ED 505 Assistive Technology Presentation by Jami Weekley

2. Explanation of Assistive
Technology
Assistive technology (AT) is any tool that helps students with
disabilities do things more quickly, easily or independently. It
can be elaborate and expensive or simple and low-cost.
Assistive technology services are supports for using assistive
technology devices, such as assistive technology evaluations,
equipment maintenance, technical assistance, demonstration
or training.

3. Explanation of Assistive
Technology
A student with poor vision might use enlarged text. A student
with motor difficulties might use an enlarged, simplified
computer keyboard. A non-verbal student can be the “caller”
for a game of “Red Light/Green Light” by using a talking
switch. A student who can comprehend history at the 6th grade
level, but can read only at the 3rd grade level, might read a
textbook with the help of a computer that scans and reads text.

4. Explanation of Assistive
Technology
The flexibility of assistive technology allows a teacher to build
tools and materials that address students’ strengths as well as
their weaknesses. For students with disabilities that interfere
with their communication, learning, social relationships or
active participation, assistive technology supports their
participation in learning experiences in the least restrictive
environment.

5. Alabama Law and Assistive
Technology
• Federal and state law require an IEP Team to consider a
child's need for Assistive Technology.
• Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) provides
advocacy services to persons with disabilities who need
assistive technology devices and/or assistive technology
services.
• The Alabama Assistive Technology Program (STAR) seeks
to increase the provision of, access to, and funding for
assistive technology.

6. Assistive Technology for the
Hearing Impaired
Personal FM/Digital Systems
FM and digital assistive listening
systems transmit sound wirelessly,
and are great for listening assistance
in situations where the speaker is a
distance away from listener, such as
in a classroom.

7. Assistive Technology for the
Seeing Impaired
Closed Circuit
Magnification
Closed circuit
magnification is a device
that enlarges words and
pictures on a screen that
makes them easier to view.

8. Assistive Technology for the
Learning Disabled
Alternative Keyboards
These programmable
keyboards have special
overlays that customize
the appearance and
function of a standard
keyboard. Students who have LD or have trouble typing may
benefit from customization that reduces input choices, groups
keys by color/location, and adds graphics to aid comprehension.

9. Assistive Technology for the
Physically Disabled
Eye Tracking Devices can be a powerful alternative for
individuals with no control, or only limited control, over their hand
movements. The
device follows the
movement of the eyes and
allows the person to
navigate through the web
with only eye movements.
Special software also
allows the person to type.

10. References
An Overview of Assistive Technology | Assistive Technology |
At School. (n.d.). National Center for Learning Disabilities.
Retrieved August 27, 2014, from http:// www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/
assistive- technology-education/overview-assistive-
technology
Assistive technology for kids with LD: An overview. (n.d.).
GreatSchools. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://
www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/
702-assistive-technology-for-kids-with-learning-
disabilities-an-overview.gs