1. An Introduction to
Assistive
Technology

2. Universal Design for Learning
UDL is a set of principles that give all students an equal
opportunity to learn.
Three Principles of UDL
 Multiple Means of Representation –
provide learners various ways of acquiring
information and knowledge
 Multiple Means of Action and Expression
– provide learners with multiple ways to
demonstrate what he/she has learned
 Multiple Means of Engagement – multiple
ways to engage students’ interest and
motivate them to learn
www.cast.org

3. Assistive Technology
Education and Civil Rights
 Assistive technology is any item, piece of
equipment or product system acquired
commercially off-the-shelf, modified and/or
customized that is used to increase, maintain,
or improve functional capabilities of
individuals with disabilities. (Chapter
33,Section 14-- IDEA)
 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
provides for accessibility to public areas for all
individuals.

4. The Outcomes of AT use
by the Individual:
 Increased levels of independence
 Improve quality of life
 Increase productivity
 Enhance performance
 Expand options
 Reduce amount of support/services
needed

5. AT: Levels of technology
Levels of Technology Depends
 Power Source
 Sophistication of training involved
Three Levels:
1. Low Tech
2. Mid Tech
3. High Tech
*RESNA: Rehabilitation Engineering and
Assistive Technology Society of North
America.

6. Levels of Technology (cont.)
Criteria for Tech Levels:
Low Tech: No AC or DC power &
minimal training required for functional
use-least restrictive for individual
Mid Tech: AC power needed along with
a modest level of training/practice
required for functional use
High Tech: AC power needed or more
complex DC power required & extended
training needed, usually from an
expert, for end user and those supporting
the individual.

7. AT Considerations Wheel
 AT Resources
 AT Definitions
 Outer Wheel—Categories for
using AT
 Window gives suggestions and
ideas from Low to High Tech.

8. Windows Accessibility Options
• Allows for magnification
• Change the size of text and font
• Change to a high contrast theme
• Narrator-reads aloud any text on screen
• Audio descriptions-hear descriptions of what is happening in videos
• Speech Recognition (you have to set this up)
• Can be found by clicking on menu (bottom left), control panel, ease
of access (this will vary depending on what version you are running)

9. Mac Accessibility Options
• Display options-you can change
contrast, invert colors (black
background, white type), and change
size of cursor
• Zoom-add/change keyboard shortcuts
to zoom. Allows user to enlarge items at
will or set a constant for magnified text
and images.
• Voice Over-provides spoken description
of exactly what is happening on your
computer. Braille descriptions of items
on the computer screen is also
available (requires a Braille Panel).
 Speakable items-allows you to control
your computer and applications using
spoken commands (Mavericks OS)

10. Writing Guide
Heavy duty, full page plastic
guide that helps students keep
their writing within lines. Best
yet, it's reusable.

11. Raised Line Paper
Raised line paper provides visual and
kinesthetic feedback to students who
have difficulty keeping their handwriting
inside the lines. The lines are in color
and the ink is raised enough so that the
student can feel the lines via both touch
and pencil.

12. Smart Start Story Paper
This paper is perfect for younger students
with low vision or attention difficulties. It
features bold colors and encouraging
statements such as “always do your best.”

13. Reading Tools

14. Reading Stands and Slant Boards
Using an adjustable book holder can free up hands for
page turning, highlighting or just easy reading.
These portable stands hold books, magazines, and
other material at a proper position.

15. Page Up
This holds up to 20 sheets of
paper in an upright position.
It can be used next to the
computer or on a student
desk to hold paper in an
upright position, allowing for
easier reading. Small
enough to be stored in
backpack or purse.

16. AIM Explorer
 The AIM Explorer is a free simulation that combines grade-
leveled digital text with access features common to most text
readers and other supported reading software.
 Magnification, custom text and background colors, text-to-
speech (synthetic and human), text highlighting, and layout
options are presented in a logical sequence to help struggling
readers decide which of these supports might help them to
access and understand text
 The AIM Explorer is designed to be used by a reader working
collaboratively with an educator, tutor, parent, or assistive
technology specialist as a guide.
 http://aim.cast.org/experience/decision-
making_tools/aim_explorer#.UxSgDPmwJcQ

17. Colored Transparencies
Improves visual perception of text
Blurry letters
Complains of eyestrain
Letters that
move
Words that seem to blend
Poor spacing between letters
& words while copying

18. Highlighter Tape
Use different colors
to mark information
in different
categories
Draw attention to
words so they can’t be
missed

19. Removable Arrow Tags
Draw attention without changing
the information’s appearance

20. Marking
Pages/Books/Notebooks
Great way to mark where a
student's left off while reading
or using a textbook

21. Magnifiers
Pocket magnifier-this
comes in a plastic case and
if the size of a credit card.
This can be used to enlarge
a small area of printed text or
graphics. It can also be used
to help focus the student’s
attention on the line of text
that they are reading. Costs
about $1.60
Magnifying Bar-Bar has a
yellow line through the
middle to help with visual
tracking, Magnifies 1.5x
$4.00

22. Larger Magnifier
This larger version of the pocket magnifier
brings a full page into focus at 2X power.
Scratch resistant, light weight, distortion free
and durable. For best magnification results,
the magnifier needs to be a few inches above
the page

23. Math Tools

24. Highlight-Operational signs
Use different highlighters to specify
which operation is being used
30
+ 45+
72
- 45-
38
+ 45
72
- 45

25. Plastic Writing Guide
Turn vertical to
line up math
problems

26. Adapted Rulers
Helps students with
poor hand or finger
dexterity grasp and
manipulate a ruler.
This can be used on
the FCAT if written
into the IEP.

27. Laminated Math Tables

28. Math Line(s)
Early Math
through
Pre Algebra
concepts
Blue represents groups of 5
Red represents groups of 10
-Self contained…no loose pieces
-Allows students to see, touch
and move the pieces. Connects
concrete objects with an
abstract number.
-Tutorials and demonstrations on
www.howbrite.com

29. Organizational Tools

30. Using Color
 Highlighter markers
 Colored dots
 Removable Arrows
 Page markers
 neon pens

31. Hefty Tabs
Could mark:
 table of contents
 index
 glossary
 appendices with maps and
tables
 identify setting, plot,
character

32. Post It Notes
Organizes
Assignment
Priorities
Brainstorming
Ideas
Desk reminders
Graphic
Organizer

33. AT: “Golden” Rule
“Never use a high
tech solution for a
low tech problem!”

34. Mid Tech Examples

35. LOGAN Proxtalker
Designed by parent of autistic child, this is very durable and user
friendly. Great tool for students who have mastered the use of
PECS. $2500

36. Livescribe Echo Smart Pen
Can transfer audio and notes to
computer through USB connector. Can
play back lectures with just a tap on
the paper where notes were taken. Has
a speaker and headphone jack so that
student can listen anywhere they’d like.
Available at Target, Best Buy, etc.
start at $99.

37. iPad
Can be used for communication in place of more
expensive high tech tools such as a Dynavox. Great
for all learning modalities. Free apps widely
available. This can be considered mid tech or high
tech depending on the needs of the user.

38. Other mid and high tech
examples
Mid tech devices

39. Fairness is not
everyone getting
the same thing.
FAIRNESS is the
individual getting
what they need!

40. and
Jessica Callaghan, M.Ed.
Technology Specialist,
FDLRS/NEFEC
callaghanj@nefec.org
Created by:
Teresa Pinder
MLS/AT, OTR/L, ATP
R/LATS-Levy
teresapinder@yahoo.com
ESE/Student Services Offices
Bronson--Satellite Lab