Assistive technology refers to any device, software, or equipment that can help individuals with disabilities by improving their functional abilities. Assistive technology can range from low-tech options like communication boards to high-tech computers and includes wheelchairs, educational software, and other aids. According to 2010 Census data, over 56 million Americans had a disability and nearly 38 million had a severe disability, with around 12 million requiring daily living assistance. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires schools to provide assistive technology as specified in students' Individualized Education Programs to meet their needs. Common assistive technologies support people with hearing, vision, learning, and physical disabilities.

1. Assistive Technology
Lara Malone ED505 Fall 2014

2. What is Assistive
Technology?
 Assistive technology is any device, software, or equipment that
can be used to “increase, maintain, or improve the functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” (“What is assistive
technology?”, n.d.)
 Assistive technology can be as low tech as boards used for
communication (whiteboards or felt boards) or as high tech as
computers made for special purposes.
 Assistive technology is diverse in its makeup and includes
wheelchairs, educational software and pencil holders, as well as
many other items.

3. Statistics
 According to Brault, these are the numbers of people living with
disabilities in the United States when the 2010 Census was
issued.
 Roughly 56.7 million people had a disability.
 Nearly 38.3 million had a severe disability.
 Of the people aged 6 years or older, about 12.3 million
required assistance with daily activities.

4. The Law & Assistive
Technology
 The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) ensures a free and
public education to all students with disabilities.
 Local school systems are required to provide an Individualized
Education Program (IEP) for all students ages 3 to 21. These
IEPs include any assistive technology needed for each child.

5. Hearing Impaired
 Hearing Aids – Depending upon a student’s hearing loss, hearing
aids may be their best solution.
 Sound Field System – This is a sound amplification system in
which the teacher uses a microphone and her voice is amplified
through speakers placed in the classroom.

6. Seeing Impaired
 Magnifying Tools – Magnifying
tools such Magic Screen
Magnification software can
magnify text and illustrations
for students with vision loss
and includes speech software.
 Text to Braille software – Text
to braille software is helpful for
students with complete vision
loss. Teachers can provide
notes, etc. for students in a
medium that they can read.

7. Learning Disabled
 Reading LD – audio
publications, text-to-speech
applications, optical character
recognition/speech synthesis
systems
 Mathematics LD – talking
calculators, computer-based
worksheets
 Listening LD – personal
listening devices (teacher
microphone, student receiver),
variable speed tape recorders
(to change speed of recording)

8. Physically Disabled
 Curb Cuts – These slanted
areas leading onto sidewalks
lead to easier transition for
students using wheelchairs,
orthotics, or other assistive
devices.
 Alternative Computer Input
Device – These devices can
range from devices that can
use eye movements for
computer input to head
switches and joysticks.

9. References
Brault, M. W. (2012). Americans with disabilities: 2010. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/
p70-131.pdf
Classroom sound-field amplification systems. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hear-more.com/classamplification.htm
Doering, A. H., & Roblyer, M. D. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Head switch. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://enablingdevices.com/catalog/capability_switches/wheelchair-bedside-switches/head-switch
Raskind, M. (2013). Assistive technology. Retrieved from http://www.council-for-learning-disabilities.org/publications/infosheets/assistive-technology
Ring, S. (2008). Out of sight: Technology helps visually impaired students thrive. Retrieved from http://
www.edutopia.org/edward-r-murrow-technology-visually-impaired
Sight connection. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sightconnection.com/magicmag.html
Speakeasy offers high-tech reading help to tech-wary seniors. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://
assistivetechnology.about.com/od/AudiobookPlayerOptions/ig/Digital-Audiobook-Players/SpeakEasy-Reading-Machine.htm
What is assistive technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859