MICHELLE PETERSONEFRT 459

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

What is Assistive Technology? It is technology that is used for students with

disabilities. It helps them perform certain functions that would be difficult or impossible for them to do on their own.

There are services and devices that help students with disabilities

It helps individuals with the following things: Communication Mobility Receiving instruction Learn Play Etc…

What is the Purpose of Assistive Technology? To let students with disabilities have

access to the general education curriculum.

To increase student participation To make learning easier for students Opportunity for student to join in

school activities

Assistive Technology Low-Tech Clipboard- Allows students to have a

portable desk. Students may need to move around or work in various positions.

Highlighting Pen/Tape- Prewriting tool to help students study. Helps students highlight main ideas and stay organize. (Variety of shapes and colors).

Assistive TechnologyLow-Tech CONT…- Specialty Paper- Helps students who struggle

taking notes. - May have raised lines or tactile reminders to

stay in the line and to know when to stop their pencil stroke

Pencil Grips- Provides a stable holding surface for students. Right hand/Left hand grips Variety of shapes, size, and colors

Assistive TechnologyHigh-Tech Word Prediction- This is a word

processor that can help students. It predicts and completes words you are typing. Can help students with spelling and grammar.

Voice Recognition- Used for student who have difficulty producing written compositions, have poor spelling and handwriting.

Assistive Technology for VisionFor students who are Blind or have Low

Vision Large-Print books Books on tape Braille Calculator with large keys Letter-or-word magnification software

Assistive Technology for CommunicationStudents who have difficulty

communicating effectively Touch Screen Dynavox Word Prediction Software that allows communication

via pictures and symbols Writing guides

Assistive Technology for HearingStudents who are deaf or hard-of-

hearing Hearing aids Audio-voice amplification device for

teachers Headphones (keeps listeners

focused) Pictures, Photos, Objects Signaling devices

Assistive Technology for students with Mobility IssuesStudents who have a hard time moving

around Walker Wheelchair Training Wheels Bike- pedal with arms Braces Artificial limbs

ALPHASMART

It is a word processor that helps students who struggle with writing. It allows students to see a few lines at a time.

ALPHASMART

It is a small lightweight electronic writing tool Can be used for people with and without

disabilities Can get over 200 hours with AA batteries,

different for the more extreme AlphaSmart Sticky keys allows students to use the shift

key and other keys without holding more than one key down. Benefit students with disabilities.

How to operate: Turn it on, write something, turn it off

ALPHASMART

Meant for students with the following: Have poor handwriting Have trouble saving files Need help with spelling and grammar Trouble keeping assignments organized Students who become frustrated with

pencil task Students who struggle with note taking

and writing first drafts

ADVANTAGES OF ALPHASMART

Support for 0ne-0n-one Ease of use Long battery life Lightweight design Easy management Simple Less distracting Cheaper than a laptop Automatically saves info Turns itself off Easier for teachers to grade work

ALPHASMART- Benefits for Learning Students are more likely to engage in

the revision and editing process Increase word count in writing Students become motivated to use

technology Impact for teachers- can differentiate

instruction for students

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v-e0l7wVDo

References

AlphaSmart. (2010). Spectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies.

Assistive Technology to Meet k-12 Student Needs. (2010). North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.

Roy, J. (2010). Assistive Technology Tool, Tips, and Tricks. Students and Adults Learning Disabilities and Cognitive Challenges. Technical Resource Centre.

The AlphaSmart Keyboard and Learning Disabilities.(2010). LD Resources.