2. What is AT?
• The use of any external device in order to
enhance the performance of a certain task.
• In this presentation, we will focus on the use
of Assistive Technology as a means of enabling
students with disabilities to perform activities
they have difficulties with or are unable to
perform on their own.
• The purpose of this is to promote their
independence in every day actions
3. IEP
• A student with any form of disability may be
eligible to participate in an Individualized
Education Program
• This can happen in three ways:
– In a regular classroom with the help of teacher
aids
– In a designated room in a regular school with
specialized trained teachers
– In a special school environment
4. IEP
• Though students with disabilities may be
separated at times from regular school activities,
the goal is to create as less of a restrictive
environment as can be done and allow them to
participate in regular activities as much as
possible.
• However, in order to be selected for the IEP, the
student must first be evaluated. Having a
disability is not sufficient in order to be included
in the IEP.
5. Planning Process
• A student must first be evaluated in their
everyday activities and their performance on
standardized tests. Does their disability affect
their success in school?
• If so, then they are accepted into the program.
This evaluation is done by trained professionals
such as educators and therapists.
• Next comes a report of the student’s evaluation
which both the parents and the trained
professionals use to work together to create a
plan.
6. Planning Process
• The Individualized Plan itself is made up of:
–
–
–
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Short tem goals
Long term goals
Therapy that might be needed outside of the classroom
The collaboration of therapists and teachers to implement
necessary changes in the classroom
– Different AT devices that will be implemented in the
classroom
• Plan can be changed as needed throughout the year
but it must be evaluated annually.
• It is important to remember that the IEP varies
depending on where the students goes to school (ex.
Public vs Private)
7. Choosing AT
• As mentioned before, part of the IEP is choosing
what kind of AT will be implemented in the
classroom. In order to do this, a certain process
must be followed.
• First, information about the student and their
family must be gathered. What are the student’s
strengths, weakness, and abilities?
• The student’s interactions in the classroom
environment must be observed. How is the
student participating? How is he not?
8. Choosing AT
• The above observations must then be studied.
How can the student participate more? How can
he be more successful?
• Discuss possible AT solutions with family and
teachers. Should the AT solution focus on
movement? Communication? Comprehension?
• Implement the solution and observe the results.
• Evaluate the results and modify if needed.
9. AT Devices
• One of the steps to choosing an AT device is to
first decide which task does the student need
help with. There are many devices offered
that focus on audio, speech, writing, reading,
etc. Here are some examples:
• Audio AT Devices:
– Translating software which changes print based
notes to voice notes by using optical character
recognition (OCR). This is beneficial to students
with reading disabilities.
10. AT Devices
• Writing AT Devices:
– Word document software with grammar and spell
checking, inclusion of dictionary and thesaurus, and
word prediction.
– Computer editing and computer networking which
would allow students to read and edit each other’s
work. (Ex. Word Q)
– Programs that allow students to choose a serious of
images representing certain ideas. This program
would then turn the images to words which can then
be edited by the student.
11. AT Devices
• Hearing AT Devices – There are many services
offered that can be implemented with or without
the use of a hearing aid or cochlear implant.
• The following can reduce any competing noise or
make up for poor acoustics in the classroom.
– FM Systems that resemble personalized radio stations.
These include the use of a microphone by the speaker
and a listening device by the student. Can be
implement during a lecture.
– The use of computerized speech recognition which
changes the spoken word to the form of written text.
12. AT Devices
• ADHD – Though this is not considered a learning
disability, there are many devices which can aid
the students with their focus in the classroom.
– Smartboards are technological boards which engage
the student by providing both physical movement and
visual reinforcement in their learning.
– Timers are often thought of as an AT device though
they may be low tech. These are highly effective as
they help the student focus for a short period of time
and are then rewarded by a break or an activity of
their own choosing.
13. Web 2.0 Tools
• In the previous slides, I have mentioned some
tools that can be beneficial to the students as
they learn to work with their disabilities.
• However, there are many other Web 2.0 tools
geared solely for the benefit of educators as
they attempt to create a successful
environment for their students.
– Universal Design for Learning Assistive Technology
= aids in the development of curriculum and
lesson planning
14. Web 2.0 Tools
• Considerations for Academic Success = offers a
few other samples of AT devices that
educators may not be familiar with. This is
important in the Evaluation and Modification
process.
• Support for Young Children = Offers new ideas
for educators on how to make their students
feel more independent and successful in the
classroom
15. Works Cited Page
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"Assistive Technology Devices." Assistive Technology Devices. N.p., n.d. Web. 09
Feb. 2014.
"Assistive Technology." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Sept. 2014. Web. 09
Feb. 2014.
"Ericdigests.org." Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities: Update
2002. ERIC Digest. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2014.
"Hearing Assistive Technology." Hearing Assistive Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 09
Feb. 2014.
"Help for Young Learners: How To Choose AT?" LD OnLine: The World's Leading
Website on Learning Disabilities and ADHD. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2014.
"Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited
Site about Children's Health. Ed. Steven J. Bachrach. The Nemours Foundation, 01
May 2011. Web. 09 Feb. 2014.
Shelton, Kerry. "Technology for ADHD Students - Kerry Shelton's Professional
Portfolio." Kerry Shelton's Professional Portfolio. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2014.
"TAM | Technology and Media Division." Technology Fans. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb.
2014.
