Assistive Technology Courtney Jenkins

What is Assistive Technology? As stated by IDEA 2004, Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.  Assistive Technology includes, but is not limited to, laptops, computers, iPads, recording devices, calculators, specialized pens or pencils, organizational tools, and raised-lined paper.  Many times teachers mistakenly believe that AT has to be “technology” such as a computer. Other devises, as listed above, are often times over looked.  It is also common for teachers to be uncomfortable or unaccustomed to using AT and therefore, they may be afraid to do so. It is important to be aware of the types of devices available to students who require Assistive Technology and realize that you may have some of these items already in your classroom. When a teacher is aware of this, they can better assist students who rely on AT.

IDEA 2004  Every child must be “considered” for Assistive Technology.  Consideration involves a decision based on whether or not AT devices and services are needed to accomplish the goals of individual students with disabilities. These decisions are made to ensure that each student will receive a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE).  Once a decision is made, a plan is written and implementation begins.  Any person who will be involved in implementation of the device or services should be somewhat familiar with its usage. Though it is not the teacher’s responsibility to know everything about the assistive technology, it is important for teachers and others who may be working with the AT to have a willingness to learn about it.  Regional and State Assistive Technology Lending Libraries may provide devices as well as some training. There are also many websites and videos you can access if you are interested in learning more about a device.

Assistive Technology- Hearing Impaired  One very common type of AT for a child who is hearing impaired is an FM system. FM systems allow the teacher’s voice to be heard at an appropriate level for the child to hear. They also allow the teacher’s voice to be heard above other distracting noises. These are great devices to use in a classroom because while it does help the hearing impaired child, it does not affect the learning of other children in the classroom.

Assistive Technology- Seeing Impaired  Communication boards can be an easy way to communicate with children who have a visual impairment. Communication boards allow students to see a picture or symbol and use pointing to communicate.  Communication boards can also be learning tools for young children with a visual impairment as well as a person of any age who may have suffered from an accident that could have caused them to lose their ability to speak, see, or hear.

Assistive Technology- Learning Disabled  Because there are many different types of learning disabilities, there are also many different types of AT for students who work with these learning disabilities. Though it could take a trial and error technique to find what works, there are many options available to use with your child or student.  One example is for a child who struggles in reading, but has good listening skills. This type of learning disability can be compensated by using audible books. This way a child can follow along and begin to pick up words as the books are read to them.  Another example is for a child who has a hard time lining up math problems with pencil and paper. There are electronic math worksheets that can help with this so that the child can watch as the problems are lined up for them.

Assistive Technology- Physically Disabled  A manual eye gaze board is a great way for students who are physically disabled to communicate. If a student is not able to physically point, this is a way for them to make choices and communicate by using their eyes.  This can also be used for learning. It provides a clear, clutter free frame so that the student can see the pictures or words while the teacher or parent can watch the eyes of the student to determine what they are looking at.

Assistive Technology  In my opinion, assistive technology is something that can make the difference in a student’s education. As teachers, it is important to remember this and to be open minded to any type of Assistive Technology that is used in our classrooms. We need to make a great effort to become familiar with the AT that may be used in our classrooms as well as to search for other devices or services that could benefit and make a revolution in our students’ education.

Reference Page  Assistive technology module. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology-and-how-it-is-used-by-students-with-disabilities/at_02/ technology-and-how-it-is-used-by-students-with-disabilities/at_02/  Augmentative and alternative communication. (n.d.). Retrieved from communication/235 communication/235  Definition of assistive technology. (2014). Retrieved from Assistive-Technology/Pages/Assistive-Technology-Definition.aspxhttp:// Assistive-Technology/Pages/Assistive-Technology-Definition.aspx  Hearing assistive technology (hats) for children. (n.d.). Retrieved from  Manual eye gaze board. (n.d.). Retrieved from  Mittler, J. (2007). Assistive technology and idea: Regulations. Retrieved from and IDEA Regs.pdf and IDEA Regs.pdf  Stanberry, K., & Raskind, M. (2009). Assistive technology for kids with learning disabilities: An overview. Retrieved from overviewhttp:// overview  Willings, C. (n.d.). Overview of assistive technology. Retrieved from