Assistive Technology

Joe Benamati Coordinator of Pre-k thru 12 Special Education Assistive Technology Aka A.T. Coordinator Works with teachers, parents, and students to help them find the assistive technology that will help the child succeed in the classroom.

Types of Technology Assistive Technology- Technology required by the students so they can be successful in the classroom. Ex: Keyboard if the child can not write/hold a pencil. Instructional Technology- used to aid learning, but is not required and is not specific to Special Education students. Ex: calculator, computers, Microsoft Office, etc.

More on Assistive Technology I.E.P. Team decides what the student needs to be successful, then works with Joe to make sure the student gets it. If a students requires assistive technology, the student is allowed to take home the technology to do homework, or the assignment can not be sent home. Two major types: Communication and Written.

Communication Technology Helps students who can not speak. Picture symbols on paper. Voice in a box- when student touches pictures, the programs says what the picture is. Interactive computers – has touch screen and creates sentences.

Written Language Technology Word Processors Word Prediction- like T9 when texting. Learns writing style. Word Possessors that read to the typist. Voice to text- types what reader says.

How does this relate? Teachers must understand how to use this technology to help their students. Or known when to call Joe. Must understand the students, be open minded and think ahead when planning lessons.