Assistive Technology
Tools And Tech To Give Access To All
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology is a broad term that refers to any and all assistive devices or services for individuals with disabilities. In a classroom setting, these devices are designed and utilized in order to help those with disabilities gain access to the information, as well as communicate and express their understanding. These devices also range from highly complex and technical, like word recognition software and computerized communication boards, to simple and analog, like a pencil grip or graphic organizer. Assistive Technology Services help to ensure that all parties who use the assistive tech know how to operate and maintain it appropriately and safely.
Why is it important to consider both AT devices and services?
The devices are needed in order to either remediate performance or compensate for performance. This is needed to help students with disabilities participate in the education process. Services are required to help students, parents, and teachers use the needed assistive technology devices appropriately. Additionally, services are need to identify which students assistive tech, how to obtain the needed assistive tech, and how to adapting the assistive tech to the students who need it.
Here are some examples of High Tech devices
Cochlear Implants and hearing aids
Both cochlear implants and hearing aids are used to help those people with hearing loss or deafness. A hearing aid is a device that is worn behind or sometimes inside the ear, and is used to amplify sound. Cochlear Implants are devices that are surgically implanted behind the ear, and give some people with deafness the ability to hear.
Dragon Dictation Software
Dragon Dictation is an easy to use voice recognition software/ app that allows students to speak and have their works typed out for them. Versions are available for free on mobile devices, and range in price and features for computes and tablets.
OrbiTouch Keyless Keyboard
The orbiTouch keyless keyboard allows for individuals with limited fine motor control type and use a keyboard. It combines a 128 character keyboard and mouse into one simple design. The keyboard contains two domes, the left containing colors, and the right containing the different characters.
Here are some examples of low tech divices
Speak Easy Speech Device
The Speak Easy Speech and Assistive Technology Device can help children who are learning how to read hear themselves better. This improves their speech and language abilities, as well as their comprehension
Computer Screen Magnifier
Screen magnifiers are designed to enhance the size of images on an LCD screen. They are helpful with individuals who have difficulties seeing small text and images that appear on computer and television screens. This particular model affixes to a computer monitor and can be adjusted to fit the needs of any user.
Pencil Grips
Pencil Grips are small devices that are attached by sliding them on to the end of a pencil. They are designed to help students who have difficulties gripping, holding, or manipulating pencils or other writing devices.