Assistive Technology Presentation

Pam CumminsITEC 7530 Summer 2014

Students with disabilities or special needsIndividuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) defines

students with disabilities of special needs as having mental retardation; impairments such as: orthopedic, visual, hearing, speech, or language; serious emotional disturbances; autism; traumatic brain injury; deaf; blindness; specific learning disabilities or multiple disabilities, and by reasons thereof, needs special education and related services.

Retrieved from: http://nichcy.org/laws/idea/legacy/module11

Federal law, along with IDEA & National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), mandates a special

needs student receiving educational services, must have an IEP.

This is a team based approach to instructing a student with special needs. Teams can consist of: teacher,

parent, principal, doctor, specialist. An IEP is created which describes the goals the students must achieve within the academic year and how the goals will be met. Any changes to the plan must have parental

approval. Retrieved from:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/iep.html#cat169

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Working with special needs students

The Learning Disabilities Association of America suggests teachers apply strategies to help special needs students.

Scaffolding Break learning into small steps Supply regular quality feedback Use diagrams, graphics & pictures to support what you are

saying Provide ample independent, well designed, intensive

practice Model instruction practices you want students to follow Provide prompts of strategies to use Engage students in process type questions Retrieved from: http://ldaamerica.org/accommodations-techniques-and-aids-for-

learning/

Assistive Technology (AT)

Defined by IDEA, AT is any item, piece of equipment or product system, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

AT allows people with disabilities to preform tasks which were not possible or were difficult to accomplish.AT devices can range from no technology (no tech) to high-technology (high-tech). AT is basically anything, not necessarily electronic, which enhances learningAT used in a learning environment will bring out a new breed of learnersAT can engage the meekest of learners and empower them for success

Retrieved from: http://ldaamerica.org/accommodations-techniques-and-aids-for-learning/

Examples of Assistive Technology

To use for students with ADHD or Learning disabilities:No Tech possibilities for students with ADHD or learning

disabilities –

Structured note taking sheets Outlines Flow Charts Adjustable height chairs Preferential seating Pointers or

Bookmarks to help in following along

High-Tech possibilities for students with ADHD or learning disabilities –

Laptop computers Video-taped class Touchscreen Word processor

Email notes PDAs Spreadsheets

Examples of Assistive Technology

To help students with Auditory disability:

No Tech possibilities -

Stay in one place to use speech reading Write important direction on chalk or white board Use a lot of visual aids

Assign the student a “buddy”

High-tech possibilities-

FM systems work like personal radios Fire Alarm paging systems One-to-One

Communication used to amplify sound of voices

Calculators Internet Access Books Access to tutorials, drills and simulations

Multimedia like pictures and videos Alternative Keyboards

NetLibrary gives students access to audio Abbreviation Expanders Proofreading programs

Electronic math work sheets

More Assistive Technology

Good websites to try:The Learning Disabilities of America - learning strategies

http://ldaamerica.orgGeorgia Project for Assistive Technology (GPAT) - designed by

state to helphttp://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/

Pages/default.aspx Kids Health - information on creating individually

http://classroom.kidshealth.orgTeacher Vision - teaching resources for a lot of subjects

https://www.teachervision.comCAST- Teaching Every Student

http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/Edutopia

http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-resourcesTechMatrix – AT tools and resources to support learning

http://techmatrix.orgPower Up What Works – be the teacher who empowers students

successhttp://www.powerupwhatworks.org/

Resources & Links Available