This presentation discusses using assistive technology and other tools to accommodate learners with special needs in inclusive classrooms. It outlines several technologies like sound amplification systems, Dynavox devices, and word prediction software that can help students with hearing, speech, or language impairments. Other tools are described for aiding students with ADD/ADHD, autism, or occupational impairments, such as noise-cancelling headphones, wiggle cushions, and pencil grips. The presentation aims to help teachers identify ways to meet the needs of all students in accordance with requirements for inclusive classrooms.

1. Using Assistive Technology to Accommodate Learners with Special Needs Presented by Jaime Noel

2. Due to No Child Left Behind, our country is pushing for inclusive classrooms rather than resource classrooms. Sit back and consider one thing; Are you meeting the needs of all your learners? If you said no or even hesitated, here are various resources that will help you accommodate multiple needs within your classroom.

3. What is special education? The term “special education” encompasses many different types of disabilities and learning styles. When thinking about a special education student, it’s very important to consider where their least restrictive environment is. You may wonder what inclusion encompasses and how it will benefit the children who have so many needs. Click here to watch a video on inclusion

4. Sound amplification system: assists auditory impaired students by amplifying your voice through a microphone which is transferred through a surround sound system The sound amplification system allows students with limited hearing to better hear you as you move throughout the room. Whether placed next to the student or set up to send signals to hearing aids, this system allows them to hear the speaker regardless of your location.

5. Dynavox: a device with the capability to use a touch screen to form and speak sentences for verbally impaired students A Dynavox was designed to help children who have the inability to speak. It is set up as a touch screen with a series of “buttons”. These buttons are arranged by subject matter, as well as color coordinated to identify the part of speech that word is. Because students with speech disabilities struggle with forming sentences properly, the color coordinated buttons allow them to more easily include the necessary parts of speech within a sentence. It also literately “speaks” for them through a speaker, allowing them to be involved in things like class discussions.

6. Word Prediction Software:computer software that enables students with speech and language disabilities to identify the proper spelling of unfamiliar words Many speech students struggle with spelling because of their difficulties with hearing the sounds that form a word. Therefore, word prediction software is beneficial as it aids the learner in identifying the correct word. It also “speaks” the word, sentence, and/or paragraph allowing the student to hear their writing. A specific type of word prediction software used in Fulton County is called Co-Writer. It is part of the “SOLO” family which also includes Write Out Loud as an aid.

7. Other Devices There are also tools that could be used to accommodate learner’s that do not involve technology at all. The next few slides include a few of these devices, as well as their purpose within the classroom.

8. For ADD and ADHD learners ADD and ADHD learners benefit from using devices that decrease their inability to concentrate. One of these devices is the use of “noise blockers” or noise canceling headphones. This enables to children to block out auditory distractions. Another useful tool is a study carrel. It allows students to block out visual distractions.

9. For ADHD and Autistic Learners The following devices help ADHD and Autistic learners: 1. Wiggle Cushion- used to help students who are constantly moving remain in their seat to wiggle 2. Rolling ball chair- a seat that allows ADHD students to sit still and remain on task 3. Bungee Straps- used to wrap around the bottom of a students chair to enable them to bounce their feet while remaining on task 4. Wedge Cushion- A perfect sensory object that helps students to be more alert and stay seated 5. Trampoline- enables overactive students to get rid of some of their energy 3 1 4 2 5

10. For Occupationally Impaired Learners For students who struggle with writing and spacing, there are a few options that will make it much easier for them. One of these are pencil grips. There are many Another is a slant different types board. This allows that will force them students to have to grip the pencil proper positioning appropriately. This will teach as well as stability. them how to write correctly.

11. Questions I hope this power point has helped you to identify some ways that you can meet the needs of your special education students. Any questions? Feel free to e-mail me at noelj@fultonschools.org if you have any additional questions or concerns.

12. Note The only resources used to create this power point were Google Images when finding pictures, and You Tube when finding a video on inclusive education. All additional information was from my ownexperience as a special education teacher.