Assistive technology is any piece of equipment, tool, device, material, or service that can be used to help a student succeed in the classroom.
Assistive Technology can help students in the classroom to:
Communicate with teachers and peers Complete assignments Access materials Increase mobility Participate in the classroom Participate in extracurricular programs
IDEA defines assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child and specifically excludes a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device.”
Assistive Technology can be as simple as a rubber pencil grip or a highlighter marker to as complex as a computerized, voice controlled wheelchair.
Assistive Technology for the Hearing Impaired
Audio or Hearing Loopo Works with the hearing aid…you just flip the
telecoil switch in the hearing aid or cochlear implant to amplify sound
o Students are able to hear instruction from the teacher, as well as, other conversations/ happenings in the classroom
o Works in any environment that has the universal magnetic signal
o No additional equipment or receivers are needed
Assistive Technology for the Seeing Impaired
Screen Readers Supports the blind and visually impaired
computer user by reading the text aloud Gives students with limited or no vision the
ability to use computer software in the classroom Thunder is an option of free talking software
for individuals with little or no sight. It is available for download on Windows 7,
Vista, and XP in several different languages.
Technology for the Learning Impaired
Talking Calculator Assist students who struggle
with math skills Built-in speech synthesizer to
read aloud numbers, symbols, or operations pressed
Auditory feedback to check accuracy of keys pressed
Assistive Technology for the Physically ImpairedAlternative Mouse
Trackballs Joystick Mouse control using a switch & body part
movement Mouse control using head movement Mouse control using eye movement Mouse control using sip/puff mouth actions Enables students with limited hand use, the
ability to use other movements/body parts to independently use computer software for instruction/remediation
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