1. Assistive Technology Jennifer Beagles ED505 University of West Alabama

2. Explanation of Assistive Technology Assistive Technology is any device or service that aids in helping students with disabilities reach their full potential in general education classes. AT improves the individual performance of the student. This can help students function proficiently in communication, academic tasks or extracurricular activities.

3. Laws Regarding Assistive Technology IDEA 2004 requires IEP teams to consider the assistive technology needs of all children with disabilities. (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)(3)(B)(v)) The IEP team makes decisions on devices and the unique needs of each individual child. If the IEP team determines a need for these devices the school district is responsible for providing these.

4. Laws Regarding Assistive Technology IDEA 2004 also requires schools to provide assistive technology training for the teachers, child, and family. The child, his/her family members and teacher may need training on how to use these special devices.

5. Hearing Impaired Assistive listening technologies are devices to help the deaf and hard of hearing participate in everyday communication, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. These specialized devices are used in addition to hearing aids to undo the negative effects of poor acoustics and background noise.

6. Hearing Impaired Personal frequency modulation, or FM, systems transmit sound from the speaker's microphone to an FM receiver and from there to the user's hearing aids.

7. Visually Impaired Video Magnifiers also referred to as Closed-Circuit Televisions (or CCTVs), enlarge text and other objects. They also increase the contrast and visibility of just about anything that is viewed with them. Anyone with low vision who can no longer read regular sized newsprint comfortably while using glasses or special lenses should seriously consider a video magnifier CCTV. This includes all partially sighted persons and the vast majority of persons with low vision who have been declared "legally blind".

8. Visually Impaired Closed-Circuit Television

9. Learning Disabled Audio books and publications are a great assistive technology for the learning disabled. Recorded books allow users to listen to text and are available in a variety of formats, such as audiocassettes, CDs, and MP3 downloads.

10. Physically Disabled Sip-and-Puff Systems: A truly innovative tool that makes computer use easier for students with mobility challenges, including paralysis and fine motor skill difficulties. Sip-and-Puff systems allow users to control a mouth stick, similar to a joystick, using their breath. Students can direct the mouth stick to click on web pages, type, and perform other functions.

11. Physically Disabled Students can direct the mouth stick to click on web pages, type, and perform other functions.

12. Reference Page IRIS Center Peabody College Vanderbilt University (2015). Retrieved from: http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/cresource/what-should-ms-adelaide-know-about-assistive-technology-and- how-it-is-used-by-students-with-disabilities/at_02/#content Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright (2015). Retrieved from: http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/atech.index.htm Anderson Stacey (2015). The LIVESTRONG Foundation. Retrieved from: http://www.visual-techconnection.com/http://www.visual-techconnection.com/ http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/948-reading-tools.gs Salon Media, Inc. (2015). Retrieved from: http://www.salon.com/2010/06/30/kid_audio_books_open2010/http://www.salon.com/2010/06/30/kid_audio_books_open2010/ http://www.teachthought.com/technology/8-helpful-assistive-technology-tools-for-your-classroom/ http://enablingdevices.com/catalog/capability_switches/sip-puff-breath-switches/sip-and-puff-switches-accessories