+ Assistive Technology By Lyndsay RHodes. + Screen Reader A screen reader is a software application for people with severe visual impairments. A screen.

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Assistive Technology

By Lyndsay RHodes

+Screen Reader

A screen reader is a software application for people with severe visual impairments.

A screen reader uses Text-to-Speech technology to translate information into speech.

It can provide access to the entire Operating System including common applications.

It can translate information into auditory speech or braille.

+Closed Circuit Magnification This device allows people with visual impairments to

read writing and material by magnifying it.

It uses a mounted or hand held video camera to project the material on a monitor.

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Braille Translation Device

Provides access to information on a computer screen to students who are blind.

Can convert digital files into braille

After being translated the file is printed form a braille printer

+Adaptive Keyboard

There are a variety of different adaptive keyboards that can be useful to people with certain impairments or disabilities.

Large print keyboards can be useful to people with visual impairments

Alphabetical or color coded keyboards can make typing less confusing for students with learning disabilities

+Alternate Communication Devices An ACC helps people that have a disability that affects

their communication express their wants and needs

These devices normally provide a key board and/or a set of pictures or symbols that are translated into speech

For example, there may be a picture of a bathroom and when selected it says, “May I use the bathroom?”

+Adaptive Student Desks

For students that may have physical disabilities, a desk designed for their limitations may be extremely helpful

There are different types of adaptive desks based on disability

Examples: Desks for students with ADHD that allow them to sit and

stand and swing their legs. It complies with their natural energy levels

Wheel Chair Accessible Desk

+Personal Amplification Device

A small portable microphone that is connected to a receiver that is transmitted to earphones worn by a person with a hearing impairment.

It can be used with a telephone, television, one-on-one communication, etc.

It reduces interference of background noise ad send sound directly to the ear

+Audio Visual Communication Device

This is a device for students that may be hearing impaired.

It provides an up close image of the teacher/speakers mouth

This can make lip reading easier to help the students understand what the teacher is saying since they may not hear 100% of what the teacher is saying

+Voice to Text Translation

Students with physical impairments that cannot type on a computer may use Voice to Text Translation to do their work

This technology uses voice recognition software to dictate what the computer should type.

+Pros of these Assistive Devices

Make activities for students with disabilities more accessible

Students can be included in a general education class

They are an innovative approach to educational technology

Students can achieve academic standards

+Cons of the Assistive Devices

May make the student stand out in a General Ed classroom, which could lead to bullying

Most devices are very expensive

In order to use the technology, users have to be trained which takes time.

Students may abuse the technology by using it when they don’t need it