech. With a refreshable braille display, JAWS can also provide braille output in addition to, or instead of, speech (Cognitive). Google Pic

Adaptive Technology for Mobility Impairments Adjustable Height Furniture The chairs in the ATAC are manually height- adjustable. This helps those that are short or tall sit in a more comfortable position without having to slouch or stretch. Google Pic

Adaptive Technology for Learning Disabilities NEC Versa LitePad Tablet Google Pic The NEC Versa LitePad Tablet computer is a lightweight laptop computer that electronically captures handwritten notes. The tablet supports handwriting recognition, allowing the user to write directly on the screen (with a non-ink digital pen) while the tablet translates the handwriting into keyboard-style text

Considerations for Assistive/Adaptive Technology The Individual The Environment The Characteristics The Level of Technology

Assistive/Adaptive Technology The levels are reliant on whether the device is: Personally Developmentally or Instructionally necessary May be Classified as High, Middle or Low Tech Level.

High Level Technology Devices to Perform Some Function Computers Microchips Electronics

Applications of Facilitate the learners effective interaction Assistive/Adaptive Technology Devices with his or her environment. Minimize, or eliminate, the student’s future need or reliance of a particular device eliminating the need for the item in an individual’s future.

Benefits Provides a method for students with disabilities to Some immediate benefits of Assistive/Adaptive Greater student integration in regular subject Decreased student isolation participate in classroom activities area classrooms Technology Devices include: of AT Devices

of AT Devices in the Classroom impact Many teachers have consistently worked to provide alternative ways of learning for students in different ways. The impact of technology on education has been profound. Computers have become an essential literacy tool in our society. When assistive technology is appropriately integrated into the classroom, students are provided with multiple means to complete their work and focus on achieving academic standards (sc.edu, 2012).

References Cavanaugh, T. W., Ph.D. (n.d.). Assistive Technology and Inclusion. Retrieved from Cavanaugh, T. W. (n.d.). The Need for Assistive Technology in Educational Technology. UNF. Retrieved from What is assistive technology and how is it used in schools? (Oct 9, 2012). sc.edu. Retrieved from Technology for Learning Disabilities. (n.d.) Cognitive Disabilities. Indiana University. Retrieved from