This document discusses assistive technology and additional supports for students with special needs. It defines special education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the collaboration process involving parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop Individualized Education Programs. Assistive technology is an important part of IEPs and goals, and can include devices, equipment, software, and apps to help students with disabilities improve functional capabilities. Examples are provided for students with ADHD, auditory disabilities, and mild learning disabilities in reading and writing. Additional supports like environmental adaptations, visual teaching strategies, modeling, and clear goal-setting are also recommended.

1. Assistive Technology
EMILY KLEIBER
Resources that enhance students’ educational experience
when working with children with special needs

2. Special Education
 Specially designed instruction, at no cost to
parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a
disability.
 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 ensures
the educational rights of students with disabilities and their parents.

3. Collaboration
 Team process to determine interests, abilities, and needs of each
individual child.
 Individualized Education Program (IEP) – the roadmap for each child
who has been determined as needing services by IDEA (2004) to lead to
their success in school that has been determined is in need of services.
 Involves parents, student, teachers, counselor, social worker, general
education teacher, special education teacher, speech-language
therapist.
 Clear goals and strategies.

4. Steps for Intervention
 Child and Family Information – strategies that work best focusing on
strengths.
 Activities for participation and success.
 Success of previous intervention.
 Brainstorm with Team.
 Try it out and have an observation plan in place.
 Identify what worked.

5. Assistive Technology
 An important part of IEP and goals/strategies
 “Any item, equipment, or product used to increase, maintain, or
improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”
 Shared within multi-disciplinary team to communicate needs of
student.

6. Examples of Assistive Technology
for Students with ADHD
 Match technology to needs
 Inspiration - Graphic Organizer Program – engages children in the
writing process.
 Read & Write Gold – reading and writing support tools
 Word Q – reads text aloud
 Animoto - Multimedia and films
 www.help4adhd.org
 www.attitudemag.com

7. Additional Supports for ADHD
students
 Modeling
 "think-aloud" techniques
 guided practice
 visual aids such as posters, checklists, and charts
 physical space organized and free of distractions
 www.aboutkidshealth.ca

8. Assistive Technology for Auditory
Disability
 Hearing Assistive Technology (HATS)
 Provides hearing assistance in the classroom.
 Devices that can help you function better in your day-to-day
communication situations.
www.asha.org
www.agbell.org

9. Additional Supports for Students
with Auditory Disabilities
 Environmental Supports
 Reduce background noise
 Face the student when talking
 Use of an interactive whiteboard
 Visual Teaching Strategies
 Graphic organizers
 Story maps
www.nad.org

10. Assistive Technology for Students
with Mild Learning Disabilities in
Reading and Writing
 Electronic software
 Read Plus 2002 – text-to-speech engine
 Starfall - drill and practice website
 Lexia Learning Systems – phonics based reading based on research and
Orton-Gillingham
www.pacer.org
www.GPAT.org

11. Additional Supports for Students
with Mild Learning Disabilities
 Clear goals set by IEP
 Inclusive practices whenever possible
 Least restrictive environment

12. More Resources
 The Ultimate Guide to Assistive Technology in Special Education
by Joan Green
www.amazon.com
“Those who believe in our ability do
more than stimulate us. They create for
us an atmosphere in which it becomes
easier to succeed.”