Assistive Technology

Ronda BynonTechnology And EducationED5059August 30, 2014

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is devices

that aid students with special

needs meet the requirements of

regular education classes. AT can

be anything from a rubber grip on

a pencil to a laptop computer

assigned to a student.

Assistive Technology and the Law

“Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.” (Assistive, 2008).

AT and the Hearing Impaired

Cochlear Implants are just one form of AT that may be used to help students that have a hearing impairment. A Cochlear Implant is implanted under the skin behind the ear. “Once sound is captured by the processor and converted into digital information, it is transmitted to the internal implant which converts that information into electrical signals.” (The Necleus, 2014). The implant sends sound signals to the brain which the brain converts into speech or sound.

AT and the Seeing Impaired

One device for the seeing impaired are optical characters readers. OPCs have the capability to not only enlarge text but also read text aloud (sometimes in multiple languages). One drawback to this type of device for the seeing impaired is that often there may be a mobility issue depending on the age of the device.

AT for the Learning Disabled

Audio books are one AT modification that can be used with students that have a learning disability in reading comprehension. Audio books come in several formats. Traditionally, audio books were recorded on tapes or cds. With advances in technology, audio books are now available on small mp3 type devices that can be checked out to students. Another option for audio books is web based subscription services that offer wide selections of audio books.

Assistive Technology and the Physically Disabled

AT devices for the physically disabled are dependent upon the disability of the individual that needs the assistance. A walker is just one type of AT mobility device that can be used to assist individuals. The use of a walker often gives the physically disabled a sense of confidence and independence. The ability to self-propel oneself is often all that needed to help a child with a physical disability excel.

References

Assistive Technology. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/#content

Assistive Technology in Education. (2008). Retrieved from

http://www.atp.ne.gov/techassistdoc.html

Goebel, Gerald (author). (n.d.). Funding Adaptive Mobility Equipment for Young Children with Disabilities

[electronic image]. Retrieved August 30, 2014, from http://www.rifton.com

Kerr, Michael (educator). (2014). MOBILE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLGY

FOR LEARNING IN A DIGITAL WORLD [electronic image].

Retrieved August 30, 2014, from: http://ldatschool.ca/pro-learning/ articles/mobile-assistive-technology-

for-learning-in-a-digital-world

Kugler, Sean (author). (2012). Welcome to Assistive Technology [electronic image]. Retrieved August 30,

2014 from http://www.fusd1.org

Nielson, Lisa (author). (2011). 25 Incredible Assistive Technologies [electronic image]. Retrieved August 30,

2014 from http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/09/25-incredible-assistive-technologies.html

Optical Character Readers. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.christal-vision.com/default.htm

The Necleus System. Everything we’ve learned over 30 years makes

it simply smarter. (2014). Retrieved at http://www.cochlear.com