An overview of assistive technology and some examples of how it can be used.

1. ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY
Katie Hanson
University of West Alabama
ED 505 Education and Technology
Summer 2015

2. WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?
Assistive technology is any device that helps a student with a disability complete a task
more adequately. The technology is a tool to help the student feel more confident in their
academic ability and not be hindered by the limits of their disability. Assistive technology
is chosen to help with specific tasks and must be chosen on an individual basis.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA ’04) defines
an assistive technology device as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is
used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child and specifically
excludes a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device”
(e.g., a cochlear implant).

3. HOW DOES ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
SUPPORT STUDENTS?
Assistive technology supports and services that are specified in the federal definition
of assistive technology services include:
• Evaluating the student’s need for a device
• Buying, leasing, or acquiring the device
• Selecting, fitting, adapting, repairing, or replacing the device as needed
• Coordinating the services for a student who uses a device (e.g., therapies, education)
• Providing training or technical assistance to the student, family, teachers, or others
involved in the use of the device

4. LAWS ABOUT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
The law says that assistive technology must be considered for any child with an IEP
(Individualized Education Plan).
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to
children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public
agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more
than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.

5. IMPLEMENTING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
• In order for assistive technology to be effective, there must be person in charge of
implementation this person is called the point of contact.
• The point of contact is responsible for informing and aiding the teachers in correctly
implementing the technology.
• Once this is established a team is developed to help organize how the technology will be used
and when the student will need it most.
• Implementation is the most important component of effectively using assistive technology to
help the student reach his/her goals.
• Once the technology is put into place for the student it should be evaluated based on whether
or not it is effectively helping the student so that changes can be made if necessary.

6. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR HEARING
IMPAIRED
Frequency-Modulated (FM) Amplification Systems
FM amplification systems create a link
between the teacher and the hearing aid for
the hearing impaired student. The teacher
wears a microphone and this greatly
reduces background noise and frees the
teacher to walk around the room. This is of
most commonly used assistive technology
devices used in schools.
http://www.tecear.com/Telecoil_Products.htm

7. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR SEEING
IMPAIRED
Desktop Video Magnifier
https://carroll.org/store/desktop-video-magnifiers/
A desktop video magnifier uses a camera
to project a magnified image on a
computer screen. If the camera is
mounted on a stand it allows the user to
move the material as needed.

8. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR LEARNING
DISABLED
Portable Word Processor
A portable word processor is lightweight
device that is easy to transport. It assists
students who may have trouble writing
by hand and prefer to use a keyboard.
Word processing allows the user to edit
and correct his written work more
efficiently than doing so by hand.
http://www5.esc13.net/thescoop/assistive-technology/page/2/

9. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR PHYSICALLY
DISABLED
http://atfored.com/examples-of-assistive-technology/
Switch Access
Switch access is used for students with
limited mobility but that can consistently
move one part of their body. The student
an use an adapted switch to access the
computer, an iPad, a device for
communicating, and other devices such
as a phone or appliances. Switches can
also be used to increase mobility.

10. REFERENCES
AT Examples, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from http://atfored.com/examples-of-assistive-technology/
Belson, Sarah. Assistive Technology For Students With Hearing Impairments, Retrieved June 11,
2015 from http://sped.wikidot.com/assistive-technology-for-students-with-hearing-impairments
Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004, U.S. Department of Education, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from
http://idea.ed.gov/
Stanberry, K. & Raskind, M. H. (2009). Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An
Overview, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-
kids-learning-disabilities-overview

11. REFERENCES (CONTINUED)
The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2010). Assistive Technology: An Overview. Retrieved
on June 11, 2015 from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/
Video Magnifiers, American Foundation for the Blind, Retrieved June 11, 2015 from
http://www.afb.org/info/living-with-vision-loss/using-technology/assistive-technology/video-
magnifiers-221/1235