Assistive Technology in the Classroom
Mikael Phoebus Apollo Mcnealy
What is Assistive Technology?
▪ IDEA definition (2004) ▪ An assistive technology device is 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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability ▪ Note: this does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such a device ▪ An assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device
In Layman’s Terms…
▪ Assistive technology is anything that helps anyone do something they couldn’t do otherwise (read, write, communicate, hear, see, move, type, etc.) ▪ In school based terms: anything that will help a student function better in the academic setting
Levels of Assistive Technology ▪Low Tech- no electronic component, inexpensive, high availability in classrooms ▪Mid Tech- electronic in nature, less expensive, require less training, often available in many classrooms
▪High Tech- often based on computer technology, may be complicated to operate, require more training, can be expensive, often powerful and flexible
No/Low Tech Examples Continued Large Print Text
Number Lines
Page Turners
Color Paper
Letter Tiles
Paper Tabs/Post-it
Clamps
100’s Chart
Stamps
Mid Tech Examples
Audio recorder
Adapted keyboard
Timers
Amplification system
Tape/cd player
Portable FM system
Calculator
Electronic dictionary
Electronic spell checker
Mid Tech Examples Continued Bookworm
Label Maker
Electronic Pens
Word Processor
Switches
Portable digital magnifier
High Tech Examples
Word Prediction
Speech to Text
Voice Recognition
Eye Gaze
Smartboard
Text to Speech
High Tech Braille Devices
iPad
Computer
High Tech Examples Continued Power Wheelchairs
APPs
Software
Digital Hearing Aids
Implementation in the Classroom
▪ Choose assistive technology based on the individual needs in the classroom ▪ Choose assistive technology that will reach the broadest range of learners (Universally designed learning) ▪ Take into account how to include all students in the classroom, regardless of disability ▪ Think of resources that can carry across environments (school to home) ▪ Make sure the people working with the students are trained in using the assistive technology ▪ Think of ways to use the resources that are readily available ▪ Rely on your assistive technology team for training, resources, and recommendations ▪ Look for motivating and engaging assistive technology ▪ Make sure the classroom set up supports access for all students
Examples of Use in the Classroom
▪ Record notes for students (writing and audio) ▪ Provide visual representations of information
▪ picture schedules, model given directions, give visual examples of expectations, pair pictures with words, etc.
▪ Make sure students are seated according to needs ▪ keep in mind students with visual impairments, hearing impairments, communicative disorders, diagnosis such as ADHD, traumatic brain injury, and Autism
▪ Allow for books on tape ▪ Student with reading impairments benefit from hearing the book and following along
▪ Use amplification if available ▪ Use of speakers can support students not only with hearing impairments but those with auditory processing and attention difficulties
▪ Make sure there are adapted books available ▪ Modify books for student with visual, mobility, and reading impairments.
▪ If a student has a communication device, allow time for the student to participate
▪ Program phrases and vocabulary in ahead of lessons, model for the student what was added, and demonstrate patience
SETT Process ▪ If the student is diagnosed with a disability and needs assistive technology to fully participate in the academic setting, you can request that the student go through the SETT process ▪ S- Student E- Environment T- Task T- Tools ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
S- What are the students needs? Environment- Where are the needs? Task- What does the student need to accomplish? Tools- What assistive technology tools or services will address and support the tasks
▪ The SETT process involves the entire IEP team ▪ All parts of the team should be trained and educated
Thank You