1. ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY (AT)
Selena Whitney Farmer

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)
 Assistive Technology is technology used to help students
with disabilities learn and communicate more independently.
 AT can be broken into 3 categories
 No technology
 Non-electronic
 Low technology
 Electronic but do not contain sophisticated computer parts
 High technology
 Use sophisticated computer parts or include a computer and software
(LD Online, 2001).
Reference:
Behrmann, M., & Jerome, M. K. (2002, January). Assistive technology for students with mild disabilities. Retrieved from
http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-1/assistive.htm

3. WORKING SPECIAL NEEDS
STUDENTS
 Students with an Individualized Educational Plan
(IEP) are eligible to receive accommodations in the
classroom to help them succeed.
 Within their IEP are the special supports, such as
AT, you can use in your classroom to assist in
meeting their goals.

4. RESOURCES TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
 AT Resources can be used to accommodate
students with:
 ADHD
 Auditory Disabilities
 Mild Learning Disabilities
 Autism
 Visual Impairments
 Physical Disabilities (Orthopedic Impairments)

5. RESOURCES FOR ADHD
 Invisible Clocks
 Worn on the belt and vibrates when designated time is up
to let the student know it is time for a break and can help
with behavior
 Portable Word Processors
 Assists the student with reading and writing
 Electronic Math Worksheet software/ Talking
Calculator
 Can provide immediate feedback for students in Math
Reference
Bright hub. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/74108.aspx

6. RESOURCES FOR AUDITORY
DISABILITIES
 Personal frequency modulation (FM) systems
 The teacher uses the microphone while the student has the
receiver so the sound reaches their ears or their hearing aid
 One to One Communicator
 The teacher wears the microphone and the sound is amplified
and delivered directly into the students hearing aid (the
student can adjust the volume to their comfort level)
 Note Taking
 A trained professional takes notes to allow the student to
focus on listening and watching a speaker
Reference:
Hearing assistive technology. (1997). Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/FM-Systems/

7. RESOURCES FOR MILD LEARNING
DISABILITIES
 No Technology Resources
 Foam attached to page corner to assist in page turning
 Study carrel to decrease distractions
 Providing copies of notes
 Email (Low Technology)
 Sending class notes to students
 Technology (High)
 Voice-recording Device
 Students can record lessons or lectures for review
 Notebook computers, PDAs, or portable word processors to
help students with note taking
Reference:
Behrmann, M., & Jerome, M. K. (2002, January). Assistive technology for students with mild disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-
1/assistive.htm

8. RESOURCES FOR AUTISM
 Talk Pad
 Can be programmed with simple 1-4 step directions
 The student hits the buttons to complete steps
 Helps with organizational skills
 Voice In the Box
 Helps the student to focus his attention during large group-
listening activities
 Timers
 Assists many students by providing time limits and
structure for completing tasks
Reference
Stokes, S. (n.d.). Assistive technology for . Retrieved from http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htm

9. RESOURCES FOR VISUAL
IMPAIRMENTS
 Closed circuit televisions (CCTVs)
 Students view a screen with color contrast and print size
options
 Reading materials are placed under the glass that slides
and guides as the student reads
 Auditory-based AT
 Students can tape record a lesson to review later
 Students can use a talking calculator
Reference
Types of assistive technology available visually impaired students. (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-visual-impairments/74539-assistive-technology-for-students-with-visual-
impairments/

10. RESOURCES FOR PHYSICAL
DISABILITIES
 Keyguards
 Help students to avoid striking unwanted keys while typing
 Pointing or Typing Aid
 Can be used for students with more severe disabilities
 Usually a wand or a stick, the typing aid can be worn on the
head, strapped to the chin, or held in the mouth or hand and
is used with a standard or alternative keyboard
Reference
Assistive technology for children with physical disabilities: Keyboard & mouse. (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/47379.aspx