Assistive Technology by Joyce K Mitchell ED505 Week2 Learning Outcomes for Students with the following disabilities: Hearing impaired Seeing impaired Learning disabled Physically disabled

What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology (A.T.) is the use of technology to help individuals with a variety of disabilities. A.T. enhances learning by using both their abilities and disabilities. A.T. helps students reach their potential. The use of A.T. promotes independence. A.T. is usually an electronic device that a disabled individual might use to help them learn or function more easily. A.T. can help plan, organize, make a schedule, task listen and more.

Laws regarding the use of Assistive Technology FAPE and IDEA “Assistive Technology Act of 1988 established a grant program, administered by the US Department of Education, to provide federal funds to support State Programs that address assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities.” “December 2, 2004 President George W Bush signed into law the Individuals with Disability Education Improvement Act (IDEA).” The Law Requires: “IDEA requires that AT devices and services be provided to students with a disability, if it is needed for their education program. As part of the IEP team, consideration must be given to whether the student needs some kind of AT device in order to receive a free and appropriate education. These services must be funded but the district and can not be denied based on affordability. If AT services are necessity they must be administered by a qualified professional. The IEP should specify whether the device can be used at both school and home. “ Resources: Assistive Technology and IDEA:Regulations by Joel Mittler, C.W. Post Campus, Long Island University by the Technology and Media Division (TAM) of the Council for Exceptional Children

Hearing Impaired Assistive Technology Hearing aids Signaling devices Vibrotactile switch Pictures, photographs, objects Communication boards Assistive listening devices (e.g., amplified phone system) Phonic ear Headphones (to keep the listener focused, adjust sound, etc.) FM amplification systems (e.g., auditory trainer) TDD/TTY for phone service Closed-captioning television Real-time captioning CD-based (text)books, electronic books Audio-voice amplification device for teachers Telecaption decoders Vibrotactile systems

Seeing Impaired Assistive Technology EyeglassesLarge-print books Books on tapeMagnifying glass Slate and Braille stylusStencil Tape recorderCassettes Stereo headphonesLighting contrasts Pen lightsTalking calculators HighlightersVideo magnifiers Screen readersColor-blind aides Voice-outputScreen readers screen-reading softwareBraille Printer Closed-circuit TV Glare reduction screens Voice amplification/projectorComputer-screen magnifiers Braille writer (to take notes, store information, print in various formats) Braille translation software (translates inputted text that can be Brailed) Adapted paper (e.g., raised surfaces, highlighted lines, various colors, sizes) Calculator with large keys or large display Self-sticking notes (such as Post-It � notes) Computer with speech output or feedback Operating system special-accessibility options (screen enlargement, adjustment of keyboard, sound, display, mouse) Letter- or word-magnification software Talking electronic dictionary, thesaurus, spell checker

Learning Disabled Assistive Technology Feature 1 Feature 2 Feature 3 Eyeglasses Large-print books Books on tape Stencil Tape recorder Cassettes Stereo headphones Lighting contrasts Calculator with large keys or large display Talking calculators Self-sticking notes (such as Post-It � notes) Highlighters Computer with speech output or feedback Operating system special-accessibility options (screen enlargement, adjustment of keyboard, sound, display, mouse) Closed-circuit television Computer-screen magnifiers Letter- or word-magnification software Screen readers

Videos of Assistive Technology at work in the classroom

Resources: Product A Abner, G., & Lahm, E. (2002). Implementation of assistive technology with students who are visually impaired: Teachers' readiness. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), 96(02). Assistive Technology Services, Schaumburg (Illinois) School District 54. (2002, August). Tried and true tools for all learners. Educational Technology Training Center, Valdosta State University. (2002). Special education teacher resources. Retrieved November 20, 2002, from Generating Assistive Technology Systemically (GENASYS). (2002). Assistive technology, specialized software, and universally designed curriculum. Retrieved November 20, 2002, from Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, Pub. L. No (1997). Retrieved November 21, 2003, from Minnesota Department of Children, Families, and Learning. (2001). Assistive technology checklist process. Retrieved November 20, 2002, from