Assistive Technology

Assistive technology devices are mechanical aids which substitute for or enhance the function of some physical or mental ability that is impaired. Assistive technology can be anything homemade, purchased off the shelf, modified, or commercially available which is used to help an individual perform some task of daily living. The term assistive technology encompasses a broad range of devices from "low tech" (e.g., pencil grips, splints, paper stabilizers) to "high tech" (e.g., computers, voice synthesizers, braille readers). These devices include the entire range of supportive tools and equipment from adapted spoons to wheelchairs and computer systems for environmental control.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal special education law, provides the following legal definition of an assistive technology device: "any item, piece of equipment, or product system... that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." Under IDEA, assistive technology devices can be used in the educational setting to provide a variety of accommodations or adaptations for people with disabilities.

I am a special education teacher therefore assistive technology is seen throughout my classroom.I have added several videos to this assignment to show real life situations where assistive

technology has changed the lives of millions of people.

STUDENTS WITH COGNITIVE DIFFICULTIES Limitations relating to

cognitive impairments are manifested in a variety of ways. Whether the cause is an acquired brain injury, developmental delay or a neurological disorder, one or more of the following areas may be affected:

PerceptionExpressionMemoryProcessing

Integration Strategies For Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities: 

Software helps teach/reinforce functional skills (e.g., money management, daily living, employability).

Videos enhance acquisition, maintenance, and transfer of functional and community-based behaviors.

Resources: WizCom's Quicktionary Reading Pen

http://www.wizcomtech.com Don Johnston's Co: Writer and Write:

OutLoud http://donjohnston.com

Dragon Talk's Dragon Naturally Speaking http://www.dragontalk.com/

Freedom Scientific's WYNN word processing software http://www.freedomscientific.com

AbleNet, Inc. http://www.ablenetinc.com

Attainment Company http://www.attainmentcompany.com

Students with Physical Difficulties

Any impairment which limits the physical function of limbs or fine or gross motor ability is a physical disability. Other physical disabilities include impairments which limit other facets of daily living.

Integration StrategiesFor Students with Physical Difficulties

Provide alternative methods of accessing keyboard, mouse, and/or monitor.

Determine the best placement of adaptive technologies, and provide training to ensure the student is able to operate it independently.

Monitor function to ensure maximum level of participation is obtained without undue physical demands.

ResourcesAbleNet, Inc.

http://www.ablenetinc.comAdaptivation, Inc.

http://www.adaptivation.comEnabling devices

http://www.enablingdevices.com lntellitools

http://www.intellitools.comORCCA technology

http://www.orcca.com

Students with Sensory Difficulties

Sensory disability is impairment of one of the senses. The term is used primarily to refer to vision and hearing impairment, but other senses can be impaired.

Integration StrategiesFor Students with Sensory Difficulties

For individuals who are blind: Use canes and sensor technologies to assist movement.

Use text-to-Braille converters.Use screen-readers.For individuals who are visually

impaired: Use closed-circuit television (CCTV) magnification systems.

Use built-in computer screen magnification control panels.

For individuals who are hearing impaired: Use FM amplification systems (assistive listening devices).

Resources: VisionCue

http://www.visioncue.com Dolphin Computer Access,

LLC http://www.yourdolphin.com/

Freedom Scientific Blind/Low Vision Group http://www.freedomscientific.com

TeleSensory http://www.telesensory.com

AudioEnhancement http://www.audioenhancement.com

At-Risk Students

At Risk Students are young people, male or female, who have a higher than normal probability of making bad choices that will profoundly affect their future. Some of the factors involved in the lives of these students are as follows: Single parent home, at or below the poverty line, higher crime neighborhoods, unemployment, poor performance at school, emotionally or physically abused, few support systems, neglect or abandonment, and sometimes negative contact with police agencies.

Integration StrategiesFor At-Risk Students

Locate software and websites that provide powerful and motivating opportunities to engage in learning activities.

Utilize electronic quizzes and other instructional materials that provide immediate feedback on performance.

Resources:Duke TIP program

http://www.tip.duke.edu/Hoagies' Gifted

Education Page http://www.hoagiesgifted.org

Gifted and Talented Students

Gifted children may have certain special needs like-

the need for knowledge and understanding

creativity and ingenuity the development of his

exceptional ability or abilities

the need for self-actualization or self-expression

Integration StrategiesFor Gifted and Talented Students

Locate starting point web pages to launch them into content with appropriate challenges.

Provide tools for engaging in self-directed research

Provide tools such as multimedia presentations, web page design, and electronic portfolios to document learning experiences.

Resources:Duke TIP program

http://www.tip.duke.edu/Hoagies' Gifted Education

Page http://www.hoagiesgifted.org

Relative AdvantageTeaching with technology has many advantages over traditional teaching strategies. Technology can bridge, language barriers, cultural differences, and distances. Technology can help the teacher meet the needs of a diverse student population by decreasing gaps in achievement for at risk and special needs students and by improving student attention, interest, and motivation .

ResourcesRoblyer, M., and A.H. Doering. (2006). Integrating

educational technology into teaching. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:Pearson Prentice Hall.

www.wikipedia.orgwww.wiked.uiuc.eduwww.youtube.com