Assistive+Tech

Assistive Technologies

"The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 defines //assistive technology devices// 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 a child with a disability' (IDEA, 1997, 20, USC, Ch. 33, Sec. 1401 [25] US)." (http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te7assist.htm) There are many assistive technologies for students. The table below contains a compilation of some assistive technologies that would be helpful for a lesson using the Internet and web-based resources.


 * STUDENT: || Problems they might face || Possible tech-based solutions ||
 * Low-Vision || Not being able to read text on computer screen

Locating letters on keyboard, knowing what is typed || Screen magnification; Speech synthesizer; Optical Character Recognition; screen reader software Voice controlled browsing

Alternative keyboard; Embossed / dotted keyboard stickers, text-to-speech software ||
 * Deaf || Need to attend to audio components || Personal Communicator; Personal FM system; Closed Captioning ||
 * Wheelchair,no left arm use || Navigate internet using mouse and keyboard || Alternative keyboard; Head tracking system; Foot pedal, trackball or joystick; Touch screen (iPad or tablet); Voice controlled browsing ||
 * Learning Disabilities || Not able to read/understand text || Graphic organizer, concept mapping software; Proofreading programs; speech-recognition programs; screen readers; talking spell checkers dictionaries, and calculators; word-prediction programs ||

A comprehensive website to help identify assistive technology is www.techmatrix.org. This website allows the user to search by particular content area or weakness area for a more directed search. Additionally, @http://www.washington.edu/doit/Faculty/Strategies/Academic/Distancelearning/ provides strategies and resources.

In contrast to "fixing" problems as they arise using assistive technology, Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. (@http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl) UDL presents guidelines and framework for designing instruction, goals, methods, materials/resources, and assessments that work for everyone in the class, not just for those who need it. It's allowing for customization and freedom of instruction to meet the needs of all learners. The Principles of UDL are: 1. Provide multiple means of representation 2. Provide multiple means of action and expression 3. Provide multiple means of engagement
 * UDL (Universal Design for Learning)**

Assistive technology can serve to meet these principles for all learners, regardless of ability or inability. By meeting these principles with assistive technology before learners are identified with **needing** the technology to succeed, we are building a stronger community of learners.