Assistive Technology

http://www.ladacin.org/content/services/school_programs.asp

Assistive technology helps assist, adapt, or rehabilitate special tools for people who have disabilities. These tools can help people accomplish things they were not able to do formerly, such as a prosthetic leg or a hearing aid. In education, this may look slightly different. IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 defines assistive technology as any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

By IDEA’s standards, this term includes but does not limit to: the evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities. Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of the individual with a disability.

Some examples of assistive technology tools that can be used in the classroom include alternate keyboards that are modified with an overlay to make learning more direct for students with disabilities. All they need to do is press a key with a picture on it to see a word spelled on the computer screen. Another technology that is really awesome is called DynaMyte. This is a portable communications tool that allows students to communicate with others effectively by selecting a sequence of symbols on a touch pad in which the computer then speaks for them.

Being aware of this kind of technology and keeping up to date with it as much as possible is important even if you do not have a child with a disability in your classroom. It is a wonderful resource as a teacher to know about and to have a sound understanding in. I plan on staying aware of a variety of AT’s in order to be a more effective teacher and to help my students be as successful as possible. After all, every child has a special need.


University at Buffalo. (2000). Assistive Technology in the Classroom . In Introduction to AT. Retrieved 6/21/2011, from http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/intro/index.php.

LADACIN Network . (2011). Special Education . In Educational Programs. Retrieved 6/21/2011, from http://www.ladacin.org/content/services/school_programs.asp

NCLD Editorial Staff. (2009). Section 504 and IDEA Comparison Chart. In LD.org. Retrieved 6/21/2011, from http://www.ncld.org/at-school/your-childs-rights/iep-aamp-504-plan/section-504-and-idea-comparison-chart.