This document discusses assistive technologies that can help students with disabilities access education. It defines assistive technology as any item that helps individuals with disabilities function. Examples of assistive technologies are provided for different types of impairments, such as hearing aids, screen reading software, and adapted keyboards. The document emphasizes that assistive technologies allow students to participate in learning and social activities. Schools should understand why assistive technologies are important in the classroom to eliminate barriers and set up inclusive environments for students. Laws like the IDEA and Tech Act support making assistive technologies available to improve the education of students with disabilities.

1. Assistive Technologies and Our Students
Today
Throughout this presentation you will
see that Assistive Technology opens a
new world of learning for students
with disabilities.

2. Special Need Students??
•Learning
Disabilities
•Hearing
Impairments
•Vision
Impairments
•Physical
Limitations

3. Assistive/Adaptive Technology
Assistive Technology - Is any item
or piece of equipment that is used
to increase, maintain, or improve
functional capabilities of
individuals with disabilities in all
aspects of life.

4. What are Assistive Technology Devices?
•Examples can include:
•Hearing impairments – CC
Television, Hearing Aids,
Listening and signaling devices.

5. Assistive Technology Levels
Low Tech Mid Tech High Tech

6. Visual and Access impairments
Visual Impairments:
• Braille Textbooks
• Talking calculators
• Large print books
• Voice output-screen reading software.
Access Impairments:
• T-bar to assist with typing
• Joysticks
• Adapted book page turners
• Alternative keyboards
• Computer access modification software or hardware.

7. Assistive Technologies and IEP’S
• IEP’s are written Documents designed to meet the unique
educational needs of a child with a disability.
• IEP’s play a large role in determining the Assistive
Technology a student receives.

8. Why is providing Assistive Technology important to students?
• AT allows opportunities for Education and social interactions.
• Participation in learning experiences in the least restrictive
environments.
• A tool to help the student benefit from general education
curriculum & extra curricular activities.
• Independence

9. Assistive Technologies in the
Classroom
•Understand why students need Assistive Technology in the
classroom.
•Eliminate Barriers
•Set up the classroom appropriately
•Create Inclusion

10. The “Tech Act” and the IDEA
IDEA
Definition- Individuals
With Disabilities
Education Act.
“ Tech Act was designed to
enhance the availability
and quality of Assistive
Technology devices and
services to all individuals
and their families
throughout the United
States.”
For more Info click HERE

11. Resources
Bernardo, Ricardo (February 4, 2011). Notebook Design. Flickr.com retrieved March 20,2012 from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zone41/5417934661/
Bowser, G. & Reed, P. (2000). Considering Your Child’s Need For Assistive
Technology. Idonline.org retrieved March 21, 2012, from http://www.ldonline.org/article/6246/
Boyd, Barbara Foulks. ( February 17, 2008). Assistive Technology for Every Child. Red Orbit.com
retrieved March 26, 2012, from
http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/1257705/assistive_technology
Langley, Michelle. ( n. d.) Assistive Technology for Education. EHow.com retrieved
March 19, 2012, from http://www.ehow.com/about_5453640_assistive-technology-education.html
Macattck. (February 17, 2011). Kids Computer. Flickr.com retrieved March 27, 2011 from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikemcilveen/5454636825/
Teneile, (February 24, 2011). Assistive Technologies for vision and hearing impaired children.
Utube.com retrieved March 23, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCKAJ_H0rPw
Vaccaro, C. (n.d.). Various photograph selections from flickr.com retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/