Have a Wetpaint account? Sign in
Assistive Technology
Erin Smith 
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology can help disabled students feel more efficient and accepted in the classroom. Assistive technology supports disabled children with communication skills, learning, talking, receiving instruction, and fosters independence. The Individuals with Disabilities Act defines assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” The act defines technology services as “any services that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.” An identified disabled student will have an individualized education program (IEP) that specifies the types of assistive technology the student needs to access the general education curriculum.
Assistive Technology Laws
Assistive technology awareness was heightened with the civil rights movement in the 20th century and with the reauthorization of IDEA. The Technology Act of 1988 provided federal funding for assistive technology along with training in how to use the devices. Schools are required to provide assistive technology if the device is needed to help the students access the curriculum, if it is needed for related services, or is listed in supplementary aids in the student’s IEP.
Types of Assistive Technology
Currently, there are more than 4,000 different assistive devices that have been developed. With so many choices, it is important to research items before purchasing assistive technology that will fit the student’s needs. Assistive technology can include: hearing aids, screen magnifiers, voice recognition software, typing devices such as Quick Pad or Alpha Smart, Braille typing software, and communication aids.
Assistive Technology- who can it help?
Assistive technology is developed to help students with specific disabilities. For example, a student with a reading disability may use technology that presents the story in a graphic manner. In this format, the text and graphics are printed together so the student can interpret the pictures if they do not recognize the printed word. Assistive technology has been developed for autistic students on the premise that many autistic students process visual information better that auditory information. Programs such as board maker, which includes picture communication symbols accompanied by written words, can assist the student in reading daily schedules or lunch menus.
Assistive technology can be helpful to students and teachers when used appropriately. Training is important so users of technology understand its capabilities. The following websites provide information and the uses of many technology devices.
Additional Information
http://www.rehabtool.com/
This site allows users to view various products and read reviews. It includes links to vendors, information where consumers can communicate with one another, and links to many resources.
http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html#2
This site is designed for families and provides information about various vocabulary terms, defines assistive technology, and provides question and answer responses.
http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/newsdig/nd13txt.htm
NICHY is an extensive source for information on assistive technology. This site details the history of educational technology and computers, and assists in choosing the right equipment.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml
On the education world website, there is a short, informational article about assistive technology, how it is used, the benefits, and different types of technology. At the end of the site, there are links to other helpful sites regarding assistive technology.
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/education/at.html
This website lists various resources about different technology for several disabilities types, legislation about assistive technology, and ways that assistive technology helps students.
Resources
Horne, R., Ripley, S., Valdivieso, C. (1996, April). Assistive Technology. NICHY News Digest, 13, 1989. Retrieved on July 12, 2006 from http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/newsdig/nd13txt.htm
Stokes, S. Assistive Technology for Children with Autism. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Retrieved on July 10, 2006 from http://www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/assist/asst10.htm
Carlin, S. (1996). Assistive Devices Help Challenged Kids get the most from Learning. Education World. Retrieved on July
11, 2006 from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology can help disabled students feel more efficient and accepted in the classroom. Assistive technology supports disabled children with communication skills, learning, talking, receiving instruction, and fosters independence. The Individuals with Disabilities Act defines assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” The act defines technology services as “any services that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.” An identified disabled student will have an individualized education program (IEP) that specifies the types of assistive technology the student needs to access the general education curriculum.
Assistive Technology Laws
Assistive technology awareness was heightened with the civil rights movement in the 20th century and with the reauthorization of IDEA. The Technology Act of 1988 provided federal funding for assistive technology along with training in how to use the devices. Schools are required to provide assistive technology if the device is needed to help the students access the curriculum, if it is needed for related services, or is listed in supplementary aids in the student’s IEP.
Types of Assistive Technology
Currently, there are more than 4,000 different assistive devices that have been developed. With so many choices, it is important to research items before purchasing assistive technology that will fit the student’s needs. Assistive technology can include: hearing aids, screen magnifiers, voice recognition software, typing devices such as Quick Pad or Alpha Smart, Braille typing software, and communication aids.
Assistive Technology- who can it help?
Assistive technology is developed to help students with specific disabilities. For example, a student with a reading disability may use technology that presents the story in a graphic manner. In this format, the text and graphics are printed together so the student can interpret the pictures if they do not recognize the printed word. Assistive technology has been developed for autistic students on the premise that many autistic students process visual information better that auditory information. Programs such as board maker, which includes picture communication symbols accompanied by written words, can assist the student in reading daily schedules or lunch menus.
Assistive technology can be helpful to students and teachers when used appropriately. Training is important so users of technology understand its capabilities. The following websites provide information and the uses of many technology devices.
Additional Information
http://www.rehabtool.com/
This site allows users to view various products and read reviews. It includes links to vendors, information where consumers can communicate with one another, and links to many resources.
http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html#2
This site is designed for families and provides information about various vocabulary terms, defines assistive technology, and provides question and answer responses.
http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/newsdig/nd13txt.htm
NICHY is an extensive source for information on assistive technology. This site details the history of educational technology and computers, and assists in choosing the right equipment.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml
On the education world website, there is a short, informational article about assistive technology, how it is used, the benefits, and different types of technology. At the end of the site, there are links to other helpful sites regarding assistive technology.
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/education/at.html
This website lists various resources about different technology for several disabilities types, legislation about assistive technology, and ways that assistive technology helps students.
Resources
Horne, R., Ripley, S., Valdivieso, C. (1996, April). Assistive Technology. NICHY News Digest, 13, 1989. Retrieved on July 12, 2006 from http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/newsdig/nd13txt.htm
Stokes, S. Assistive Technology for Children with Autism. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Retrieved on July 10, 2006 from http://www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/assist/asst10.htm
Carlin, S. (1996). Assistive Devices Help Challenged Kids get the most from Learning. Education World. Retrieved on July
11, 2006 from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml
erinsmith22 |
Latest page update: made by erinsmith22
, Jul 25 2006, 7:15 PM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
Edited by erinsmith22
29 words added 2 words deleted view changes - complete history) |
|
Keyword tags:
None
More Info: links to this page
|
| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| jkinslow | Assistive Tech - nice intro! | 0 | Aug 2 2006, 1:43 PM EDT by jkinslow | ||
|
Thread started: Aug 2 2006, 1:43 PM EDT
Watch
Hi Erin -
Great job on this wiki page. Clear concise info on AT - would be useful for anyone. We once had some samples of AT that our students oculd work with but it's time for us to order some new tools. It's interesting that some of the most simple technologies can often be flexibly and effectively used...e.g. voice recognition, text to speech, and alternatives to keyboards. You should proudly make a link to your wiki page to post on your portfolio. Well done! JAK |
|||||
| RStingle | assistive tech wiki... a few comments | 0 | Jul 25 2006, 6:48 PM EDT by RStingle | ||
|
Thread started: Jul 25 2006, 6:48 PM EDT
Watch
Erin,
Great job on your wiki--it seems like you did a lot of research, and there are a lot of resources on your page. I liked how you included some history of special ed.-related topics, and described some practical applications of the assistive technology. A have a few comments about your page in case you're interested: 1) I don't think you mentioned what an IEP is; there might be some readers that don't know what this is (although I doubt it), so you might want to write instead of IEP, Individualized Education Program (IEP). I think that's what it stands for, anyway. 2) I only noticed two typos/grammar issues. I hope you don't mind me pointing them out--I'm a geek with this stuff: Under "Types of Assistive Technology," instead of "With some many choices," I think you meant to say "With so many choices." Also, I think there should be a colon right before the list of assistive technology. |
|||||
| Anonymous | Assitive Tech. | 0 | Jul 25 2006, 6:01 PM EDT by Anonymous | ||
|
|
Thread started: Jul 25 2006, 6:01 PM EDT
Watch
I would be able to make great use of assitive tech. with some my learning support students. It a great support for students with learning disabilities.
|
||||
Showing 3 of 4 threads for this page
- view all
