Tammy Woods presented on assistive technology in the classroom for students with disabilities. She discussed special education categories under IDEA and the least restrictive environment of inclusion in general education classrooms with accommodations and assistive technology when needed. Examples of assistive technology were provided for students with specific learning disabilities, deaf/hard of hearing, speech/language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. Assistive technology is meant to increase academic abilities beyond typical classroom materials and is decided by each student's IEP team. Teachers are responsible for educating all students in the best way possible.
2. Special Education Specifically designed instruction provided by a school system to meet the unique learning needs of students determined eligible for a disability as identified by state and federal eligibility criteria. In the state of Georgia these categories include: Mild, Moderate, Severe and Profound Intellectual Disabilities Other Health Impaired Traumatic Brain Injury Autism Spectrum Disorder Specific Learning Disability Emotional Behavior Disorder Deaf/Blind Deaf/Hard of Hearing Orthopedic Impairment Significant Developmental Delay Speech and Language Impairment Visual Impairment and Blindness
3. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees students with disabilities the right to be educated with their peers in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to the maximum extent appropriate. -Georgia Department of Education For some students this could mean paraprofessional services in all general education classes, for others this could mean full self-contained services. This varies depending on the level of functioning of the student. It is the IEP team’s responsibility to determine LRE for each student.
4. Inclusion The act of integrating students with special needs into general education classrooms with peers without disabilities is inclusion. For the majority of students, inclusion is the least restrictive environment.
5. Accomodations Materials that provide a student with disabilities the support they need to function as their typical peers in general education. These can be supports and assistive technology. Examples include: Extended time to complete assignments Read aloud test questions Note taking assistance
6. Assistive Technology Any device that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with a disability. Different students require different types of support.
7. Examples of Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities Sarah has a Specific Learning Disability in Math Assistive Technology for her may include: Calculator to compute multi-step word problems Computer program that breaks down math steps for her at a slower pace (Moby Math)
8. Examples of Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities Landon is being served for special education services under the category of Deaf/Hard of Hearing because he is legally deaf, uses ASL (American Sign Language), and cannot speak Assistive technology examples for him include: Virtual springboard that he can press that generates sentences to express his basic wants and needs Communication Picture Board to use pictures to express wants/needs Teacher use of microphones to magnify voices for his hearing
9. Examples of Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities Thomas is being served for special education services under the category of Speech and Language Impairment. He can be understood most of the time, but sometimes he is difficult to understand. Assistive Technology examples for him may include: Augmentative Speaking Device Communication Board of pictures to express basic wants and needs
10. Examples of Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities Lilly suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury as a result of a car accident. She is able to write, but it is mostly illegible. Assistive Technology examples for her may include: Fusion Writer (personal typewriter) to type class assignments on Lined paper, larger lines, dashed lines for easier writing
11. Assistive Technology Examples Writing Word Processor Word Detection Software to help students recall familiar words Spell Check Specifically designed paper Pencil Grip
12. Assistive Technology Examples Vision Slantboard (clipboard that is lifted to make words more visible) Large print classroom activities and assessments Magnifier to place word under
13. Assistive Technology Explained Assistive technology is secondary to instructional accommodations. Individualized Education Plan accommodations help close the academic gap for students with special needs to level the field so that they can learn like their peers in general education. After instructional accommodations: Extended time Condensed assessments Repeated directions Orally read aloud test questions Some students will require assistive technology to increase their academic abilities, such as: Grip on pencil to assist writing Computer generated speaking system to express basic wants and needs Specifically designed writing paper Any piece of technology or additional support that increases, maintains, or improves the student’s ability beyond every day classroom materials.
14. As teachers it’s OUR responsibility to education our students with and without special needs in the BEST way possible.
