Assistive Technology in the
ClassroomLeroy Steele
ED 505
What is Assistive Technology?
O Assistive Technology is “any device or service that helps a students with a disability to meet his or her IEP goals and participate in the general education setting to the greatest possible extent.”
(IRIS)
What is the Purpose of Assistive Technology?
O Assistive Technology may help students to:O CommunicateO Perform academic tasksO Participate in social and extracurricular
activitiesO Move or travel around the schoolO Use proper seating and positioningO Access materials
(IRIS)
Laws Regarding Assistive Technology
O There are numerous laws that address the use of Assistive Technology. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA is the law that is purposed to outline the specific requirements of schools and the responsibility that it owes to students with disabilities.
IDEA & Assistive Technology
O IDEA defines an assistive technology device as “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. (20 U.S.C. 1401(1)).
(Wrights Law)
IDEA & Assistive Technology
O IDEA requires that the IEP team consider the use of Assistive Technology devices and services that would enable students to become more confident and independent.
O IDEA requires schools to use Assistive Technology in order to "to maximize accessibility for children with disabilities." (20 U.S.C. 1400(c)(5)(H)).
(Wrights Law)
IDEA & Assistive Technology
O It is the responsibility of the school district to provide the Assistive Technology devices or services that are deemed necessary by the IEP team.
O IDEA also requires training for teachers, students, and parents for the Assistive Technology devices that are deemed necessary by the IEP team.
(Wrights Law)
Assistive Technology for the Hearing Impaired
O C-Print is a speech to text or captioning technology that displays spoken English in real time. C-Print is proven successful in secondary and post-secondary classrooms.
Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired
O Braille Lite is a note taker that allows students to type notes in class on a specialized keyboard. The Braille Lite can be hooked to a PC to print notes in large type or on an embosser in Braille.
(Ring)
Assistive Technology for the Learning Disabled
O Talking Calculators are one option for students with disabilities in math.
O “A talking calculator has a built-in speech synthesizer that reads aloud each number, symbol, or operation key a user presses; it also vocalizes the answer to the problem. This auditory feedback may help a student check the accuracy of the keys he presses and verify the answer before he transfers it to paper.”
(Stanberry & Raskind)
Assistive Technology for the Physically Disabled
O Adjustable monitors and keyboards allows for access, seating, or mobility for physically disabled students. Adjustable monitors and keyboards are especially helpful for students who are confined to wheelchair or have limited range of motion.
(Assistive Technology for Education)
ReferencesAssistive Technology for Education. http://assistivetechnologyforeducation.com/assessments-workshops-services/examples-of-assistive-technology/
The IRIS Center. ”Assistive Technology, An Overview.”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_03/#content
Ring, Sarah. “Out of Sight: Technology Helps Visually Impaired Students Thrive” http://www.edutopia.org/edward-r-murrow-technology-visually-impaired.
Stanberry, Kristen and Raskind, Marshall. “Talking Calculators.” http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/953-talking-calculators.gs.
Wrights Law. “Assistive Technology.” 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_03/#content
