ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Katie Hanson

University of West Alabama

ED 505 Education and Technology

Summer 2015

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

Assistive technology is any device that helps a student with a disability complete a task more adequately. The technology is a tool to help the student feel more confident in their academic ability and not be hindered by the limits of their disability. Assistive technology is chosen to help with specific tasks and must be chosen on an individual basis.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA ’04) defines an assistive technology device as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child and specifically excludes a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device” (e.g., a cochlear implant).

HOW DOES ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT STUDENTS?

Assistive technology supports and services that are specified in the federal definition of assistive technology services include:

• Evaluating the student’s need for a device

• Buying, leasing, or acquiring the device

• Selecting, fitting, adapting, repairing, or replacing the device as needed

• Coordinating the services for a student who uses a device (e.g., therapies, education)

• Providing training or technical assistance to the student, family, teachers, or others involved in the use of the device

LAWS ABOUT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The law says that assistive technology must be considered for any child with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.

IMPLEMENTING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

• In order for assistive technology to be effective, there must be person in charge of implementation this person is called the point of contact.

• The point of contact is responsible for informing and aiding the teachers in correctly implementing the technology.

• Once this is established a team is developed to help organize how the technology will be used and when the student will need it most.

• Implementation is the most important component of effectively using assistive technology to help the student reach his/her goals.

• Once the technology is put into place for the student it should be evaluated based on whether or not it is effectively helping the student so that changes can be made if necessary.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR HEARING IMPAIRED

Frequency-Modulated (FM) Amplification Systems

FM amplification systems create a link between the teacher and the hearing aid for the hearing impaired student. The teacher wears a microphone and this greatly reduces background noise and frees the teacher to walk around the room. This is of most commonly used assistive technology devices used in schools.

http://www.tecear.com/Telecoil_Products.htm

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR SEEING IMPAIRED

Desktop Video Magnifier

https://carroll.org/store/desktop-video-magnifiers/

A desktop video magnifier uses a camera to project a magnified image on a computer screen. If the camera is mounted on a stand it allows the user to move the material as needed.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR LEARNING DISABLED

Portable Word ProcessorA portable word processor is lightweight device that is easy to transport. It assists students who may have trouble writing by hand and prefer to use a keyboard. Word processing allows the user to edit and correct his written work more efficiently than doing so by hand.

http://www5.esc13.net/thescoop/assistive-technology/page/2/

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED

http://atfored.com/examples-of-assistive-technology/

Switch AccessSwitch access is used for students with limited mobility but that can consistently move one part of their body. The student an use an adapted switch to access the computer, an iPad, a device for communicating,  and other devices such as a phone or appliances. Switches can also be used to increase mobility.

REFERENCES

AT Examples, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from http://atfored.com/examples-of-assistive-technology/

Belson, Sarah. Assistive Technology For Students With Hearing Impairments, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from http://sped.wikidot.com/assistive-technology-for-students-with-hearing-impairments

Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004, U.S. Department of Education, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from http://idea.ed.gov/

Stanberry, K. & Raskind, M. H. (2009). Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An Overview, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview

REFERENCES (CONTINUED)

The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2010). Assistive Technology: An Overview. Retrieved on June 11, 2015 from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/

Video Magnifiers, American Foundation for the Blind, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from http://www.afb.org/info/living-with-vision-loss/using-technology/assistive-technology/video-magnifiers-221/1235