This document discusses special needs and assistive technology. It begins by having students brainstorm and list specific special needs. It then provides descriptions and examples of various disabilities and needs, including emotional/behavioral disorders, autism, communication disorders, blindness, cerebral palsy, HIV/AIDS, gifted/talented, and dyslexia. The document discusses how assistive technology can support learners' needs. It defines assistive technology and provides examples of mobility, hearing, vision, reading, and general learning assistive tools. Real-world examples of assistive technology in schools are also presented.

1. SO, WHAT CONSTITUTES A “SPECIAL
NEED”
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2. DISCUSSION: WHAT IS A SPECIAL NEED?
• Brainstorming session:
o Discuss in groups what you think (specific) special needs are
(say them by name, if you can)
o Create a list that you will share with the rest of the class (as
a group)
• Let’s list them on (SMARTBoard,Twiddla, etc.):
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3. NEEDS AND
CONSEQUENCES
DESCRIPTION OF THE DISABILITY
(a) One example is, rapid repetitions of vowels.
(b) Difficulty organizing thoughts, note taking.
TYPE OF NEED
(1) Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
(2) Autism
(3) Communication Disorder
(4) Blindness
(5) Cerebral Palsy
(6) Acquired immune deficiency
syndrome (AIDS). Human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
(7) Gifted and Talented
(8) Dyslexia
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(c) A foundation of genetic endowment,
personality attributes to development, focuses
on an area creativity.
(d) Externalizing behaviors: like yelling, walking
out, destroying, stealing & lying.
(e) Neurological complications,
malnourishment
(f) Leads to delays or deficits in motor
development. Reduces a babies motivation to
move.
(g) Disorder of voluntary movement and
posture.
(h) Neurobehavioral syndrome, inability to
relate to others, repetitive behavior, normal
physical appearance

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5. SO, WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO HAVE
SOME OF THESE NEEDS?
ADHD: http://webaim.org/simulations/distractability
Low Vision : http://webaim.org/simulations/lowvision
Color Blind: http://www.vischeck.com/examples/
Dyslexia: http://webaim.org/simulations/dyslexia-sim.html
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6. A DEFINITION OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)
“Any product, device, or equipment, whether acquired
commercially, modified or customized, that is used to maintain,
increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities.” (US Office of Special Education Programs)
Examples of Assistive Technology (AT):
•
Mobility devices (such as walker and wheelchairs)
•
Hardware (physical technology devices)
•
Software (CDs, working inside devices, online
programs)
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7. HOW DO WE CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOLS
FOR EACH STUDENT/CHILD?
1. INDIVIDUAL
What are their
needs?
2. TASK
What is the task
they need to
perform?
4.TECHNOLOGY
Select which
technology
available best
fits situation?
3. CONTEXT
In what subject
area, when, whe
re?
Framework by Schwab AT Resources
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8. HOW DOES “AT” SUPPORT LEARNERS?
For example:
•Listening
•Reading
•Writing
•Mathematics
•Memory
•Motivation
•Social Skills
•Time Management
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9. REAL WORLD EXAMPLES OF “AT” IN ACTION
Interview with a K12 Special
Ed Teacher
Carly’s Story
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Interview with a family
Carly's FAQ

10. MOBILITY NEEDS
• Adjustable-height tables and chairs
• Special keyboards (e.g., keyless keyboards, keyboard
guards)
• Special mouse and pointing devices
• Touch screens and Tablet Computers
• Gesture Controls
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11. HEARING NEEDS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Phonic ear (wear headset)
Speech to text systems
FM amplification systems (e.g., auditory trainer)
Pictures, photos, objects
Electronic books
Cart (stenographer) services
Adobe Connect Captions Pod
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12. VISION NEEDS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer screen magnifiers
Voice-output screen-reading software
Headsets
Word prediction software
Speech recognition
Large-print word processors
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13. DEVELOPMENTAL READING DISORDER (DYSLEXIA)
• Dyslexia is a disorder that interferes with an
individual’s ability to read. It often runs in families.
• Symptoms:
o Difficulty determining the meaning of a simple sentence
o Difficulty learning to recognize written words
o Difficulty rhyming
• Fonts designed for dyslexia can help.
o Video that demonstrates how the fonts work
o Try the font out
o Free font pack
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14. GENERAL LEARNING DISABILITIES
• Graphic organizers
o Mind Mapping, Brainstorming (e.g., Inspiration)
• Text readers
o Type-and-speak writing assistant (e.g., Co:Writer
4000)
o E-text readers (e.g., Universal Reader Plus)
• Books on CD/Recorded books
• Alarms or Organizers
o Calendars
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