2. Disabilities
Disability is the consequence of an
impairment that may be physical,
cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional,
developmental, or some combination of
these. A disability may be present from
birth, or occur during a person’s lifetime.
3. Addressing these needs through
technology
Remember that every student has
different needs and it is important to
remember that they all have strengths
and weaknesses that should be
addressed.
To address these needs the teacher
may utilize various forms of
technology to cater to the specific
needs of each student.
4. What is Assistive Technology?
An Assistive Technology Device is
defined 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" (IDEA 300.5).
5. Examples of Assistive Technologies
For students with speaking disabilities such
as autism, or for students that have
experienced a stroke.
The technologies used in this case should
be things that allow touch. For example a
keyboard, wands or sticks, joysticks or
touch screen computers.
One site that offers these needs is
http://www.dynavoxtech.com
6. …Continued…
Students that may have visual disabilities
may need assistance that vary depending
on the severity of the impairment.
Tools such as Braille embossers, refreshable
Braille displays, and magnifiers may create
a easier way for those with visual needs to
cope.
These products may be purchased through
http://www.brailleworks.com
7. …Continued…
For students that may have listening disabilities
such as use of listening aids, or impaired hearing
abilities.
An device that could be helpful to students when
taking notes could be a Livescribe Smart pen for
those that have impaired hearing and an audio to
text technology that could be used for taking
notes for those students with listening aids
http://www.boundlessat.com/Learning/Writing/E
cho-Smartpen
