Improving the Learning Experience with Assistive

Technology

Kaitlin Stannard

Creating an Individualized Experience

We learn and express ourselves in many different ways.

Instruction and learning should be focused around the individual learner.

Assistive technology can be customized and modified to fit your students specific

needs.

Assessing Your Student's Needs

The Individual Educational Plan (IEP) Work one-on-one with parents, other

teachers, and guidance counselors to develop IEP.

Write a procedure to follow that will best meet the student's specific needs.

Locate assistive technology and techniques that can be used with the student’s individual IEP.

Further Assessment Outside of IEP

Student's own capabilities Culture and family system Environment where technology will be

used Functional abilities for participating in

classroom Any physical or mental barriers to the

student's learning Remember: Evaluate and modify the instruction and technologies throughout the learning process to ensure continual progress.

Types of Assistive Technologies

There are assistive technologies available for a variety of needs. AT that are useful for the classrooms include:

Mobility Support Communication Assistants Hearing/Listening Aids Visual Aids

MobilityMobility AT can help students with physical

disabilities to adapt learning to their own motor functionality. Examples of these technologies include:

Oversized track-ball Mouse - Allows for easier mouse control.

Eye-Tracking – eye tracking allows student to move around a computer screen without using a mouse.

Adaptive Keyboard

CommunicationSome students may find it difficult to communicate

or form speech. The following tools can help improve student's ability to communicate.

Boardmaker software – for students who cannot produce speech, software allows for communication, and instructors can create lesson-plans.

Large button recorder – instructors, family members, friends record up to 20 seconds of information that student can play by hitting button.

Vanguard Plus – creates digitized speech

Hearing ImpairmentHearing impairments fall on a large spectrum.

Useful technology that can be used for a variety of hearing impairments and classrooms include:

Speech-to-Text Software – converts instructors speech to readable text for student.

FM System – Instructor transmits sound to student using radio waves to increase volume upon retrieval by the student.

A.S.L Software – teachers student lessons through text and sign language for a variety of ages and levels.

Visual ImpairmentTools that can provide assistance to

students with visual impairments include:Digital Book readers – download lesson plans and books into the device and it will read text to the student.

Screen Magnifiers – For students with minimal vision, magnifiers enlarge print.

Scan/Read Systems – any print scanned into the device will be read to the student.

Gauging the Success of Assistive Technology Being

Used Are the goals set by student, family, and

teacher being met by using the chosen AT? Is there measurable progress being made? Have there been any major or minor

malfunctions with the technology being used?

How is the student feeling about the technology and their own learning abilities?

Challenges in Using AT Devices can malfunction or break Cost can be high for certain software and tools Software packages can become outdated

within a decade Student may find the AT to be challenging to

work with The technology may not be a good fit for the

student Instructor may not be adequately trained

before using and implementing new technology

Alternatives to Using Technology

Technology is not always necessary to support learners with special needs. Try these two techniques with your students:

Self-directed learning – Give opportunities for the student to take over the learning process and explore ideas independently.

Remember: Scaffolding is necessary in aiding the student through their own learning process.

Visual/Audio Learners – Many students respond best with the help of audio or visual aids. Use pictures, sound, and symbols in your lesson plans.

Additional Resources PBS Parents – Obtain further information

about how a variety of assistive technologies can be used in your classroom.

Do 2 Learn – Provides resources and lesson plans for instructors of special needs classrooms.

Enablemart - Product provider for assistive technology devices and aids for all types of special needs learners.