Assistive Technology

Martin Jackson

ED 505

What is assistive technology?

• Assistive technology – 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.

• Assistive technology is used by any individual with a disability to increase, maintain, or improve functional performance.

• It can be in the form of devices or services.

• The devices can be expensive, free, big, small, complex, or simple.

Laws

• The Rehabilitation Act, American with Disabilities Act, Telecommunications Act of 1996, and Assistive Technology Act of 1998 are all laws or regulations related to technology.

• Assistive Technology Act of 1998 - The Assistive Technology Act establishes a grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, to provide Federal funds to support State programs that address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive technology for the hearing impaired.

• A hearing loop or induction loop uses a wire that surrounds a room and transmits magnetic energy to hearing aids and cochlear implants. Telecoils are used to transmit the magnetic energy. Hearing loops are basically a loud speaker for your ears.

Assistive technology for the seeing impaired.

• ZoomText is a program that can be installed on computers that magnifies the screen for the seeing impaired.

Assistive technology for the learning disabled.

• Communication boards are used to help students with learning disabilities effectively communicate.

Assistive technology for the physically impaired.

• A magic wand keyboard can be used for students with physical disabilities. The miniature keyboard allows students with limited or no hand movement to access computers. There is a wand that can be used with a slight hand or head movement.

References

Communication strategies retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/strategies-for-learning-disabilities/communication-

strategies/

Hearing loop retrieved from http://www.hearingloop.org/

Low vision access retrieved from http://www.aisquared.com/

Magic wand keyboard retrieved from http://abilityhub.com/mouse/assorted.htm

Technology specific laws and regulations retrieved from http://www.ndrn.org/en/issues/assistive-technology.html

The Iris Center retrieved from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/at/chalcycle.htm