Assistive Technologies in Educational Settings By: Sasha Torres

O Educators should always remember that not every student in the class learns the same way. Some students may have no learning problems, while others have a learning or physical disability. Educators should take into consideration how they will accommodate each student while making lesson plans. It is our duty as teachers to ensure that we will incorporate any technology that will help students with a disability learn better with assistive and adaptive technologies.

What is Assistive Technologies? O Assistive technologies are tools that make academic material more accessible to students by minimizing barriers to learning. Photo Credit to TinaMariposa 12 on FlickrFlickr

What are Adaptive Technologies? O Adaptive technology solutions may involve simple, readily available adjustments such as using built-in access devices on standard computers, or they may require unique combinations of software and hardware such as those needed for voice or Braille output. (Burgstahler, 2012)

misterfehr Assistive Technology Enabling Dreams

Did You Know? O Did you know that in 1998 the U.S passed the Assistive Technology Act. O The Assistive Technology Act was passed so that each state could be federally funded to improve/ provide technologies that will help students with disabilities. O This act was initially established in 1997, so it is fairly new and still developing. President Bush passes this act.act Photo credit to JAXPORT of Flickr Flickr

Assistive Tools O Some assistive tools that could help children with a disability in a classroom are: 1. Alternative Keyboards: Would be for students who has difficulty typing. They can customize a keyboard that fits their personality and needs. 2. Audio Books: Would be for students who have trouble reading, they may have dyslexia. Audio books help them understand what they read better because it reads the text to them. 3. Personal FM Listening System: Would be for students who have trouble hearing. This device amplifies what is being said to them so that they clearly understand it. 4. Electronic Math Worksheets: Would be for students who have trouble doing math problem with a standard pencil and paper. This program would put the worksheet into an electronic form for the student to work on a computer. Photo credit to ISNS on FlickrFlickr

Assistive Tools Cont…. 5. Speech Recognition Programs: Would be for students who speech better then they write. A student would speak into microphone and it automatically translate it to text on a computer. 6. Variable-Speed Tape Recorders: Would be for students who have trouble taking down notes. They could simply record their class to replay, slow down, or speed it up later. O These are just some assistive tools to name a few. Check out this website to see some other assistive tools that may help students. There are many more out there, and still more to come. As technology progresses so does the invention of new assistive technologies to help students with a learning or physical disabilities.this

Why Should We Use It? O Using assistive technologies in a classroom helps the students who have a disability feel more independent. It also helps the class come together as a whole because the assistive technologies create a easy learning environment for those with a disability. With assistive technologies the students who have a disability now feel comfortable in a classroom setting with other learners. Assistive technology makes them feel as if they were just like everything else.

Assistive Technology in Action Pacercenter

References O ATAP (2010, April 20). Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs Home Page.Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs Home Page. Retrieved March 2013, from O Burgstahler, S. (1994). Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology.University of Washington. Retrieved March 2013, from mp.html O Misterfehr (2011). Assistive Technology Enabling Dreams. YouTube. Retrieved March 2013, from O Pacercenter (2012, August 7). Assistive Technology Enabling Dreams. YouTube. Retrieved 2013, from O Stanberry, K., & Raskind, M. (2013). Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An Overview | Reading Topics A-Z | Reading Rockets. Reading Comprehension & Language Arts Teaching Strategies for Kids | Reading Rockets. Retrieved March 2013, from