Overcome Learning Disabilities
with the aid of Assistive Devices
What are Learning Disabilities? How can they be helped?
According to the National Institute of Health, a learning disability is a neurological disorder creating differences in the way people think. Although learning disabilities are not something that can just be fixed, they can be improved on and coped with by the aid of Assistive devices. Assistive devices are a wide range of tools designed to help students gain confidence and maximize their potentials in the classroom. While looking for the right Assistive device for your student, it is important to recognize that each individual has different strengths and weaknesses. Although one device may work for one student, it may not work for another.
My top choices
Electronic Math Worksheets
One of the most popular Assistive Technologies used for students coping with a math learning disability is the electronic worksheet. Electronic worksheets help students organize their work by aligning the numbers for them. By having the numbers aligned for them, students are able to minimize adding and subtracting mistakes.
FM Listening Device
Students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or hearing loss may use an FM Listening Device in the classroom. This device works by amplifying the speaker's voice and drowning out excess background noise, students are able to be attentive and stay focused in the classroom all by wearing this headset.
Text-to-Speech
For students who have problems reading such as dyslexia or comprehension disabilities, Text-to-Speech is a popular assistive device that can help. This tool allows written material to be read aloud to the student. Not only does it read the material, but it allows the student to adjust the voice, speed, and volume of the reader, so that they are able to keep up.
Assistive Devices and Technology
BookShare
There are many Apps I came across while reading about assistive devices. One app that really stood out to me was BookShare. With this app, students are able to download any book onto their computer, tablet, or smartphone to read. It allows them to make the font bigger, highlight unfamiliar words, have the book read aloud to them, and they are also given the choice of voice and speed at which the book is read. This is a popular program for students coping with dyslexia.
Mathtopia
There are apps to fit every kind of student out there! However, Mathtopia is one that really stood out to me. Mathtopia is an app compatible with Apple and Android products. This is an educational app for students who have trouble learning math. It offers games as well as plenty of practice with electronic worksheets. This app focuses on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing skills.
Idea Sketch
Idea Sketch is a useful and creative app that helps students organize heir thoughts by creating graphic organizers, lists, concept maps, and more. This app can be used for planning presentations or even just learning new material. By allowing students to put down their thoughts from brainstorming, they can then organize them into a graphic organizer. Idea Sketch is an app that students of all ages can benefit from.
Need Direction?
Although these were the most helpful apps that I found, I realize that every student is different and may not find them as helpful as others. While researching for Assistive Devices, I found the most help from Pinterest, Twitter, Ted Talks, and Google. All of those sources have millions of apps to be found within them. So, if you didn't find the ones I listed to be as helpful or as interesting as what you are looking for, my advice is to turn to Pinterest, Twitter, Ted talks, or Google.
What do I take away?
From this class, the main thing I have taken away is that everyone is different. Every student is unique and has different learning styles. When trying to pick out which assistive device is right for a student, it is most important to listen to them and to be able to pick out their strengths and weaknesses. Working through learning disabilities is a group effort. With the help of teachers, parents, and most importantly the student, I truly believe that learning potential in the classroom can be maximized.
Madison Duvall
As a rising sophomore at the University of Georgia, I am interested in teaching special education to Elementary students. Learning about all of the new assistive technologies used in the classrooms has really opened my eyes about the future of education. Here is a little piece of what I have learned through taking Edit2000.
Email: msd51177@uga.edu
Website: https://madisonduvallblog.wordpress.com
Location: 365 River Road, Athens, GA, United States
Phone: (678)-699-9957
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Twitter: @duvallmadison1