assistive technology

Assistive TechnologyFor the

Visually Impaired

Screen Reader• A program that combines sound and picture to help

explain what is on the computer screen.• Scenario: Mark has very low vision and has troubling

seeing, he can use the screen reader to help him.• Academic gains include availability in most

languages, Speech or braille, works with most operating systems, use email, read internet articles, create word documents.

• Barriers: A blind person doesn’t know correct spelling of unfamiliar words, computer sounding voice, and it reads everything (ex. H-t-t-p-colon).

Closed Circuit Magnification

• A device that can enlarge words and objects on a screen for easier viewing.

• Scenario: Students are assigned to research about Christopher Columbus. Stephanie has low vision and can use this device to see more clearly.

• Academic gains: up to 82x magnification, viewing platform for books, viewing modes with lighting and color.

• Barriers: Eye fatigue, less portable than other devices.

Braille Translation Devices

• Used to translate screen words and formatting into readable braille.

• Scenario: Students are instructed to read “October Sky”. Luke is completely blind and deaf. He can use this device to still read the story.

• Gains: Can run on smartphones, personal computers, or on a network server.

• Barriers: Can be very bulky if a large book, requires acute sense of touch.

Assistive TechnologyFor the Developmentally/

Physically Challenged

Adaptive Keyboard

• A keyboard that reduces the strain on the user by alphabetizing the letters.

• Scenario: Students are asked to do an assignment on the computer. Adam has tremors and cannot use a regular keyboard.

• Gains: Focus more on task, customizable, programmable, flat, and type with fewer key strokes.

• Barriers: Touch sensitive

Alternate Communication Devices

• A device that helps those with Down’s Syndrome, Autism, and other illnesses communicate easily.

• Scenario: Students are assigned to work with a partner practicing their vocabulary words. Henry is autistic and will need another way of communicating with his partner.

• Gains: Engage in communication through pictures, sounds, and symbols.

• Barriers: Difficult to operate, expensive, and bulky.

Adaptive Student Desks

• For children with neurological impairments, these desks adjust to their needs.

• Scenario: Maria uses a wheelchair and cannot use a regular desk. She needs something designed just for her.

• Gains: Adjust height and leg stirrups, child can be supported in stand-up position, independent use, additional storage space.

• Barriers: Bulky

Assistive Technology

For the Deaf and

Hard of Hearing

Personal Amplification Device

• Audio enhancer that directly increases the sound of noise around the user.

• Scenario: Mario is deaf but uses a hearing aid and can use this device.

• Gains: Control sound intensity and volume, reduces background noise, benefits all listeners.

• Barriers: Placement of speakers (if not using ear piece).

Audio/Visual Communication Devices

• Combine residual hearing with closer views of mouth movement to enhance understanding.

• Scenario: Annette is hard of hearing and seeing. She can use this device when hearing her teacher lecture.

• Gains: Students can see the words, ASL that is being said, documents easily translated, allows for voice recognition.

• Barriers: Some only allow certain time frames, some for only basic communication needs/wants, some require batteries or plug in, and may be bulky.

Voice to Text Translation

• A software device that captures spoken words and translates into readable text on a screen.

• Scenario: Emily is instructed to listen to a number of vocabulary words and write them down. She can use this device to translate the words into text since she cannot use her hands.

• Gains: Can be used on cell phone, allows student to read the text without using a keyboard and increased productivity.

• Barriers: Requires microphone, typos, may need to make corrections to punctuation, and limited library of words.

Resources• http://

atcoalition.org/article/text-speech-readers-people-learning-disabilities

• http://www.enhancedvision.com/low-vision/cctv-magnifiers.html

• http://webaim.org/articles/motor/assistive• http://

voices.yahoo.com/a-way-children-autism-communicate-5636354.html?cat=70

• http://www.eastersealstech.com/2013/05/01/adaptive-student-desks/

• http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=19327&top=13446&deep=2&trail=22,13436&ksectionid=0&startpage=2&orgid=0&discontinued=0

• http://lintili-voicerecognitionsoftware.blogspot.com/2011/03/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-voice.html