This is a short presentation offering suggestions for helping college students succeed with the help of assistive technology.

1. Helping students succeed with Assistive
Technology
By Cheryl DePaolo

2. Imagine for a moment that you are making a
cake for your child’s birthday. You have
gathered all of the ingredients, when you
remember that your electric mixer is broken.
Now, you know that you can mix the ingredients
by hand, which will be very challenging, and
take more time, and energy, or you can ask a
neighbor to borrow their mixer in order to make
the job more efficient and to combine the
ingredients more sufficiently. This scenario is
similar to how your student feels when faced
with the prospect of attending class without the
proper resources.

3. According to ncld.org, “Assistive technology
is defined as any item, piece of equipment,
or product that is used to increase, maintain,
or improve the functional abilities of people
with disabilities. In other words, assistive
technology is a term used to describe a
device that helps you learn.”

4. First, they must self-identify to the college
about their disability
They must also present documentation of
their disability, or be subject to evaluation

5. A university is not required to provide
academic adjustments or additional aids and
services if doing so:
gives students an unfair advantage;
requires significant alterations to the program or
activity;
results in the lowering of academic or technical
standards;
or causes the college to incur undue financial
hardship

7. College students are often intimidated when
asking for assistive services. As an
administrator, we must stay informed about
the services, or assistance that our students
may need, so that we may guide them in
locating the necessary resources.

8. Students felt that professors did not know
how to properly accommodate them
Students felt discriminated against
Students felt that faculty thought them to be
incompetent

9. Let’s look at some of the resources available
for your students. There are technological
tools available, as well as other aids that
may help with their success.

10. Note takers
Stress Balls can sometimes help with
concentration while keeping hands busy
Egg timers to set specific amounts of time
for work and breaks
Graphic Organizers or Planners
To help with
due dates and
deadlines

11. There are also some very useful
technological tools that can help! Let’s take
a look!

12. Read & Write for Google Docs
Access Text offers textbooks in alternative
formats for students that need them.

13. How Can Smartpens Help Students with
Disabilities?
Students with learning disabilities such as
dyslexia sometimes struggle to keep up with
class lectures. In the time it takes to hear,
process, and write down information, the
professor has often moved on to the next point.
With a smartpen, a student can outline key
concepts by writing bullet points or symbols,
e.g. a leaf representing photosynthesis.
Providing easy access to any part of the lecture
can enhance note-taking skills and build
confidence and independence.

14. iCommunicator Software can convert lecture
into notes, or be seen via sign language

15. Use electronic devices for reminders
Use a daily planner
Have a regular routine
Divide large projects into smaller parts,
establishing a deadline for each part
Request accommodations such as extended
test taking time

16. Disability Support Services at your institution
Smartphone Apps can offer some assistance
with dictation, reminders, calendars, etc.
Ncld.org offers information about the
American with Disabilities Act Amendments
(ADAA), which applies to college students

18. References
http://kerryshelton.weebly.com/technology-for-adhd-students.html
http://assistivetechnology.about.com/od/ATCAT3/f/What-Is-A-Smart-
Pen.htm
http://assistivetechnology.about.com/od/DHHSC1/p/The-
Icommunicator-Translates-Speech-Into-Text-Or-Sign-Language.htm
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1792.html
http://ncld.org/adults-learning-disabilities/post-high-school/
getting-access-assistive-technology-college
Cawthon, S. W., & Cole, E. V. (2010). Postsecondary Students Who
Have a Learning Disability: Student Perspectives on Accommodations
Access and Obstacles. Journal Of Postsecondary Education And
Disability, 23(2), 112-128.