1. Working with students with special needsA look into Assistive technology Jennifer Edgington

2. Special Needs Special needs is defined as: “Of or relating to people who have specific needs, as those associated with a disability”. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/special-needs

3. Important terms when teaching students with disabilities IEP: Individualized Education Plan – a plan designed to meet the educational needs of a student with disabilities. This must be formatted to fit the student’s specific learning needs and also inform the teacher as well as related service providers of the students disability and affects of the disability on their learning process. Inclusion – refers to the incorporation of students with disabilities into general education classrooms and should be considered full members of that classroom. Assistive Technology - This refers to "...any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (IDEA 300.6). Least Restrictive Environment – Refers to students with disabilities being incorporated into classes with their peers without disabilities. These students should be supplied with the necessary aids in order to assist the disabled students in achieving the learning goals of that of their peers (i.e. Assistive Technology).

4. Examples of Assistive Technologies Transcription Software: Translates spoken words into text. Students can use this technology for note-taking in class as well as assist in producing homework assignments. Assists students unable to write effectively due to learning disability or physical disability Voice Amplifiers: Very similar to a hearing aid, placed in the students ear to assist in hearing, volume can be adjusted as needed. Magnifiers and Large Print Texts: Magnifies the text to assist students with visual imparities.

5. My Third Grade Class Kelvin, Dominick, and Shiranta all have ADHD, (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a problem with one or more of the following; inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity). Seats assigned in non-distracting position in classroom. Ensures students can see board, hear instruction, and free from distractions from other students. Positive behavior rewarded/recognized, negative behavior ignored.

6. Class Continued Sarah has an auditory disability Utilizes an auditory device to assist in hearing me speak. Also utilizes Transcription Software that translates my lectures to text on her computer screen. This enables Sarah to catch something she may have missed due to my volume being too low for her to hear.

7. Class Continued Rick, Kayla, Matt, Jackson, and Michelle all have difficulties with reading and writing. Text in PowerPoints, on white board, and on overheads are larger Hand held Magnifiers available for assistance in reading. Jackson and Kayla both have physical disabilities that prevent them from writing and therefore have the same Transcription Software that Sarah does to assist in homework and note-taking. These students are also seated together to ensure that the Special Education teacher can assist them, and I can also assist them quicker.

8. References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Least_Restrictive_Environment http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inclusion_(disability_rights) http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/iep.html http://www.ehow.com/about_5403819_types-assistive-technology-used-classroom.html http://www.ehow.com/list_6374820_types-technology-devices-used-classrooms.html https://health.google.com/health/ref/Attention+deficit+hyperactivity+disorder+(ADHD) http://deafness.about.com/od/hearingaids/ig/Hearing-Instrument-Gallery/Insound-Medical-Lyric.htm Hearing aid picture http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=voice+to+text+software&wrapid=tlif12855371818642&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=m72fTLDGAoG0lQeukpXkCg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=image&resnum=3&ved=0CDsQzAMwAg Voice to text software http://www.amazon.com/I-Can-Do-Reward-Chart/dp/B001BX0BF4 Recognition Chart