This document provides an overview and sample plan for using assistive technologies in a special needs classroom. It discusses evaluating students' disabilities, developing individualized education plans, and monitoring progress. It then offers specific assistive technology recommendations for different types of students in the sample classroom: websites, software, and devices to help students with ADHD, an auditory disability, and mild learning disabilities impacting reading and writing. The technologies are meant to facilitate success for special needs students in an inclusion classroom.

1. Special Needs Students and Assistive Technology An Overview and Sample Plan for a Special Needs Classroom

2. How can we facilitate the success of Special Needs Students in an Inclusion Classroom? Evaluate and specify the details of the students disability Pinpoint exactly what the student needs Comprise a list of all possible resources to aid the student’s learning Together with the parent and Special Education coordinator, formulate an IEP for the student using those tools, methods, and assistive technologies previously defined Monitor the Student’s progress and adjust resources and the IEP as needed Evaluate the end results and reflect

3. Sample Classroom Setting of Inclusion Students You are a teacher who has a few students that require you to differentiate your instruction. Three have been diagnosed with ADHD, while one has an auditory disability, and requires a special device in order to hear. In addition, you have a number of students that have mild learning disabilities that impact all areas, especially reading and writing. As you prepare for the school year, you ask yourself, "What resources do I have in order to help me meet my students' needs?"

4. What resources and tools can we use to address the needs of these students?

5. Kevin, Dominick, and Elisa have ADHD. What resources and assistive technologies can we use to help them succeed??? www.seriweb.com (Special Education Resources on the Internet) : A large collection of ADD research, resources, and tools www.time4learning.com/ADD.shtml : An interactive learning tool for ADD Students, designed with ADD curriculum. It does cost $19.95 per month but is endorsed by the BBB FFFBI Academy: An interactive site to engage and help ADD Students, Operated by the U.S. Department of Education (www.fffbi.com) Math AT: Electronic math worksheet software, talking calculators Reading AT: audio books, reading software, optical character recognition (OCR), speech synthesizers, screen readers Writing AT: Portable word processors, speech recognition software, word prediction software Source: “The Best Software and Gadgets for ADHD Students” by Marshall Raskind, Ph.D. and Kristin Stanberry. www.ADDitudeMag.com

6. Sarah has an auditory disability and requires a hearing device. What resources and assistive technologies can we use to help her succeed??? www.listen-up.org/edu/assist.htm : An archive of resources for the hearing impaired, for both in and out of the classroom Discover Intensive Phonics : Interactive software and direct instruction materials for special needs students, including the hearing impaired (Source: www.techmatrix.org) Amplifying Technology: Hearing aids, cochlear implants, personal FM system, sound field FM equipment, hard wired devices Other Technologies: Telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD), telephone amplifiers, closed caption decoder, laptops, word processors, overhead/computer projectors Non-Tech AT: Preferential seating, use natural speaking voice, use visuals, note taking assistance (Source: Meeting the Needs of Students Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, http://www.nsnet.org/start/deaf.pdf )

7. Several other students have mild disabilities, especially in reading and writing. What resources and assistive technologies can we use to help them succeed??? Generally accepted and defined by Lahm and Morrissette are seven areas of instruction where AT can assist students with mild disabilities. They are organization, note taking, writing assistance, productivity, access to reference materials, cognitive assistance, and materials modification. (Source: Lahm, E., & Morrissette, S. (1994, April). Zap 'em with assistive technology. Paper presented at the annual meeting of The Council for Exceptional Children, Denver, CO.) www.ldresources.com : A collection of written resources on many aspects of learning disabilities www.senteacher.org : Free teaching resources for special education www.ldonline.org : “The world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD” This is a vast site with information for parents, kids, and educators. It includes news links, teaching resources and strategies, research articles, and many other helpful items.