Assistive Technology

Alexandrea Drake

Instructional Technology Foundations

ITEC 7530

Dr. Mete Akcaoglu

What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

• Equipment, gadgets, or items that are use to help individuals who possess disabilities. They allow an individual to operate and function through the day independently. There are also different levels of assistive technology from non-tech to high-tech. Depending upon the severity of the disability determines what equipment, gadgets, or items are needed.

• Assistive Technology is often times compared to adaptive technology. Adaptive technology is designed and utilized for a specific disability. Not for individuals who are non-diabled.

Levels of Assistive Technology

• I was not aware there were levels/ranges of Assistive Technology until reading the information provided. There are different types of accommodations students can use to foster their participation in the classroom.

• The following are the different levels and an example of each one.• “Low technology” usually is not technical or mechanical and not so expensive.

• Examples include a pencil grip, booster seat, and etc.

• “Medium technology” is somewhat technical and mechanical. Prices are generally reasonable for medium technology• Examples include portable word processor, tape recorder and etc.

• “High Technology” are more expensive than the low and medium technology.• Examples include a computer, software programs, and etc.

Education and Assistive Technology

• Public school have no issue with educating students who have to utilize AT and in fact the IDEA Act was passed to insure students with disabilities acquire an education along side students who do not have a disability.

• Students who qualify and are assessed by a panel to receive AT receive an Individual Education Program (IEP) to monitor the progression of the students learning. Of course the student must pass the assessment administered by a panel of individuals in order to acquire AT.

• I was not aware the state of Georgia had a website defining and explaining the aspects of Assistive Technology. The website has sufficient knowledge and it provides thorough explanation for any person interested in using AT.

A Variety : Assistive Technology Devices

• There are a vast amount of AT devices available for individuals who have a disability. Some are offered through apps, software, and settings. Listed below are some AT devices

• Voice Recognition Software

• E-Books

• iPhone Apps and iPad

• Magnification Software and Hardware

• Applications (Apps)

• LiveScribe Smart Pen

• Adjustable Keyboards and Monitors

• Large font keyboards

• Track ball mice and Track balls

• And the list goes on…

Costs and paymentsHow can I afford Assistive

Technology?

• There are numerous ways assistive technology can be funded.

• The price is always a question everyone poses.

Who can help pay?

• Listed below are fund providers for Assistive Technology• School Systems

• Private Health Insurance

• Government programs

• Employers

Assistive Technology: Post Secondary Education

-The learning does not stop after gaining a diploma for completing grades K-12. Colleges provide resources for students in need of assistive technology and paperwork must be filled out. It’s good for parents to ask certain questions

prior to the cohort beginning the upcoming semester.

- Normally institutions have an office on campus who qualify and are certified to provide rationale accommodations for college students.

- Certain devices may be used such a tape recorder or video recorder of a professor lecturing. This will enable the student to replay and hear the lecture.

As well as for studying for exams.

- The professor may have to make certain accommodations based upon the needs of the students submitted from the office on campus who adheres to

providing those necessities.

Assistive Technology in the workplace

• Transitioning from the collegiate to a full time employee and still having modifications to work with is more than exceptional!

• Many employers and companies provide a diversified work environment for all individuals regardless if they have a disability or not. There is no discrimination as long as the person has the proper equipment to function within the work place.

• Offices are utilizing UD or Universal Design products which can accommodate any person especially if he or she has a disability.

• The features are incorporated in restrooms, software, environments, devices and so much more.

• A positive aspect of using Universal Design products will accommodate a lot of businesses monetarily. There will not be any need to buy extra assistive technology because UD products are being installed.

ReferencesAssistive Technology. 2015. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology

Assistive Technology for Education, LLC. n.d. Retrieved from http://atfored.com/examples-of-assistive-technology/

Assistive Technology Industry Associats. n.d. Retrieved from http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859

Cennamo, K.S., Ross, J.D., & Ertmer, P.A. 2014. 2nd Ed. Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. Retrieved from

http://www.coursesmart.com/9781133594208/firstsection?reader=pf&__viewid=0

Georgia Project for Assistive Technology. 2014. Retrieved from http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/default.aspx

Individualized Education Programs (IEP). 2015. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/iep.html

U.S. Department of Education. 2011. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/auxaids.html

UD and Assistive Technology in the Workplace. 2015. Retrieved from http://www.brainline.org/content/2011/05/universal-design-and-assistive-technology-in-the-workplace_pageall.html