This presentation discusses assistive technology and its uses to help students with special needs in the classroom. It defines assistive technology as devices that assist students with difficult tasks, including hearing aids and speech recognition software. The presentation explains that assistive technology should be used to comply with disability laws, better serve students' needs, and prepare for technological change. It provides examples of technologies that meet specific impairments and conditions like ADHD. These include portable word processors, speech recognition, and word prediction software. Finally, the presentation lists general assistive technologies and encourages teachers to consider and share relevant technologies with others.

1. Introduction
The presentation is designed to inform about assistive technology, it’s uses, and
other resources to assist students with special needs in the classroom. As
educators, we are solely responsible for accommodating students in their learning
and development. It is my hope that you will use the methodology and resources
discussed in this presentation to generate a comfortable learning environment for
all students.

2. Definition of Assistive Technology
According to The National Center on Accessible Information Technology in
Education, assistive technology is a collection of devices that are used to assist
special needs students with tasks that are often difficult (National Center on
Accessible Information Technology in Education, 2013). The devices are wide-
ranging, including but not limited to hearing aids and software that allows you to
speak in order to write.

3. Why Assistive Technology?
There are several reasons why we should adopt assistive technology in our instruction:
• To be in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004, which
declares that all public agencies must have assistive technology available to
children under certain regulations listed in 300.105 (U.S Department of Education,
2004).
• To better serve students with special needs who have difficulty learning and
completing tasks in the classroom.
• To implement and learn how to use new technology in order to be prepared for a
growing and changing society.

4. Meeting Specific Needs
It is imperative that we secure technology that meets specific needs that are
unmet in accommodating students with disabilities. For instance, if we have a
student who is visually impaired, we should have writing assistive technology
available to the student. We should help the students use and become more
comfortable with the device or software.

5. Assistive Technology for ADHD
Students
• Portable word processors: devices that look like a computer keyboard with a
screen; helpful to ADHD students who are faced with writing challenges. Example:
AlphaSmart Writer Learning Neo
• Speech-recognition programs: software that allows students to speak into a
microphone and see the words appear on the screen. Example: Dragon
NaturallySpeaking
• Word-prediction software: forecasting software that predicts the word that the
student would like to enter, which increases vocabulary and improves grammar.
Example: EZ Keys
Source: (Duffy, n.d)

6. TeachThought’s 8 Helpful Assistive
Technology Tools For Your Classroom
Below are a list of general assistive technologies for students. They encompass a
wide range of support, including visual, auditory, and mobility impairments
• Screen Readers
• Word Talk
• Word Prediction programs
• Supernova Access Suite
• Video Magnifiers
• Close Captioning and Subtitling
• FaceMouse
• Sip-and-Puff Systems
Source: (TeachThought, 2013)

7. Closing Remarks
• Consider using the technology listed in the presentation, as well as assistive
technology that is relevant to your students.
• Inform the parent for additional support.
• Share your findings with administration and fellow faculty members.

8. Sources
Duffy, F., (n.d). The write tools for ADHD students. ADDitude Magazine. Retrieved from
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/9365.html
TeachThought. (2013). 8 helpful assistive technology tools for your classroom. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/technology/8-
helpful-assistive-technology-tools-for-your-classroom/
The National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education. (2013). What is assistive technology? University of Washington.
Retrieved from http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109
United States Department of Education. (2004). Sec. 300.105 assistive technology. Retrieved from
http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,regs,preamble2,prepart2,B,791,