Donald Constant

Many students have disabilities and face obstacles that can hinder their learning. It is the responsibility of the teachers to provide them with alternative methods so they are able to learn. The use of assistive technology can help meet those specific needs. Assistive technology is any tool that a student with disabilities uses to help him understand better, complete more work quickly, or work independently. These tools can be purchased, and customized, or they can be created. Their purpose is to increase, maintain, or improve students’ functional capabilities.

Laws Regarding Assistive Technology Education of the Handicapped Act (PL ) Enacted in November of 1975, this law ensures that all students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education. This act also called for an individualized education plan (IEP) for all special needs students. Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act In August 1988, this legislation defined what assistive technology devices and services actually were. The Education for the Handicapped Act Later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), it includes providing services for at risk infants and toddlers. It was enacted in October Americans with Disabilities Act This act ensures that people with disabilities receive full civil rights and equal opportunity for employment, public transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, and local and state government assistance. It was made a law in July Tech Act Amendment Revised in January of 1994, this act says that states are to be held accountable for providing assistive technology devices and services for students with special needs.

Laws Regarding Assistive Technology Disabilities Education Act 1997-A definition of assistive technology was made official. Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS) was strongly suggested. This act also addressed the issue of mainstreaming and inclusion. No Child Left Behind Act In January of 2002, four areas of NCLB related to assistive technology were added: accountability, testing exemptions, highly qualified teachers, and research-based practices. Assistive Technology Act In September of 2004, legislators called for providing direct aid to students with disabilities to ensure they have fair access to needed technology. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act This act is the universal design for meeting the learning needs of eligible children with disabilities, from preschool to the age of 21. It was enacted in December 2004

IDEA Requirements IEP teams should consider the assistive technology needs of all students with IEPs. These decisions should be made based on the individual needs of each student. Assistive technology devices should be chosen that help make the student more confident and independent in learning tasks. The school district is responsible for providing the assistive technology, and cost or availability is no excuse.

Assistive Technology Example Electronic Braille Note Taker This is a portable device designed to help a blind person take notes. This machine can input, store, and output text in both Braille and print. The text can be read with a Braille display or by synthesized voice. This assists blind students by note- taking, processing and printing essays, sending s, browsing the web, reading, writing, and using a calculator.

Assistive Technology Example Frequency-Modulated Amplification System This is a wireless system that helps students with hearing aids better understand speech when in a noisy environment. Called an FM System, it creates a link between a microphone, usually used by the teacher, and the hearing aid. It sends radio waves to the FM receiver, worn behind the student’s ear. This helps the student participate in sports activities, class discussions, and listening to speech in videos.

Assistive Technology Example Electronic Spell Checkers and Dictionaries To help identify misspelled words while writing and proofreading, students with learning disabilities can use an electronic spell checker. The device reads the selected words on the screen aloud, so that the student can both see and hear the words correctly. This device is helpful when learning phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and fluency, as well as other subject matter.

Assistive Technology Example Switch Access Students confined to a wheelchair benefit from the use of a switch device. These are connected to electronic devices and help turn things off and on or indicate choices. Students are better able to control their motor skills. Students receive assistance with communication, computer access, and participating in educational activities.

References Anderson, G.H. (2012). Switches: what are they and how do I use them? Retrieved from atclassroom.blogspot.com/2012/switches- what-are-they-and-how-do-i-use.html. Assistant Technology. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from Dotlessbraille. (2002). A slightly different introduction to braille. Retrieved from Family Center on Technology and Disability. (2014). Assistive technology and IEP. Retrieved from First Years Professional Development through Distance Education. (2011). Historical perspective: Assistive technology legislative timeline. Retrieved from Phonak Communications AG. (2014). Children hear better with fm. Retrieved from Raskind, M.H. & Stranberry, K. (2009). Assistive technology for kids with learning disabilities: An overview. Reading Rockets.