ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY VISUAL METAPHOR PRESENTATION By: Jennifer Donnersbach EDU 309 2/18/14

INTRODUCTION  Assistive technology is a huge part of education today.  We have advanced instruction for all students in need of accommodations with assistive technology.  Even the most difficult disability such as blindness or deafness can be improved in the classroom via assistive technology.  The following are examples of assistive technology and how they can be used in the classroom.

TEXT TO SPEECH DEVICE  This device converts text typed by a student into speech.  For any nonverbal child, this device will make a huge difference in their communication needs.  Even students that are verbal can benefit from hearing what they type.  Text to speech devices are helpful in the classroom with communication, phonics, and word recognition.

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AUDIOBOOKS  These books are read to the student so the student does not have to read the words on the page but can still hear the story.  Audiobooks are very helpful for blind or low vision students to understand stories.  Audiobooks are helpful to students who have trouble reading as well.

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SPEECH RECOGNITION  The speech recognition device converts what a student says into text on a computer rather than the student having to use a keyboard.  This is another device that would be helpful for students to learn more about phonics and how sounds have meaning.  This device can also be of great use to those who have trouble writing their thoughts down.  Any child with low vision or blindness can also use this tool.

PERSONAL FM SYSTEMS  This device can transmit the teacher’s voice from a microphone to a student using a hearing aid.  For a student who has difficulty hearing instruction, school can be stressful.  This device allows these students access to a lecture or any type of instruction the teacher gives.  This is important because hearing your teacher is imperative to your learning.

BRAILLE  Braille is a system of reading for low vision or blind students done by feeling raised dots on a page.  Having a blind student in the classroom can be a challenge and having a system of reading and writing will make this challenge a lot easier to manage.  Braille will ensure this child does not fall behind his/her peers in the classroom.

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AMAZON KINDLE  An E-reader such as the Kindle, is an electronic book that offers many accommodations.  The Amazon Kindle has an option to enlarge the print for students who have difficulties reading small print.  The Kindle also gives word definitions for any word a child chooses, which makes reading difficult texts easier to understand.

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COLOR OVERLAYS  Color overlays help children who have trouble seeing print read with a better visibility.  Some children find it difficult to read black ink on a stark white page.  These transparent color overlays turns the white a different color so that the text is easier on these children’s eyes.  This assistive technology makes reading easier on many children.

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DYNAVOX  DynaVox is a system for students to use as alternative speech. Students touch a box and the device says the word or phrase for them.  This device is very helpful for any student limited in their ability to communicate.  Nonverbal students will be able to communicate with their peers as well as their teachers using DynaVox

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IPAD  The iPad allows the user to access numerous apps to help with any difficulties a student is having.  Students with motor skill impairment can have access to an easy to use touch screen surface.  An iPad can also allow students to learn at their own pace and learn at their own level.  iPads are helpful at every grade level and allow for students to get help in the area they need.

CONCLUSION  These devices can be a great addition to any classroom with a child in need.  Students deserve the best learning environment available to them and assistive technology ensures exactly that.  The technology we have today is vast and only improving, it is a wonder as to what we will have in the area of assistive technology 10 years from now.

REFERENCES  Nielsen, L. (2011, September 05). 25 incredible assistive technologies. Retrieved from assistive-technologies.htmlhttp://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/09/25-incredible- assistive-technologies.html  Bates, M. Hardware guide: Assistive technology for dyslexia [Web log message]. Retrieved from technology-for-dyslexia.htmlhttp:// technology-for-dyslexia.html  Bertner, S. (n.d.). Retrieved from  Udell, C. (n.d.). Retrieved from Classroom-Tablets-As-Assistive-Technology.htm Classroom-Tablets-As-Assistive-Technology.htm