2. WHAT IS ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY?
“Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether
acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized,
that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (Cennamo, Ross &
Ertmer, 2010)
Commonly referred to as AT
3. WHY DO WE USE AT?
AT is defined in several legislative acts, including:
Technology-Related Assistance of Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988
(Tech Act)
ADA of 1990 and 2004
It’s the law!
More importantly, AT assists students with disabilities in
comprehending and understanding materials that they may not
with other forms of instruction.
4. TYPES OF AT
There are many different types of AT:
Mobility and positioning aid
Sensory tools
Daily living tools
Environmental tools
Instructional tools
Computer access
Alternative and augmentative communication devices
Motivational tools
We are going to work on Instructional Tools!
5. INSTRUCTIONAL TOOLS FOR AT
Here are some examples:
Overhead transparencies and projectors
Audiotape players
Multimedia software and tools
Internet technology
Computer software and hardware
6. SELECTING AN AT
Every student is unique!
Developing an Individual Education Plan is important.
The student’s IEP should include which AT is being implemented
and how that AT will assist in achieving the student’s educational
goals and milestones.
So how do you select an AT?
You must understand your student
And you must understand available AT
7. LOW, MID, AND HIGH TECH
Low Tech – typically non-electronic but can include less
sophisticated electronic devices
i.e. – paper clips, sticky notes, shelf liner, etc.
Also – calculators, battery-adapted toys, and talking picture frames
Mid Tech – power sources and may require some training to use
i.e. – CD players, augmentative communication devices, talking directories,
etc.
High Tech – highly sophisticated, expensive, and have
multifunctional tools
i.e. – computers, internet, some software programs, etc.
Not every student will be able to use every level of technology.
8. RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
Examples of AT for Educators
http://assistivetechnologyforeducation.com/examples-of-assistive-
technology/
Possibly the most valuable example of AT is the iPad or other tablet
device.
These devices have many functions including auditory
assistance, daily living assistance, computer access, software
usage, and motivational tools.
9. RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
The National Institute for Child Health and Human Development
has a lot of fantastic resources
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/rehabtech/conditioninfo/page
s/device.aspx
This includes general and “how to” information on AT
10. RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
Center for Applied Special Technology
http://www.cast.org/learningtools/index.html
They have many AT products available for educators
11. REFERENCES
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration
for
meaningful classroom use: A standards based approash.
(pp. 150-158). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
