Assistive Technology

Technology has opened many educational doors to children, particularly to children with disabilities.  For all students, technology makes things easier.  For students with disabilities, technology makes things possible.  Children come in every shape, size, and type and learn at different rates; one size does not fit all!  Teaching can be made to accommodate for the different learning needs of most children inside the regular classroom.  Some children with disabilities will need instruction in one-on-one or small groups.  But, other children (more severe disabilities), who need help to keep up with other students can benefit from machines designed to help them learn.  Such "assistive devices" helps their learning, understanding, and participation in the regular classroom environment.

Assistive technology devices are any item, piece of equipment, or software used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with disabilities.  This technology is important because for some students without assistive technology they would not have access to or be able to benefit their educational program.  The decision whether a student with disabilities requires an assistive technology service and/or device in order to benefit from his or her educational program is an IEP team decision.  In making this decision, the IEP team must consider the individual student's assistive technology needs in relation to his or her education program.  Children with disabilities often feel better about themselves as a result of using technology.

Mild Disabilities

For students with mild disabilities, I would utilize books on tape, close circuit TV to enlarge books, an electronic dictionary, screen enlarger for computer text, screen readers, and use markers and ruler to guide reading.  I would use a Penfriend to help students to write faster and promote better spelling and grammar.
Aspire Reader http://www.axistive.com/aspirereader-4-0.html; this software helps with students reading comprehension and word by word/sentence by sentence highlighting.
Classmate Reader http://www.humanware.com/en-new_zealand/products/learning_disabilities/_details/id_107/classmate_reader_audio_book_player.html; this software helps students gain reading independence.

Moderate and Severe Disabilities

For students with moderate and severe disabilities, I would utilize smart pens to take notes and record lectures for easier playback.  Communication boards, computers, head sticks, and adaptive switches to allow disabled children to communicate effectively with others.
Penfriend http://www.penfriend.ltd.uk/; helps students with writing skills.

Physical Disabilities

For students with physical disabilities, I would use voice output devices, text-to-voice software, and software that allows communication through the use of pictures and symbols.  For motor skills: bigger pencils, large pad keyboards and foot pedals that replace the mouse on a normal computer, and voice recognition software that allows the students to type by speaking.
Inspiration http://www.inspiration.com

Sensory Disabilities

For students with sensory disabilities, I would use talking computers and calculators for the vision impaired; braille writers, translators, screen magnifiers, and large print books;
ALVA Access Group http://www.aagi.com/
Read Please http://www.readplease.com/
The National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped http://www.loc.gov/nls/

For students with hearing impairments, I would use close captioning, telephone, headphones, and communication boards.
Independent Living Aids http://www.independentliving.com/

At Risk Behaviors/Situations

For at risk behavioral students, I would use a self-monitor to reinforce positive behaviors like Pay Attention, Be Positive, and Focus, throughout the school day.  This will give the students a sense of control, improve their attitude, and organizational skills.
Watchminder http://watchminder.com/uses/ad-hd-ld-and-autism

Gifts and Talents

For gifted and talented students, I would give them projects or reports to publish on the Internet.
Project Poster http://poster.4teachers.org