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Assistive TechnologyAssistive TechnologyKasey Coker
Working with Students With Working with Students With Disabilities (SWD)Disabilities (SWD)
In order to meet the needs of students with disabilities, it is necessary to determine if the disability affects the students’ functioning at school and whether they are eligible for services.
Once eligibility is determined as per the regulations set forth by the Individuals with Disabilities, or IDEA Act (2004), an Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be developed including services that the student is eligible for. (Kidshealth, 2011).
Disabilities that often require an Disabilities that often require an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Learning disabilitiesAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)Emotional disordersMental retardationAutismHearing impairmentVisual impairmentSpeech or language impairmentDevelopmental delay
(Kidshealth, 2011)
Classroom EnvironmentsClassroom Environments
Least restrictive environment – This is a classroom environment in which regular academic instruction is the focus◦the student is able to attend regular classes,
though may need modifications to instruction or assessment according to their IEP.
◦This student may also require a paraprofessional that may assist one to a few students in addition to the regular classroom teacher
Classroom EnvironmentsClassroom Environments
Inclusion – This is a smaller classroom environment in which the students require more assistance than is available within a regular classroom.◦the student must attend a resource class◦alternative instruction and assessment
methods are most appropriate◦This student will require more individualized
attention during instructional periods
The Process of Developing an IEPThe Process of Developing an IEP
When the student is recommended for evaluation by parent, teacher, or doctor:
1. Gather data about student progress or academic problems (through conferences, observations, and/or analysis of student performances)
2. Strategies specific to student are suggested and implemented
3. If strategies do not help, testing for specific learning disabilities or other impairments is conducted (having a disability does not automatically include eligibility
4. Eligibility is determined by a team of professionals5. The IEP includes support services particular to the
student6. Services are provided and progress is monitored7. The IEP is reviewed annually to set new goals and
maintain the appropriate level of services.(Kidshealth,
2011)
What is Assistive Technology(AT)?What is Assistive Technology(AT)?
Assistive technology or adaptive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them.
(Wikipedia, 2011)◦Examples: (no-tech) foam on the
corners of book pages; (low-tech) voice recorders, talking watches; (high-tech) software-based graphic organizers, webcam photography of class sessions
(ERIC Digest, 2002)
An inspiring video about the benefits of AT(Edutopia, 2011)
Appropriate Assistive TechnologyAppropriate Assistive Technology
To increase motivation and support student learning for the majority of students with mild learning disabilities. This will help mostly in the areas of reading and writing.◦textHELP! Read & Write Software from Synapse
Features:◦Speech – highlights and reads text◦Spell Checking◦Homophones support◦Word Prediction◦Dictionary◦Simple Calculator◦Word Wizard◦Teacher’s Toolkit
(Synapse Adaptive)
There is a plethora of strategies to use with students who have ADHD. Here are some low-tech options:◦Post-its to prioritize thoughts, directions, or
ideas to keep students on task◦Highlighters and highlighter tape to keep
students focused on important information◦Alternative writing surfaces, such as white
boards (individual ones can be handmade and kept at each desk)
◦Copies of concept maps and diagrams to help organize information
(University of South Carolina, 2011)
Appropriate Assistive TechnologyAppropriate Assistive Technology
In order to assist students who are hearing impaired, there are a number of devices to assist these students so that their disability does not affect their learning. Some of these devices include:◦FM Listening System – this device brings the
speaker’s voice directly into a small transmitter using a microphone in which the volume can be controlled on the receiver.
(University of South Carolina, 2011)◦Hearing aids, or cochlear implants(American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,
2011)
Appropriate Assistive TechnologyAppropriate Assistive Technology
ResourcesResources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2011). Hearing Assistive Technology. Retrieved fromhttp://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/assist_tech.htm
Edutopia. (2011) Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams. Retrieved fromhttp://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-video
ERIC Digests (2002). Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities. Retrieved from
Kidshealth (2011). Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Retrieved fromhttp://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/iep.html#
ResourcesResources
Synapse Adaptive. TextHELP! Read & Write Software. Retrieved fromhttp://www.synapse-ada.com/textHELP/RW/read_&_write_1.htm
University of South Carolina: AT and Learning Disabilities. Retrieved fromhttp://www.sc.edu/scatp/ld.htm
Wikipedia (2011). Assistive Technology. Retrieved fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology