Assistive Technology

Emilee DawsDr. Beverly Ray

ED505

What is Assistive Technology?

O Assistive Technology is any device or service that helps a students with a disability to meet his or her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and to participate in the general educational setting to the greatest possible extent (The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements).

O Assistive Technology devices do not all have to be ordered from a special store. Many of them can be bought locally.

LawsO 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). Assistive technology, therefore, might be something as complex as a hand-held electronic magnifying instrument or as simple as a specialized rubber pencil grip.

When Can Assistive Technology be used?

O Students can utilize assistive technology to:O CommunicateO Perform academic tasksO Participate in social and extracurricular activitiesO Move or travel around the schoolO Use proper seating and positioningO Access materials

(The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements)

Some Examples of Assistive Technology Devices

O Pencil GripsO Post-It NotesO Computer Software and HardwareO Adapted KeyboardsO Book HoldersO Automatic Page TurnersO RampsO Automatic Door OpenersO WheelchairsO Slant BoardO CalculatorO PlannersO Non-Slip Material

Hearing ImpairedO Digital Recorder

O A handheld recorder can be used during class to record what the teacher says. The student can then play it back as many times as they want and can turn the volume up so that they may hear the teacher more clearly.

Seeing Impaired

O Digital Handheld MagnifierO A magnifier can be

used by taking a picture of something or holding the magnifier over it and then being able to zoom in and make the words larger so that the student can read the material.

Learning ImpairedO Text-to-Speech Software

O Text-to-Speech software allows the student to scan a worksheet, test, or book, and then have the computer read the material aloud to them and highlight it as they go. If the student does not understand a word, he/she can click on the word and go to dictionary to hear a definition.

Physically ImpairedO Adapted Feeding Tools

O Students who have physical conditions that hinder them from being about to eat properly may require adapted feeding tools. This could consist of the lip of a bowl being raised to prevent spilling, or a special utensil for people who can only use one hand to feed themselves.

ResourcesThe IRIS Center for Training Enhancements.

(2010). Assistive Technology: An Overview. Retrieved on August 23, 2014 from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/

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