This document provides an overview of assistive technology and defines key related terms. It discusses low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech assistive technology options and examples of each. These include pencil grips, switches, text-to-speech software, and screen readers. The document also covers universal design, differentiation, and ensuring web accessibility for people with disabilities.

1. Assistive Technology
Overview
Linda Wallin
Winter 2014

2. Using Technology
to Help Students
Learn
• Simple things you can do in your classroom
• Resources if you want to learn more
• Moving from low-tech to high-tech

3. Definition
Assistive Technology
“any item, piece of equipment, or product system,”
excluding a surgically implanted device, “whether
acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or
customized, that is used to increase, maintain or
improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities” (P.L. 108-446§602 (1)(B)). Taken from
O”Bannon, Blanche & Puckett, Kathleen, _Preparing
to Use Technology_, Allyn and Bacon, 2007.

4. Definition
Web Accessibility
The degree to which people with disabilities or
unusual connection methods may use the Web
Universal Design for Living
NIMAS - The National Instructional Materials
Accessibility Standard

5. Definition
Universal Design for Living (UDL)
The design of products and environments to be
usable by all people, to the greatest extent
possible, without the need for adaptation or
specialized design. (Center for Universal Design)

6. Definition
NIMAS
2004 IDEA
National Instructional Materials Accessibility
Standards insure that the content of print
material will be available to all, regardless of
abilities.

7. SETT Method
• Student
• Environment
• Task
• Technology
Look at these areas
in this order to
determine a
person’s need

8. Inexpensive or
Free Materials
• Paul Hami’s Blog
• Matnonline, Maryland AT Wiki
• Assistive Technology Wiki
Assistive technology is frequently grouped into low- medium- and high-tech
options. This course will introduce you to all three levels.

9. Some Low-Tech
Options
• Low-Tech means a device and/or equipment
that doesn’t need much training, may be less
expensive, and does not have complex or
mechanical features. (Connecticut Tech Act Projects.)
• Some Sample ideas…
– Pencil grips, seat cushions, ramps, bookmarks

10. • Pencil grips
• Cushions
• Picture Communication
8. Some Low-
Tech Options

11. Some Low-Tech
Options
• Colored Plastic for
Reading-
See It Right

12. Some Low-Tech
Options
• Glue foam or erasers on pages for easy
turning.
• Fidgets
• Tactile key covers for VI students

13. Mid-Tech
Solutions
• Touch Screen
• Switches
• Reading pen
• Portable keyboards
• Word-prediction software
– Co-Writer

14. Use of Pictures
and Video
• Visual Learners (aren’t we all?)
• Where can I find pictures?
– Flickr Creative Commons
– Boardmaker Achieve
– Google search, both for web sites with pictures and images
– Draw a picture on a blank background
– Digital Camera and videocamera
– Webcams
• Software
– Boardmaker
– PixWriter / Kid Pix
– Print Shop
– Comic Life

15. Differentiation
• What do we mean?
– Differentiation is modifying or altering product,
process and content to fit the different needs of
the student.
– Teachers can alter the content, process, product
or environment according to a student’s profile.
– Carol Ann Tomlinson has been the leader in this
field.

16. Differentiation
Products
• Kidspiration, Inspiration
• Presentation Software
– PowerPoint, Keynote, many online presentation sites
• Paint programs and web sites
– Tux Paint, Pixie
– Comic Life

17. High Tech
Solutions
• Text-to-speech capabilities
– Write Out Loud
– IntelliTalk
– Universal Access Speech
• Voice-recognition software
– Dragon Naturally Speaking - Windows only
– SpeechVibe - Windows only
– MacSpeech Dictate - Macintosh

18. High-tech
Solutions
• Scan and Read
– Kurzweiler 3000
– Read & Write GOLD
– WYNN
– Caste Reader
• Rebus (Picture) Based Programs
– Pixwriter
– Picture It
– Writing with Symbols
– News 2 You
• Screen Readers
– JAWS

19. Web
Accessibility
• How do people connect to the Web?
• What types of disabilities do they have?
• How can I design for access by all?

20. Universal Access
Features
• Apple Computers
– System Preferences
• Universal Access
• PCs
– Ease of Access Center
• Change control of cursor/mouse, visual
appearance, sound, and touch