Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) is any instrument that allows students with disabilities to complete a task quicker, easier or even independently. It can be elaborate and expensive or simple and low- cost. In schools, based on the Individual Education Plan (IEP), assistive technology, can provide accommodations, modifications or adaptations made to the environment, curriculum, instruction, or assessment practices.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), mandates that assistive technology devices and services be considered for each child with a disability. Assistive technology is reflected in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) as a method for inclusion. The IEP must include information about a student's current abilities and how his or her disability affects involvement and progress in the general curriculum. The IEP must also include the program modifications and supports the school and teachers will provide to enhance student achievement. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require schools to provide assistive technology for students with disabilities, if it is needed to assure equal access programs and services. The Technology Related Assistance Act of 1988 ( and the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 define assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment, or product, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

Personal frequency modulation (FM) systems are like miniature radio stations operating on special frequencies. The personal FM system consists of a transmitter microphone used by teacher and a receiver used by the student. The receiver transmits the sound to your headphones, or if the students wears a hearing aid, directly to the hearing aid.

A screen reader is an assistive technology that allows seeing impaired individuals access to a computer. A screen reader allows a blind person to read text by hearing the information from a speech synthesizer of a computer. The students can send commands by pressing different combinations of keys on the computer keyboard to instruct the speech synthesizer what to say and to speak automatically when changes occur on the computer screen. A command can instruct the synthesizer to read or spell text on the screen.

Graphic organizers present concepts in a memorable way that can improve student’s comprehension of information as well as acquisition of content. There are several types of graphic organizers. Some examples include semantic maps, cognitive maps, story maps, concept maps, Venn diagrams and unit organizers

The Nintendo Wii is a video game system that allows players to use physical movements to control the game. For example, simulating a punching motion allows a character in a boxing game to throw punches. Though some disabilities might prevent the student from jumping and running around for all games, physically disabled students can use the Wii and some of its games to get exercise and learn the rules and of games.

SC Curriculum Access through AT. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from Assistive Technology in Education. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from FM Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from Kim, A., Vaughn, S., Wanzek, J., & Shangjin Wei. (n.d.). Graphic Organizers And Their Effects On The Reading Comprehension Of Students With LD: A Synthesis Of Research. Journal of Learning Disabilities, Retrieved October 30, 2014, from people/