Assistive Technology

By: Laura SmithEDU 505

What Is AT?• Assistive Technology (AT) is any tool or

piece of equipment that helps to increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

• These pieces of technology help to aid disabled people to perform daily functions more quickly, easily, or independently.

• AT tools can range from very expensive pieces to low-cost pieces.

IDEA• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

(IDEA) was reauthorized in 1997 by the Federal government.

• IDEA protects disabled students by mandating assistive technology devises or services to be considered for each child with a disability.

• These services/tools are reflected in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) as a method for use with the general curriculum.

Other Laws

• Other laws that protect individuals with the use of assistive technology are The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• These laws require schools to provide AT for students (if needed) with disabilities.

Examples

• Over the next few slides, you will see examples and images of assistive technology that helps to aid students with hearing, seeing, learning, and physical disabilities.

FM Systems• FM systems are a very common AT tool that

is used for students with hearing disabilities.• The teacher wears a wireless transmitter

and the student wears the receiver. • As the teacher speaks into the transmitter, it

broadcasts radio waves that are picked up by the receiver.

• This allows the student to hear the teacher anywhere within the broadcast area.

FM Systems

Source: http://www.michdhh.org/assistive_devices/images/audise

e2.jpg

Magnifiers• Magnifiers are a common assistive technology

tool that is used for students with visual impairments.

• Magnifiers are used to enlarge words or pictures so students can see them better.

• Magnifiers come in many shapes and sizes. Some can be handheld, others can be full page.

• By using magnifiers, they can help visually impaired students become a more successful learner despite their disability.

Magnifiers

Source: http://www.michigan.gov/images/visually_impaired_student_re

ading_with_CCTV_116641_7.jpg

Audio Books• Audio books are an example of assistive

technology for students with learning disabilities.

• These books can range from a classroom read aloud to classroom textbooks.

• Audio books are prerecorded or narrated books that students can listen to in many different forms of technology.

• Audio books are especially great for students who struggle with reading.

Audio Books

Source:http://www.hodgepodge.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/

Audio-books.jpg

Keyguards• Keyguards are an example of an assistive

technology tool that is used by students with physical disabilities.

• These keyguards are hard, plastic covers that goes over a keyboard with one hole over each key.

• This tool helps a student to not hit unwanted keys and increases accuracy.

• They are easy to attach to a keyboard, typically with Velcro.

Keyguards

Source:https://cambiumtechnology.files.wordpress.com/

2012/04/graham-intellikeys-s.jpg

References• TecEar – Hearing Assistance Technology Consultants (2014). Retrieved October 26,

2014, from www.tecear.com/About_FM_Assistive_Listening_Systems.htm

• South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (2012). Retrieved October 26, 2014, from

http://www.sc.edu/scatp/cdrom/atused.html

• Dill, Margo. (2012). Using Page Magnifiers in Your Classroom for the Visually Impaired.

Bright Hub Education. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-

inclusion-strategies/47379-mouse-and-keyboard-assisstive-technology-options/

• Audio Textbooks Help Students With Reading Problems Access Curriculum (2014). Retrieved

October 26, 2014, from http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/legal-

rights/944-audio-textbooks-help-students.gs

References Continued

• Torreno, Stephanie. (2012). Assistive Technology for Children with Physical

Disabilities: Keyboard and Mouse. Bright Hub Education. Retrieved from

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-inclusion-strategies/47379-+

• mouse-and-keyboard-assisstive-technology-options/