This document discusses assistive technology and how it can help students with disabilities access educational materials. Assistive technology is any device or equipment that helps compensate for a student's disability. There is little difference between educational technology used in classrooms and assistive technology, as they are often interrelated and assistive technology is personalized to each student. Universal design for learning incorporates principles of accessing education through a student's strongest learning mode. The document provides examples of assistive technologies for different types of disabilities and impairments.

1. I can do it
too!!!!
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Technology for Everyone

2. Assistive Technology
 When technology is used with students with
disabilities the term used is Assistive
Technology.
 Based on the Texas Assistive Technology
Network, Assistive Technology (AT) is any
device, system or piece of equipment, whether
acquired commercially off the self, modified, or
customized, used to compensate for a
student’s disability.

3. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLGY USED IN
THE CLASSROOM AND ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY?

4. Very Little if Any!
 There may be a very fine line between
educational and assistive technology; they are
often interrelated.
 Assistive technology is more personal to the
student
 Educational technology is more classroom-
based.

5. Universal Design for Learning
 Instead of focusing on educational vs. assistive
technology, the concept of "Universal Design for
Learning" is being developed.
 A relatively new term, but it incorporates age-old,
basic principles of good teaching through different
modes.
 It involves using technology that allows students to
access educational materials through their strongest
learning mode.
 Provides equal access to learning, not simply equal
access to information.
 It does not remove academic challenges; it removes
barriers to access.

6. Different types of
Assistive Technology
 Hearing Aids
 Personal FM units
 Wheelchairs
 Self propelled walkers
 Talking Software
 Communication Boards
 Head Pointers
 Modified Keyboars

7. Example devices for the Learning
Disabled (Reading, Writing and Math)
 Writing
 Word Processor: built in features such as
correction of spelling and grammatical errors
 Student’s with issues with handwriting
 Math:
 Talkingcalculators
 Electronic math worksheets

8. Example devices for the Learning Disabled
(Reading, Writing and Math), continue
 Reading
 Tape recorders for books on tape
 Text Reading Systems
 Reading Pens

9. Examples devices for Speech
Impairment
 Students with speech impairments are
sometimes related to students with Down
Syndrome or Autism
 Devices
used with these impairments will
supplement a child’s attempt to verbally
communicate with others.
 Communication Board
 Picture exchange communication system
 Smart boards

10. References
 Considering Assistive Technology in the IEP Process-
Resource Guide. (2007, February). Retrieved January 26,
2012, from Texas Asssistive Technology Network (TATN):
www.texasat.net
 Jenron, J. (2011, October 14). AT and Learning Disabilities.
Retrieved January 26, 2012, from South Carolina Assistive
Technology Program: http://www.sc.edu/scatp/ld.htm
 Marshall Raskind, P. K. (2010, February). Assistive
technology for kids with LD: An overview. Retrieved January
26, 2012, from Great Schools:
http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-
technology/702-assisstive-technology