Introduction to Assistive Technology Katherine Cunningham Technology In Education- ED505 University of West Alabama

The Power of Assistive Technology “All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” -John F. Kennedy

What is Assistive Technology? According to ATIA, “Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities”. - Assistive Technology can be anything from a simple device, such as sticky notes, to a more high tech device, such as any specialized curricular software.

Who can provide evaluations and give AT recommendations? A team of professionals who are specifically trained in AT will test and evaluate a student who has an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan). The team will then determine whether or not that particular student needs any AT accommodations or modifications, to make their tasks at home or school more accessible. Such accommodations may include low or high tech devices that aid the student in learning or special services with a professional facilitator.

The Law in regard to Assistive Technology “There is a wide range of assistive technology (AT) services and devices to which a child may be entitled.” Listed below are just a few of the Federal laws that have been passed in order to protect a child’s right with AT. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): “The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications”. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was initially passed in This law guaranteed that eligible children and youth with disabilities would have a free and appropriate public education”. -

Meeting Challenges with Assistive Technology “Assistive Technology helps to level the playing field for individuals who have disabilities by providing them a way to be fully engaged in many of life’s activities; especially in the classroom”. An individual with a disability may use AT to help them learn, to travel, work, participate recreationally, and to communicate with others. Provided throughout the following slides are examples are AT for each of the following disabilities: ✓ Hearing impaired ✓ Seeing impaired ✓ Learning impaired ✓ Physically impaired

Assistive Devices for Individuals With Hearing Impairments There are many tools to help individuals with Hearing impairments. One such device is called a Hearing Loop System. This system uses radio signals to transmit amplified sounds and are often used in the classroom. The instructor will wear a receiver, while the student wears a wire around his or her neck that is hooked into their hearing aid. As the speaker talks, the signal is transmitted to a particular channel that will amplify the sound.

Assistive Devices for Individuals with Seeing Impairments Technology has removed many barriers for individuals who are visually impaired. Students are now able to read their textbooks, complete their homework, and take tests thanks to the many advancements in technology. One such device that assists students who are visually impaired is the Optical Character Recognition System. “This system offers the blind and visually impaired individuals the capacity to scan a printed text and then speak it back in synthetic speech or save it on the computer.”

Assistive Devices for Individuals with Learning Impairments If a student has a learning disability, then he or she may benefit from assistive technology devices or services. Students may struggle to comprehend various subject areas. There are many devices that can assist students in regards to mathematics, reading comprehension, writing, Science, and Social Studies. Devices can be low tech such as pencil and paper, a calculator, or slant board. Devices that are high tech for learning disabilities are: alternative keyboards, electronic mathematics worksheets, or audio books.

Assistive Devices for Individuals with Physical Disabilities Physical impairments come in many forms and can generally be classified as a loss or limitation of function in muscle control or movement or a limitation in mobility. Some examples of physical disabilities are: arthritis, paralysis, limb loss, to name a few. There is a wide array of AT to help with any of these physical aliments. Some examples are: mouth sticks, head wands, voice recognition software, a walker, or a mobilized wheelchair.

References American Foundation for the Blind. (2015). Optical Character Recognition Systems. Retrieved from recognition-systems/ recognition-systems/1235 Assistive Technology Industry Association. (1999). What is Assistive Technology? Retrieved from General Medical Council. (2015). Assistive Technology for people with physical impairments. Retrieved from Great Schools. (1999). Assistive Technology for kids with LD: An Overview. Retrieved from learning-disabilities-an-overview.gs learning-disabilities-an-overview.gs National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (2014). Hearing Loop Systems. Retrieved from The Family Center on Technology and Disability. (2015). Meeting Challenges with Assistive Technology. Retrieved from The Family Center on Technology and Disability. (2015). Understanding the Law & Assistive Technology. Retrieved from