This presentation is a class project for ED 505 about the various forms of Assistive Technology used in classrooms and how it benefits students with disabilities.

1. Assistive Technology
Rebekah Beason
ED 505

2.  Assistive Technology (AT) is defined as “any item, piece of
equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially
off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a
disability”(Assistive Technology in Education, 2008)
 This, however, excludes the use of medical accommodations that
have been surgically or removed.
 But it can include anything from prescription glasses to talking
calculators.

3. Hearing Impaired
Assistive Technology
 Students with Hearing Impairment use AT to enhance the
obstacles that inhibit them such as: room acoustics space
between student and teacher; and distractive noise around
them.
 Examples of AT for students with a Hearing Disability:
 FM Systems- This device uses a microphone used by the
teacher and a receiver used by the student. The receiver
transmits directly to the hearing aid of the student.
 Sound Field Systems-This device projects the teacher’s voice
from a microphone so that students would hear like the teacher
was right next them. (Hearing Assistive Technology for
Students, 2015)
 Closed Captioning

4. Visually Impaired
Assistive Technology
 Students who are Visually Impaired have trouble
seeing or are unable to see at all.
 Examples of AT for students who are Visually Impaired:
 Books on tape
 Eye glasses
 Electronic magnifier
 Brailed materials
 Large Print Books
 (Willings, 2015)

5. Learning Disabled
Assistive Technology
 Students with Learning Disabilities use AT to enhance their
strengths to build on their weaknesses in Math, Reading,
Organization, and Writing.
 The following video shows how to use these types of AT.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdI_ddl0WyE.
 Examples of AT for students with a Learning Disability:
 Ipad
 Computer
 SMARTboard
 Telephone Walkie Talkie
 GoTalk 9+

6. Physically Disabled
Assistive Technology
 Students with a Physical Disability have a deficit or
restriction in muscle control and movement as well as
trouble in mobility.
 Examples of AT for students with a Physical Disability:
 Mouth Stick
 Head Wand
 Voice Recognition Software
 Wheelchairs
 Walkers
 Braces
 (General Medical Center, 2015)

7. Additional Tips for Teachers
 Connect with parents, guardians, and Special
Education teachers about what is and is not working
 Provide ample time for students to become acquainted
with devices
 Appoint students with peer helpers if necessary
 Go to IEP meetings to collaborate and share data
 Continuously monitor the student’s growth

8. Helpful Resources about Assistive
Technology for Parents and Teachers
• http://%20www.abledata.com/#contenthttp://.
 Abledata’s website showcases a wide variety of retailors
that provide Assistive Technology.
• http://www.fctd.info/webboard/index.php#content.
 The Family Center for Technology and Disability
• www.closingthegap.com/solutions#content.
 Closing the Gap Solutions describes different types of
Assistive Technology as well as their price, features, and
instructions for operation.

9. References
Aguilera, G. (2013, December 28). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved
January 23, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdI_ddl0WyE.
Assistive Technology in Education. (2008, January 1). Retrieved January 23, 2015,
from http://www.atp.ne.gov/techassistdoc.html.
Hearing Assistive Technology (HATS) for Children. (2015, January 1). Retrieved
January 23, 2015, from http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Hearing-Assistive-
Technology-for-Children/.
Assistive technologies for people with physical impairments. (2015, January 1).
Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.gmc-
uk.org/accessibility/assistive_technologies/physical_impairments.asp.

10. References
The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2010). Assistive
Technology: An Overview. Retrieved on January 22, 2015.
http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/#content
What is Assistive Technology? How Is It Funded? (n.d.).
Retrieved January 23, 2015, from
http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859.
Willings, C. (2015, January 21). Assistive Technology for
Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Retrieved January
23, 2015, from
http://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/assistive-
technology.html.