ITEC Spring 2013

2. THE SITUATION
You are a teacher who has a few students that
require you to differentiate your instruction.
Tammy, Sandy and Isaac have been diagnosed
with ADHD. Karrie has an auditory disability,
and requires a special device in order to hear.
Also, you have a number of students that have
mild learning disabilities that impact all areas,
especially reading and writing. As you prepare
for the school year, you ask yourself, "What
resources do I have in order to help me meet
my students' needs?"

3. OVERVIEW
Working with “special needs” students
takes time, patience, and love.
These students need assistive
technology in classes to help them
succeed.
There are several different resources,
with or without technology, that we can
use in order to enhance our students’
education.

4. WHAT IS AN IEP?
An IEP is an “Individualized Education Program” primarily created for
those students with delayed kills or other eligible disabilities. It is free
of charge for families of students with needs.

5. WHO QUALIFIES FOR AN IEP?
Any child who has difficulties learning and is classified as a “special
needs student” is qualified for an IEP.
Students with the following illnesses are commonly receivers of an IEP:
Learning disabilities
ADHD
emotional disorders
cognitive challenges
autism
hearing impairment
visual or speech impairment
developmental delay

6. ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a
“neurobehavioral disorder characterized by either
significant difficulties of inattention or hyperactivity or a
combination of the two.”
inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Students with ADHD frequently have problems with
reading and writing.

7. AUDITORY DISABILITIES?
Auditory disabilities refer to many
disorders that affect the way the brain
processes auditory information.
These disabilities can affect children or
adults and normally can be fixed with a
hearing aid.

8. MILD LEARNING DISABILITIES
Disabilities that can
generally be regulated with
appropriate medical,
educational, or other special
services provided.

9. WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?
Assistive Technology refers to “any item, piece of equipment, or
product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or
customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”
Students with learning
disabilities can be helped
greatly with these assistive
technologies. There are
even some alternatives that
require no technology.

10. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY..
Interactive programs to create a focus
Prezi presentations, smart boards
online interactive games, flash cards
Use diagrams, graphics and other visuals to gain their
attention
Vary the tone of your voice: loud, soft, whispers
Use activities that require hands-on experience and
“multi-sensory strategies”
Act out any stories and let students delegate the
characters.

11. CONCLUSION
Assistive technology helps all students,
especially those with learning disabilities
or special needs. It does not necessarily
require the physical use of technology. It
just requires patience and special
thought that these children deserve. The
Georgia Department of Education has a
project which helps local schools
provide AT devices to students with
disabilities.

12. REFERENCES
"Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities: Update 2002.
ERIC Digest." Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities:
Update 2002. ERIC Digest. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
"Assistive Technology." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Feb. 2013.
Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
Board, A.D.A.M. Editorial. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. U.S.
National Library of Medicine, 18 Jan. 0001. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
"Georgia Project for Assistive Technology." Georgia Project for Assistive
Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
"Hearing Assistive Technology." Hearing Assistive Technology. N.p., n.d.
Web. 20 Feb. 2013.

13. REFERENCES, CONTINUED
"Help for Young Learners: How to Choose AT?" LD Online. N.p., n.d. Web.
20 Feb. 2013.
"Help for Young Learners: How to Choose AT?" LD Online. N.p., n.d. Web.
20 Feb. 2013.
"KidsHealth." Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). N.p., n.d. Web. 20
Feb. 2013.
"Ramp Up to Access: Assistive Technology." Ramp Up to Access: Assistive
Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
"Touchscreens and Tablet PCs - Global Assistive Technology Wiki."
Touchscreens and Tablet PCs - Global Assistive Technology Wiki. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
"Types of Assistive Technology Products." Types of Assistive Technology
Products. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.