Assistive TechnologyFor Students with

Learning Disabilities

By: Wendy Hembree

Assistive TechnologyFor Students with

Learning Disabilities

By: Wendy Hembree

Assistive Technology:

Any piece of equipment or software system used by individuals to perform tasks that might be otherwise difficult or impossible. Assistive Technology includes

products and services to help people who have difficulty speaking, hearing, seeing, walking,

learning, etc.

Laws that impact the provision of Assistive Technology:

Laws that impact the provision of Assistive Technology:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) was initially passed in 1975 as P.L. 94-142 guaranteed that eligible children and youth with disabilities would have a free and appropriate public education available to them, designed to meet their educational needs.

Assistive Technology Act of 1998; An act to support programs of grants to State to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Requires that all electronic and information technologies developed and used by any Federal Government Agency must be accessible to people with disabilities.

Examples of Assistive Technology

for the Hearing Impaired:

1. Hearing Aids

2. FM Amplification Systems

3. Cochlear Implant

4. Live Speech Captioning

Hearing Aids: hearing devices that are worn behind the ear or on the body that amplify sound and are of better benefit in a quiet environment.

FM Amplification Systems: creates a link between the teacher with a microphone and the hearing aid for

the hearing impaired student.

Cochlear Implants: implant for individuals with profound hearing impairments that enables the user

to hear sounds by bypassing the damaged part of the inner ear and stimulating healthy nerves.

Live speech captioning: process in which a stenographer types the teacher’s words and the text is displayed on a computer screen.

Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired:

Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired:

1. Braille

2. Screen Magnification

3. Screen Readers

4. Alternative Keyboards

Braille: tactile writing system used by visually impaired and blind individuals for books, menus, signs, elevators, etc.

Screen Magnification: software designed to give the user vast control over the size, text, images and colors on the computer screen.

Screen Readers: software designed for voice output on the computer that allows the visually impaired or blind users to read the text or computer screen with a speech synthesizer.

Alternative Keyboards: oversized letters on the keyboard allow student with visual impairments to better see the letters.

Assistive Technology for Learning Disabled:

Assistive Technology for Learning Disabled:

1. Reading Pens

2. Text-Reading Systems

3. Word Processors

4. Books on Tape

Reading Pens: pens used by students who have trouble processing printed words. The pen will “speak” the word that is highlighted.

Text-Reading System: uses software that allows students to listen to text as it appears on a screen and highlights specific words for repetition.

Word Processors: students who have difficulties with using a pencil and paper could benefit from the use of a word processor. The skills could be focused on rather than the mechanic of the skill being taught.

Books on Tape: Books that are professionally recorded on tape are beneficial to students that struggle with reading and listening skills.

Assistive Technology for the Physically Disabled:

Assistive Technology for the Physically Disabled:

1. Mouth Stick

2. Head Wand

3. Eye-Tracking System

4. Rollerball Mice

Mouth Stick: device that enables users to control input through a stick that they manipulate with their mouth.

Mouth Stick: device that enables users to control input through a stick that they manipulate

with their mouth.

Head Wand: similar to mouth sticks except the stick is strapped to the user’s head.

Eye-Tracking System: serves as a replacement for a mouse, keyboard, or remote control. Users with complex disabilities can operate computers by moving their eyes. This system consists of a camera that continually scans the user’s eyes with software analysis.

Rollerball Mice: rollerball is on top of the mouse rather than underneath for easier control. These work well with head wands and mouth sticks.

References:References:Assistive Technology For Students With Hearing Impairments (n.d.) Retrieved from www.sped.wikidot.com

What is Assistive Technology? How is it Funded (n.d.) Retrieved from www.atia.org

Assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, Speech, or Language Disorders (n.d.) Retrieved from www.nidcd.nih.gov

Assistive Technology for Kids with LD: An Overview (n.d.) Retrieved from www.greatschools.org

Assistive Technology for People with Physical Impairments (n.d.) Retrieved from www.gmc-uk.org

Assistive Technologies for Writing (n.d.) Retrieved from www.assistivetechnologyforwriting.blogspot.com