Assistive Technology

Presented byMichael Chandler

University of West Alabama

Assistive Technology

The terms assistive device or assistive technology can refer to any device that helps a person with hearing loss or a voice, speech, or language disorder to communicate.

These terms often refer to devices that help a person to hear and understand what is being said more clearly or to express thoughts more easily.

With the development of digital and wireless technologies, more and more devices are becoming available to help people with hearing, voice, speech, and language disorders communicate more meaningfully and participate more fully in their daily lives.

Assistive TechnologyWhat the Law Says

The federal government, in 1997 and again in 2004 revised the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They recognized the importance of providing assistive technology for students. IDEA states that school districts must consider assistive technology for any child in special education. Children receiving special education services must be provided a device if it will “increase, maintain, or improve their functional capabilities”. Students must be

•evaluated by a qualified evaluator who must complete an assistive technology evaluation

•if the evaluator recommends a device, the device must be acquired

•training to use the device must be provided to the child and/or teacher

refers to unsophisticated devices and largely non-electronic devices, many of which can be produced from local materials, such as:• pencil grips • book holders• texture boards• reading stands• educational toys

games

LOW TECH DEVICES

devices are more complicated, many of which can be manufactured locally, such as :

• hearing aids

• speech trainers

• Braille paper and styluses

• tape recorders

• magnifying reading glasses

MID TECH DEVICE

devices involve the use of sophisticated communication and environmental control systems that are electronically based.

increasing variety of methods of adapting the computer through the use of special needs peripherals and/or software

High Tech Devices

Adaptive Voice is a stand-alone, all-inclusive software program for blind, low-vision, and seniors that enables access to the most-used functions of their computer. C-Desk is not merely a screen reader or magnification program. C-Desk is a single program with twenty core  applications, built from the ground up to be extremely intuitive, simple to use, and easy to learn by utilizing a consistent user interface. 'PEGGY? is our user friendly speech recognition system that allows a totally hands free user experience.

VISION IMPAIRED

HEARING IMPAIREDSound Field FM Equipment on Free field Amplification

These classroom systems send the speaker’s/teacher’s voice to four speakers mounted on the ceiling or wall. As with the personal FM system, the teacher wears a wireless FM microphone transmitter. This benefits students with minimal/mild hearing loss and tends to help students with auditory processing difficulties. For any students who have a personal FM unit, this can be connected to the free field system.

LEARNING DISABLEDScanner

Benefits for students with learning disabilities:The program reads your writing back while editing it.• You can scan and listen to

course readings and lecture notes. 

• You can highlight important points to create reading reviews. 

• You can create audio files from your course materials and listen on the go.

PHYSICAL DISABLEDAdjustable Monitors and Keyboards

Adjustable monitors, keyboards, keyboard trays, large-font keyboards, adjustable tables and chairs, modifications and adaptations to wheelchairs and mobility equipment. All aspects of equal access should be considered.

ReferencesAssistive Technology for Challenged Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2015, from

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml

Assistive Technology to Meet Needs. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2015, from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te7assist.htm

Hearing Assistive Technology (HATS) for Children. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2015 from http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Hearing-Assistive Technology-for-Children

Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: 25 Incredible Assistive Technologies. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2015, from

http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/09/25-incredible- assistive-technologies.html

Tech Tools for Students with Learning Disabilities: Infusion into Inclusive Classrooms. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2015, from http

://www.ldonline.org/article/6380/