This document defines assistive technology and discusses examples of assistive technologies used for students with different disabilities. Assistive technology is defined as any item or service that helps a student meet their IEP goals and participate in general education. The law requires assistive technology be provided if needed. Examples of assistive technologies discussed include FM systems for hearing impairments, electronic page magnifiers for vision impairments, audio books for reading disabilities, and adaptive bicycles for physical disabilities. A variety of technologies are available from low to high tech options.

1. Assistive
Technology
Kelly Woodson
ED 505: Technology and Education
June 12, 2015

2. Definition of Assistive Technology
 According to The IRIS Center Peabody College Vanderbilt University assistive
technology is “any service that helps a student with a disability to meet his or
her Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and participate in the
general education setting the greatest possible extent.”

3. Assistive Technology and the Law
 Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement 2004 or IDEA 2004 states
 Assistive technology is “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is
used to increase, maintain or improve the function and capabilities of a child and
specifically excludes a medical device that is surgically implanted or the
replacement of such device.”
 Assistive technology service “any service that directly assists a child with a
disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.”

4. Assistive Technology Basic Information
 Assistive Technology can vary from
simple (pencil grip) to expensive
and high tech (Alpha smart).
 Students use assistive technology
for all types of needs.
 Communication, hearing
impairments, reading, to participate
in extracurricular activities, to
perform academic task, to access
materials and to be able to travel or
move around school.

5. Different Assistive
Technologies
Hearing Impaired, Vision Impaired, Learning disabled,
Physically disabled

6. Hearing
Impaired
FM Hearing System
• FM systems are used in the
classroom for students with
Hearing Impairments.
Students are given an ear
piece and teachers wear
the transmitter. When the
teacher speaks the
students hears exactly what
the teacher is saying
directly into their ear.

7. Vision
Impairment
Electronic Page Magnifier
• An electronic page
magnifier can used for a
student who has a vision
impairment. This assistive
technology can be used to
magnify any text in the
classroom so a student with
a vision impairment can
see. It can be used for
textbooks and printed
materials on the board or
walls.

8. Learning
Disability-
Reading
Audio Books
• Audio books are used in the
classroom for students with
a learning disability in
reading. The audio books
read books to students.
Students with a learning
disability in reading often
struggle and become
overwhelmed and frustrated
when asked to read. With
audio books students can
listen and focus on
comprehension the
material.

9. Physical
disability
Adaptive Bicycle
• An adaptive bicycle is used
for students with physical
disabilities during P.E. This
allows students to
participate in physical
education and stay healthy
and active.

10. Other Assistive Technologies
 Pencil grips
 Slant boards
 Communication devices
 Calculators
 Math software
 Text reader
 Braille reader/ writer
 Choice making devices

11. Reference Page
 Assistive Technology: An Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2015, from
http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/#content
 Logsdon, A. (n.d.). Free Audiobook Library for Students with Learning Disabilities in Reading. Retrieved June
11, 2015, from http://learningdisabilities.about.com/b/2008/04/12/bookshareorg-offers-free-audio-library-
to-students-with-qualifying-disabilities.htm
 http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview
 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assistive Technology (AT). (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2015,
from http://taratg.blogspot.com/2012/07/springboard-lite-communicator.html Picture
 www.reallygoodstuff.com/pencil-grips/p/130594
 Toydoctor. (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2015, from https://toydoctor.wordpress.com/ picture used
 funandfunction.com/short-reach-slant-board.html
 (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2015, from
http://www.ridge.k12.wa.us/cms/lib01/WA01000666/Centricity/Domain/39/Listening-Station.JPG audio
book picture
 (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2015, from http://www.independentliving.com/images/454540.jpg electronic
magnifier picture
 (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2015, from
http://assistivetechnologynow.wikispaces.com/file/view/fm_system.jpg/279064112/364x162/fm_system.jpg
 (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2015, from http://specialed.spps.org/uploads/size-250/AT_Collage.jpg