This document discusses assistive technology and how it can benefit students with special needs. It defines assistive technology as any item or equipment that helps increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of individuals with disabilities. Examples of assistive technology include modified keyboards, text-to-speech software, and augmentative communication devices. A six step process for finding the right assistive technology for a student is also outlined.

1. Benefits of Assistive Technology April Reynolds

2. Special Needs We all teach children who have special needs. Sometimes these needs are clear and defined as with those who have diagnosed disorders or those with IEPs or 504 plans. Sometimes the needs are not as clear and we must observe the students to determine what needs they have. This would include students with undiagnosed attention and social disorders as well as those who need external motivation or have behavioral issues. It also includes those students who need extra enrichment.

3. Important Terms Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) – The placement of students with special needs in settings allowing for the greatest possible amount of interaction with nondisabled peers. Inclusion – The placement of special needs students into general education classes while providing appropriate support services.

4. Important Terms (cont.) Individualized Education Plan (IEP) - Special education term used by IDEA to define the written document that states goals, objectives, and services for students receiving special education. 504 plan - Based on Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), document similar to an IEP specifying accommodations needed for students with physical or mental impairments to have the opportunity to participate at the same level as other students.

5. Important Terms (cont.) Accommodations - Changes that allow a person with a disability to participate fully in an activity on their grade level. Examples include extended time, different test format, and alterations to a classroom. Modifications - Changes in curriculum and/or instruction affecting level of difficulty or quantity of material. Examples include fewer test questions, a word bank for fill-in-the-blank questions, fewer choices on multiple choice questions, and elimination of essay questions.

6. Assistive Technology Assistive Technology (AT) is one great way to help students with special needs. So what is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology is defined by IDEA as “any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” In other words, it is anything that helps students with special needs.

7. Six Steps to Finding AT Step 1: Gather information about the child and family. Step 2: Determine the activities with the greatest limitations for the student. Step 3: Describe the observable behaviors that would indicate the intervention is successful. Step 4: List possible AT solutions. Step 5: Make a plan for the intervention and carry it out. Step 6: Reflect on the plan and identify what worked.

8. Examples of AT Devices Modified keyboards and mice Text-to-speech and speech-to-text software E-book readers Refreshable Braille display Screen magnifiers Hearing assistive technology systems (HATS) Augmentative communication devices

9. Examples of Non-technological AT Devices Crutches and wheelchairs Copyholders Picture communication boards Pencil grips Study carrel to reduce distraction Flow charting, webbing, outlining Magnifiers Preferential seating

10. Examples of AT Services Psychologist Physical therapist Occupational therapist Speech therapist Vision specialist Hearing specialist

11. Credits Understanding Special Education http:// www.understandingspecialeducation.com Newton Public Schools, Examples of Assistive Technology http://www.newton.k12.ks.us/at/examples.htm HIS Place for Help in School, Making Accommodations and Modifications http:// www.hishelpinschool.com/adaptation/modadapt.html St Cloud Area School District, AT Examples http://isd742.org/specialeducation/assistivetechexamples.pdf Wikipedia's Definition of Assistive Technology http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology

12. Credits (cont.) Guidelines to choosing Assistive Technology http://www.ldonline.org/article/8088 Overview of Assistive Technology http:// uts.cc.utexas.edu/~wilbur/access/assistive.html Assistive Technology for Mild Disabilities http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-1/assistive.htm Assistive Listening Devices http:// www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/assist_tech.htm Georgia Project for Assistive Technology http:// www.gpat.org/resources.aspx?PageReq = GPATImp