This document contains summaries and reflections on three articles about assistive technology. The articles discuss how assistive technology enhances learning for all students by allowing equal participation, helps students with learning disabilities by reducing reliance on others, and allows special education students to learn alongside peers. Key points include the variety of assistive technologies, legal requirements for schools to provide it, benefits of technologies for independence and reducing anxiety, and the ability to use low-tech options or make classrooms accessible to all.

1. Assistive TechnologyBy: Kayla Stroud

2. Table of ContentsAssistive Technology: Enhanced Learning for All (Article 1)Summary Slide: 3 A-ha’sQuoteMy ReflectionAssistive Technology and Learning Disabilities (Article 2)Summary Slide: 3 A-ha’sQuoteMy ReflectionAssistive Technology for Special-Education Students (Article 3)Summary Slide: 3 A-ha’sQuoteMy ReflectionCitationsResources

3. Article 1: Assistive Technology: Enhanced Learning for AllMy Three a-ha’sClick Hereto go to the article.I did not realize just how assistive technologies there are; a few mentioned here are the AlphaSmart, computer that scans and reads, and more.In 1997 the federal government changed the IDEA to state that schools must provide assistive technology to eligible students.One thing that caught my attention was that with a strong parent teacher communication students are able to transfer the equipment to and from school.The AlphaSmart

4. The Quote“It is a time when expectations and educational options are often made possible by assistive technology (AT) devices that make it easier for all students to participate in classroom activities.”

5. My ReflectionI have known about assistive technologies and seen some used; what I did not know was that there were so many available.Another great thing I liked was that students can take their equipment home and I think that will provide greater success for the students.For me, the great thing about assistive technologies allow all students to participate in all activities and be successful at them.

6. Article 2: Assistive Technology and Learning DisabilitiesMy three a-ha’sClick Hereto go to the article.When choosing an assistive technology it should be done for what is best for the student, not the technology itself.Computers help students with disabilities because it relieves stress and allows more thinking to the brain.With technologies a student can go low tech and improve their learning some low tech options are post-its, highlighters, white boards, and more.

7. The Quote“Assistive technology is merely the support to “get the job done” more independently. It can reduce a student’s reliance on parents, siblings, friends and teachers, helping the transition into adulthood and fostering self-esteem and reducing anxiety.”

8. My ReflectionOne thing I agree with in this article is that assistive technology allows the student to be more independent and they do not have to rely on parents, siblings, and friends.Another thing I saw was that the technology does not have to be major to help a student. It can be a simple as a post-it or a small tape recorder to help the student.

9. Article 3: Assistive Technology for Special-Education StudentsMy three a-ha’sClick Hereto go to the article.One of the main reasons assistive technologies exist is for students with disabilities can be in the same class, with the same class work , as their peers with no disabilities. Assistive technologies helps the student where a teacher can not help; it makes the student feel the successful and allows a teacher to help a student with the assistance with technology.Having a classroom that has assistive technologies available to all allows the student with the disability to feel equal with their classmates. An example of this is picture cards next to the actual word so they can be read and seen.

10. Quote“All children, including those with special needs, have a right to free and appropriate public education (FAPE), according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While the needs of special-education students can hinder their learning process and prove challenging for educators and therapists, specific types of assistive technology are available to ease the burden for all concerned.”

11. My ReflectionOne thing I found interesting in this article was that as a teacher I can make my classroom assistant to all. Like with the pictures next to the word.Another I like is that a student with an assistive technology will all me to help me assist the student better when they feel they can succeed.I really like the fact that with these technologies a student with disabilities can be with their peers that do not have disabilities and they will not feel left out. It makes all the students feel comfortable and equal.

12. CitationsBanks, K. (2010). Assistive technology for special-education students. Retrieved April, 2011, from Walden University website: http://connected.waldenu.edu/‌curriculum-resources/‌technology-in-the-classroom/‌item/‌884-assistive-technology-special-education-studentsJendron, J. (2011, February 23). Assistive technology and learning disabilities. Retrieved April, 2011, from http://www.sc.edu/‌scatp/‌ld.htmWahl, L. (2003, August 5). Assistive technology: Enhanced learning for all. Retrieved April, 2011, from http://www.edutopia.org/‌assistive-technology-enhances-learning-all

13. Resources: For Pictureshttp://vancefry.com/wp-content/uploads/alphasmart-neo-3.jpghttp://itlibrary.edublogs.org/files/2010/05/AlphaSmart-002.jpghttp://www.auburn.edu/academic/education/reading_genie/voyages/highlighter.jpghttp://sped.peabody.k12.ma.us/zoomtext.JPGhttp://sitemaker.umich.edu/bncollin/files/alphasmart.jpghttp://www.geekscribes.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/post-its.jpghttp://wvats.cedwvu.org/teachertech/images/TeacherStudents.jpg