Assistive Technology pertains to any device or service used to improve and/or support a student's ability to function in the classroom.
- More specifically:
- An assistive technology device is defined by IDEA 2004 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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability” (Dell, 2017 p. 5). Pictured below are various examples of AT devices.
Picture Link: http://scatp.med.sc.edu/cdrom/assets/DSCN1420.JPG
- An assistive technology service is defined by IDEA 2004 as any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device (Dell, 2017 p. 5). Pictured below is an example of an AT service in which an individual is training a student how to use a device.
An example of a low tech device is loop scissors. These scissors are typically used by individuals who don't have strong motor skills or muscle tone. The scissors have self opening handles and do not require a lot of pressure to cut. They can be found on this link: http://www.therapro.com/Browse-Category/Adaptive-Scissors/Easi-Grip-Loop-Scissors.html.
An example of a medium tech device is a GoTalk. This is typically used by students who have sever physical or speech impairments. The teacher can choose which pictures go in the boxes and can record audio for each picture. More information is available on the following link: http://www.attainmentcompany.com/assistive-technology.
An example of a high tech device is the Eyegaze Edge. This device allows a student to use control the computer using his or her eyes. This benefits students who have physical disabilities, who can't use their hands to control the computer. More information on this device can be found on the following link http://www.eyegaze.com/eye-tracking-assistive-technology-device/.
What are some resources on AT?
For Teachers:
- TechMatrix is a database of over 400 resources for educational assistive technology. This site also includes plenty of articles so that teachers can stay up to date on what resources are out there for their classrooms and students. http://techmatrix.org/
- The following website, Common Sense Media, is a resource for parents to learn more and find tools for their child who has a disability. The site is easy to use and includes 6 subheadings based on the function of the assistive technology: communication, social interaction, organization, reading and writing, math, and motor skills. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/special-needs
Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2017) Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the
school experiences of students with disabilities (3rd Ed). Boston: Pearson. ISBN:9780134170411
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