1. Assistive Technology in the Classroom
Laura Caciolo

2. What is Assistive Technology?
IDEA definition (2004)
An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability
Note: this does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such a device
An assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device

3. In Layman’s Terms…
Assistive technology is anything that helps anyone do something they couldn’t do otherwise (read, write, communicate, hear, see, move, type, etc.)
In school based terms: anything that will help a student function better in the academic setting
Give access to the curriculum
Allow participation
Allow task completion
Independence
Reach broadest learners

4. Levels of Assistive Technology
Low Tech- no electronic component, inexpensive, high availability in classrooms
Mid Tech- electronic in nature, less expensive, require less training, often available in many classrooms
High Tech- often based on computer technology, may be complicated to operate, require more training, can be expensive, often powerful and flexible

5. No/Low Tech Examples Pencil Grips Manual Eye Gaze Slant Board P
Highlighters Planner Magnifying Board
Picture Exchange
Communication System (PECS) Raised Paper Visual Schedule
Easy to acquire or easy to access easy to create

6. No/Low Tech Examples Continued
Large Print Text Number Lines Page Turners Color Paper Letter Tiles Paper Tabs/Post-it Clamps 100’s Chart Stamps
Creative

7. Mid Tech Examples
Electronic spell checker Electronic dictionary Tape/cd player
Audio recorder Adapted keyboard Portable FM system
Amplification system Timers Calculator
Most schools already have items, just have to implement

8. Mid Tech Examples Continued
Portable digital magnifier Switches Bookworm
Word Processor Electronic Pens Label Maker
Most schools already have items, just have to implement

9. High Tech Examples
Computer iPad Smartboard Eye Gaze Word Prediction Text to Speech Speech to Text Voice Recognition High Tech Braille Devices

10. High Tech Examples Continued
Power Wheelchairs APPs Software Digital Hearing Aids

11. Implementation in the Classroom
Choose assistive technology based on the individual needs in the classroom
Choose assistive technology that will reach the broadest range of learners (Universally designed learning)
Take into account how to include all students in the classroom, regardless of disability
Think of resources that can carry across environments (school to home)
Make sure the people working with the students are trained in using the assistive technology
Think of ways to use the resources that are readily available
Rely on your assistive technology team for training, resources, and recommendations
Look for motivating and engaging assistive technology
Make sure the classroom set up supports access for all students
Use of the smartboard
Who would benefit
What do most student have available at home?
What do you already have that you can adapt or modify?

12. Examples of Use in the Classroom
Record notes for students (writing and audio)
Provide visual representations of information
picture schedules, model given directions, give visual examples of expectations, pair pictures with words, etc.
Make sure students are seated according to needs
keep in mind students with visual impairments, hearing impairments, communicative disorders, diagnosis such as ADHD, traumatic brain injury, and Autism
Allow for books on tape
Student with reading impairments benefit from hearing the book and following along
Use amplification if available
Use of speakers can support students not only with hearing impairments but those with auditory processing and attention difficulties
Make sure there are adapted books available
Modify books for student with visual, mobility, and reading impairments.
If a student has a communication device, allow time for the student to participate
Program phrases and vocabulary in ahead of lessons, model for the student what was added, and demonstrate patience
Examples of Use in the Classroom

13. SETT Process
If the student is diagnosed with a disability and needs assistive technology to fully participate in the academic setting, you can request that the student go through the SETT process
S- Student E- Environment T- Task T- Tools
S- What are the students needs?
Environment- Where are the needs?
Task- What does the student need to accomplish?
Tools- What assistive technology tools or services will address and support the tasks
The SETT process involves the entire IEP team
All parts of the team should be trained and educated

14. SETT Process

15. Resources
Dell, A. G., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. G. (2011). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall, 2nd Edition.