Assistive Learning and

Technology

Creating a diverse, comfortable and

positive classroom environment

By: Priyal Morjaria

So what are we talking about?

Learning Disabilities: are often biological/neurological disorder that “affects the brains ability to receive, process, store and respond to information” (NCLD, 2014).

As educators we know that learning disabilities and physical disabilities will impact how a student learns, retains information and behaves on a day to day basis.

A simple start to understanding your students…

1. Work with parents and students that have been identified with a learning disorder or physical disability. Identify what their needs may be and how these students function outside of school.

2. Understand the learning and functioning difficulties of your students.

3. Never view a difficulty in learning and functioning in a negative light. Remember all students are different in one way or another.

Identify state level, county level and institutional level support

*IEP or Individualized Education Programs are free of charge services provided to students in public schools that have learning and physical disabilities.

*Students identified as having ADHD, autism, hearing impairment, speech impairment, emotional and cognitive challenges or any other learning disorders may have access to specific IEPs.

*Teachers work with parents and doctors to evaluate a child’s disability and functioning at school. An assessment occurs only with parent approval. Once a report is provided parents and teachers work together to determine what IEP is used.

*If needed some students may receive a few hours a week of personal service (for example speech therapy, counseling, special education).

Assistive Technology

Devices used to assist individuals with disabilities with day to day functioning.

As educators it’s imperative to know what assistive technology a student might be using, how to work the device, what the student may need if the device stops functioning and how to make a student comfortable with using that device in the classroom.

As teachers we know that each student is different. Our students differ in culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, height, weight, behavior, learning strengths and difficulties.

EX: Teaching ModuleAllow your students to creatively share one aspect about themselves that they think is different from everyone else. *Implement a lecture or project on positive aspects of standing out but accepting differences.*Introduce individuals in history and technology that have overcome a disability and used their difference in a positive way. Fun Fact: Did you know Payton Manning had a cleft lip and Albert Einstein is speculated to have Aspergers Syndrome? Or that Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Michael Phelps has ADHA?

SIX step process to finding a solution for children that need assistive technology.

1. Gather Information regarding the child and family, start a discussion

2. Focus on everyday activities and identify where the child has difficulty functioning during activities.

3. What is the child’s current level of participation?

4. Identify and discuss solutions with family and other individuals that are needed for assistance.

5. Use the device, observe the child and record the child’s interaction with use of the technology.

6. Identify what worked and did not work, make changes and adjustments as needed.

What can you do in class?

As a teacher with a bright and intelligent student with a hearing disability, there are some simple techniques I use to go along with the students hearing device.

Henry (student’s actual name not uses) sits at the front of the class where he can read my lips if he needs to.

I try to avoid as much background noise (TV, computer, radios) as possible and work with the school to keep my classroom carpeted.

Words are a very important component in my classroom (I use the chalk board and power points as much as possible). Providing Henry with more than one way to collect information.

Continued…Adam and Sarah are also very bright students that are often a handful in the classroom. They were recently diagnosed with ADHD and often have difficulty in focusing in class.

To keep them engaged I’ve created lectures and group activities with role play as a component.

Before each exam the class plays a review game that requires them to get up and move around a bit. The movement, group work and interest keeps the entire class engaged not just my students with LD.

The school has also provided a Live Scribe Smart Pen for these students. Both meet with me twice a week individually to go over notes. The pen allows them to record notes so they can concentrate on one thing at a time.

I also encourage use of assistive technology for various subjects. For example talking scientific calculators for math.

Other Factors to Keep in Mind…Educators in to keep in mind that along with lesson plans and assistive learning technology tools it’s also imperative to ensure that students with disabilities understand classroom expectations.

Teachers have to demonstrate frequently and have to provide positive reinforcements (students should know when they’re doing something correctly)

If working with students one on one ask students to repeat what’s being asked of them frequently. Do your students understand requirements?

Work with students to reinforce the difference between positive between positive and negative behavior

Recognize correct learning and behavioral choices.