Assistive Technology Brittany Smith Dr. Carlson ITEC 7530

1. Working with students with
special needs

2. • A student who is physically, mentally, or behaviorally
handicapped is considered a student with disabilities.
• Working with students with disabilities can be a
challenge, but it is a rewarding process that will help
students in the long run.
• These disabilities not only hinder the affected student,
but they can also cause distractions for the rest of the
class and frustration for the teacher if the disability is not
addressed.
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
was created to assist students with disabilities by
providing opportunities for them to succeed academically.

3. • An Individualized Education Plan is a special plan
created to meet the unique needs of individual students
with disabilities.
• Each plan has a set of goals for the student to meet and
a set of instructional methods designed to help the
student meet those needs.
• There are several methods that teachers can utilize to
make IEP integrations into regular curriculum smooth and
easy on the student, teacher, and the rest of the class.
• Following IEPs can be difficult if there is only one teacher
dealing with multiple students with disabilities, which is
where Assistive Instruction comes into play.

4. • There are several ways that teachers can assist their
students, and one of the primary ways is by implementing
assistive instruction and technology into their classroom
curriculum.
• Assistive Instruction is an umbrella term that encompasses
any resource a teacher uses to help assist in the learning
process of students with disabilities.
• These tools can vary from supportive chairs for physical
impairments to accessibility software for computer
interaction.
• With new advancements in technology, Assistive Instruction
has become easier than ever to access and utilize.
• The following slides give brief examples of how Assistive
Technology can be used to aid students with disabilities in
the learning process.

5. • A student suffering from ADHD is most likely to be easily
distracted or readily bored or frustrated with work that requires
passively sitting.
• Active learning is one the most effective solutions.
• Have the student participate in activities that get him or her moving.
• When passive reading or writing activities are going on, have
the student use noise reducing ear phones or plugs to cut the
noise and the distraction.
• Another effective method of dealing with distractions is to
create a “quiet area” with boards or boxes where students with
ADHD can be blocked off from distracting movements and
noises.
• Giving these students organized schedule agendas, electronic
check lists, and using color coordinated items will help keep
these students organized and focused on the task at hand.

6. • For students who are hearing impaired, Hearing Assistive
Technology (HATs) is the easiest solution to hearing problems.
• However, these devices are not always available to either
student or teacher, and the easiest solution in this case would
be to place the student near the front of the class.
• Keeping the noise level down in the classroom will also help
those students who are struggling to hear.
• Using presentations and writing on the black board are also
ways to assist students with hearing disabilities because they
allow the student to read rather than strain to hear what the
teacher is saying.
• Smart Pens would also help because they record audio as the
student takes notes, and the student can then go back and
listen to the teacher lecture using headphones.

7. • Touchscreens and Tablets are a great way to work with
students who have mild learning disabilities.
• They allow students to point, touch, and interact with information.
• Tablets are built in such a way that the students actually teach
themselves by using and experimenting with the tablet’s various
functions.
• Working in cooperative learning groups can also help
these students by giving them activities that they can do
at their own pace with a group of peers who will help
guide them when the teacher is not immediately
available.
• Notebooks, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and
word processing software can also help these students in
the process of taking notes and organizing information.

8. • Use Speech-to-Text software that will help the hearing
impaired.
• Use class organizers and lesson outlines and study
guides that will keep students focused and will cut down
on the confusion about what is going on.
• Use page magnifiers for students with visual disabilities.
• Use video recordings of the class to assist visual
learners.
• Use pencil grips, special desks, and make the classroom
accessible for students with physical disabilities.
• Use alternative or color coded keyboards for students
with learning disabilities or students with visual
disabilities.
• Use digital Braille embossers for students who are blind.

9. • There are many different disabilities that students
struggle with on a day-to-day basis.
• Despite the challenges that these disabilities present to
both student and teacher, there are easy solutions and
Assistive Instructional methods that ease the learning
process.
• Teachers should always be aware of these needs and
strive to make learning a smooth and enjoyable process
for their students.
• Ultimately, students with disabilities will succeed in the
learning environment through the patience and flexibility
of their teachers and the use of Assistive Technology.

10. • Individualized Education Plan
• Assistive Technology
• Guidelines to choosing Assistive Technology
• Overview of Assistive Technology
• Assistive Technology for Mild Disabilities
• Assistive Instruction for Hearing Disabilities (HATs)
• Touchscreens and Tablets
• Georgia Project for Assistive Technology
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• Microsoft Accessibility
• Assistive Technology Devices for Study and Organization
• Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities