2. What is it?
• In general, technology helps students remain engaged in
learning material and current with research and
feedback. However, technology can be especially
beneficial for students with special needs in the
classroom.
• Even though general technology such as internet access
and brainstorming software can help a student with
special needs, assistive technology or (AT) is specifically
designed for students with special needs.
• The federal law recognizes assistive technology as
technology that improves or helps capabilities of a child
with a disability.
3. Types of Assistive Technology
• Access and Environmental Controls
• Aids to Daily Living
• Assistive Listening
• Augmentative/Alternative Communication
• Computer Based Instruction
• Mobility/ Positioning
• Visual Aids
• http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/strategies-
for-learning-disabilities/assistive-technology-devices/
4. Types of Assistive Technology
• Assisted Listening: This type of
technology helps students hear. Examples
of assisted listening include: hearing aids,
amplifiers and typing telephones.
• Augmentative/ Alternative
Communication: This type of technology
aids in communication. Examples of this
type of technology include: communication
software, output devices and computers.
5. Types of Assisted Technology
• Computer-Based Instruction: This type
of technology aids students who struggle
with learning of any subject.
• Visual Aids: This type of technology helps
students with visual impairments access
information. This type of technology
includes audio books, talking computers
and Braillers.
6. Apps for Special Needs
• Speech Box: This App helps students with
Apraxia and Autism Spectrum Disorder practice
speaking.
• Audio Boo and Dragon: These two apps allow
students to record their voices during lessons.
Also, Dragon even has speech recognition!
• There are many more apps that can help
students with special needs. Check this site out:
http://a4cwsn.com/
7. History of Technology Support
• 1988 Technology Related Assistance Act: This was the
first act concerning with providing technology to students
with special needs in educational settings.
• This act has been revised in 1994, 1998, 2004 and 2010.
• 2004- IDEA (NIMAS) or National Instructional Materials
Accessibility Standard
• This part of IDEA required that all teaching materials
must be available in electronic files that can be
converted to Braille, audio files etc. This responsibility
rests on the general education teacher.
8. Assistive Technologies
• Supporting a student with special needs
with technology can take a low-tech or
high-tech device.
• Various assistive technologies range from
special pencil grips to speech recognition
software.
• If a teacher thinks a student can benefit
from an assistive technology device, a
teacher can refer to the IEP team.
9. Computer Related Aids
• Brainstorming software helps students
with special needs because they can use
graphics to represent their ideas.
• Macintosh computers already have a
universal accessibility preference, where
one can use voice-overs and zooms on
every document.
• Click the picture to find out more.
10. Tips:
• First, be sure to consider each individual
student and his or her needs.
• Keep close communication with the
student’s IEP team.
• If new technology is introduced attend
workshops.
• Contact parents to ask for their advice and
communicate progress.
11. Resources:
• http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-
disabilities/strategies-for-learning-
disabilities/assistive-technology-devices/
• http://a4cwsn.com/
• http://nichcy.org/laws/ata
• Teaching Students with Special Needs in
General Education Classrooms 8th ed.
– By: Rena B. Lewis and Donald H. Doorlag
– 2001 Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
