Assignment for ITEC7530 @ GSU

1. Assistive Technology
L. Victor Camargo
ITEC 7530
Dr. Lee

2. What is Assistive Technology?
• Assistive Technology (AT) are tools or methods used to help individuals
with disabilities
• Disabilities can be physical or mental in nature
• ATs can be classified as
• Low-tech – common place or non technological tool or method to assist with
learning
• E.g. materials with larger print, music/sounds
• Medium-tech – adapted technological tools to assist with learning
• E.g. altered mice or keyboard
• High-tech – sophisticated technological tools often created based on student’s
need, and usually require training and support to use
• E.g. noise cancelling hearing aid

3. Choosing an AT
• Meet with parents to discuss what they’ve used and how the child
reacts to the AT
• Observe the student
• Sometimes they behave differently at school than they do at home
• Talk to the student
• Try to asses if s/he has a disability or if it’s behavioral
• Differentiate between physical and mental disabilities
• Different disabilities requires different ATs

4. Resources – Technological
• FM Listening Systems
• Reduces background noises
• Word Processors
• For writing issues
• Adapted peripherals
• Larger print keyboards
• E-readers
• For reading issues or for audio books

5. Resources – Low or Non-Technological
• Reading guides
• Assist with difficulty reading
• Inflatable cushions
• Help students with attention issues to focus by providing movement and
stimulation
• Graphic organizers
• Helps students organize thoughts and ideas for assignments

6. References
• Morin, A. (2014). 8 examples of assistive technology and adaptive tools. Retrieved from
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/8-examples-
of-assistive-technology-and-adaptive-tools
• National Center for Technology Innovation and Center for Implementing Technology in Education. (2005) Help for
young learners: How to choose AT? Retrieved from http://www.ldonline.org/article/8088
• PBS Parents. (n.d.). Assistive technology. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-
disabilities/basics/
• Raskind, M. H. & Stanberry, K. (2009). Assistive technology for kids with learning disabilities: An overview.
Retrieved from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview
• Special Education Support Services. (n.d.). Assistive technology - An overview. Retrieved from
http://www.sess.ie/resources/assistive-technology-overview