Assistive Technology in the Classroom Family Center on Technology and Disability

“Technology has great potential in providing access for all learners. Through the use of a variety of assistive technologies, students with disabilities can have the ability to access the general curriculum. When assistive technology is appropriately integrated into the regular classroom, students are provided with multiple means to complete their work” Janet Jendron University of South Carolina Assistive Technology Project “The Power of Assistive Technology” The Power of Assistive Technology

What is 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 a child with a disability” - 20 USC 1401(1)‏ AT can be anything from a simple device, such as a magnifying glass, to a complex device, such as a computerized communication system.

11/29/10www.fctd.info AT Items When we talk about assistive technology in the schools, we're talking about many different types of items, such as: hand-held devices (such as calculators, spellers, language translators, or personal digital assistants) for students with learning disabilities. For an example, see: Speech recognition software used by a student who has physical disabilities who cannot use a regular keyboard. For an example, see: Math software that helps a student with learning disabilities practice her math facts to mastery. For an example, see: A laptop computer that is used as a communication device with a child who has severe cerebral palsy, and whose voice would otherwise be unintelligible. For en example, see: Software that “reads” text for an individual with a visual disability. To see an example, visit:

AT Fosters Inclusion Inclusion: The practice of educating all or most children in the same classroom, including children with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)‏ AT helps students who have disabilities learn the material in a way that they can understand it AT helps eliminate barriers students may face that prevent them from being at the same level as their classmates

11/29/10www.fctd.info Angie In this first clip, you will meet Angie, a bright and happy 5 year-old Korean-American girl who was born prematurely and has mild cerebral palsy. Angie began preschool at the age of 3, but, due to her cerebral palsy, she couldn't talk at all. She could not communicate with family members, teachers, and classmates, and her ability to learn and develop literacy skills were compromised. Assistive technology has helped Angie to become an active and engaged learner and to participate in school in ways that other children do. See Angie's video clip at:

11/29/10www.fctd.info Stacey In this clip, you will meet Stacey, an active and typical 6 th grader who is concerned about doing well in school and fitting in with her peers. Stacey has a significant hearing lass, diagnosed in 3 rd grade, that makes it difficult for her to hear well enough to learn to read, to hear what is being taught in the classroom, and to converse comfortably with others. Assistive technology has enabled Stacey to remain in a general education classroom and to learn alongside her peers and best fried. See Stacey's video clip at:

11/29/10www.fctd.info Sean In this final video clip, you will meet Sean, a friendly and well-liked high school junior. At the age of 10, Sean developed retinal blastoma, and consequently, both of his eyes were removed. He now has prosthetic eyes and is completely blind. Assistive technology enables Sean to attend all general education classes at his high school, to learn the same content as his peers, and to do all the things that typical teenagers do. See Sean's video clip at:

AT in the Classroom The AT you find in your classroom may be in place to aid in the following areas: –Computer Access –Composing Written Material –Communication –Reading –Learning and Studying –Math –Mobility –Vision –Hearing

Types of AT in the Classroom AT Category Computer Access Writing Examples Word prediction Switches Voice recognition software Alternate keyboards Pointing options Pen/Pencil grips Adapted paper writing templates Word processors Word card/book/wall Spelling/Grammar Checker Software Why Student Would Need If a student cannot access the computer in its standard form and they need it to perform academic tasks If a student is having difficulty with writing or with composing written pieces

Types of AT in the Classroom AT Category Augmentative /Alternative Communication Reading Examples Communication board Eye gaze board/frame Voice output device device with speech synthesis Predictable texts Book adapted for page turning Electronic books Single word scanners talking electronic devices/software Why Student Would Need If a student shows a documented difference between comprehension of language and ability to express it, demonstrates delayed expressive language, or if their speech is not understandable to those around them If a student is having trouble understanding what they are reading or paying attention to the reading assigned

Types of AT in the Classroom AT Category Learning/Studying Math Examples Highlighters Recorded material Hand-held scanners Electronic organizers Print or picture schedule Number line Enlarged worksheets Calculators Talking clocks Voice Output measuring device Why Student Would Need If a student is struggling to get their work done in a timely fashion or if they are having trouble understanding the various lessons If a student is finding it difficult to keep up with the majority of the class on math lessons

Types of AT in the Classroom AT Category Vision Hearing Examples Eyeglasses Magnifier Large print books CCTV Pen and paper TTD/TTY for phone access Signaling devices Closed captioning Hearing aids Why Student Would Need If a student demonstrated trouble seeing or cannot see at all When the student demonstrates trouble hearing or cannot hear at all Adapted from: “A Resource Guide for Teachers and Administrators about Assistive Technology” Penny R. Reed, Ph.D. Elizabeth A. Lahm, Ph.D. Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative January, 2005

IEPs and AT Students receive AT through their IEP. When the IEP Team decides that AT is an option, they allow the student to borrow the device until it is known that that particular device will help the student in the way intended. If an IEP Team feels they cannot make the best decision concerning a child and AT, the child may go through a secondary, independent AT evaluation. AT evaluations look at the student’s abilities and needs, determine goals, and identify possible AT devices to try.

IEPs and AT cont. If the AT device is determined to be necessary, steps are made to purchase it or acquire it through a loan program. If AT is suggested through the IEP, the school must provide a student with it according to the law.

Teachers Can Make Their Classrooms More Conducive to AT Include AT in lessons Familiarize the other students with the AT that other students may be using in the classroom and make sure they understand why this AT is being used.

Teachers Can Make Their Classrooms More Conducive to AT Have certain computers in the classroom that are set up for the use of the students with disabilities – ones that have necessary software on them. Use AT even if it is not necessary; enlarge fonts, se amplification devices, use computers, have calculators available, etc. It will benefit all of the students

General Technology General technology in the classroom can benefit students with and without disabilities. Computers, calculators, projectors, smart boards, tape recorders, software, and handheld devices are examples of general technology increasingly used in classrooms. Research shows that technology aids in enhancing content and skill acquisition by students with a wide range of learning styles. Even if you do not have a designated student with special needs in your classroom, use technology supports, as they may help students with “invisible” learning disabilities who have not received formal diagnoses.

Tips for Teachers Use technology! Learn how to use the AT devices that will be present in the classroom. Familiarize the whole class with the AT and why a certain student needs to use it; it aids in inclusion. Incorporate AT into the regular school day. Ask for help if you need it. Sit in on IEP meetings if possible. Work with the parents and the special education team or other professionals working with the student.

Additional Resources Family Center on Technology and Disability National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities Center for Implementing Technology in Education Assistive Technology in the Classroom Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative Office of Special Education Programs

Family Center on Technology and Disability Academy for Educational Development (AED) 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW 7 th Floor Washington, DC phone: (202) fax: (202)