12 Assistive Technology
Definition
Refers to any device or system that helps students perform functions that they may find difficult or impossible. Assistive technology includes a wide variety of tools ranging from simple (low tech)to very complex (high tech).
In action
Teachers support students in using assistive technology (AT) by collaborating with students, families, and other school staff to identify areas of student support need and potentially helpful AT tools. Once tools are identified, teachers work collaboratively to find the best AT tool, assist in student training to use the tool, and provide ongoing support to ensure the tool is ready for use and remains a good match for both the student and their support need.
Support Strategies
- Learning about different technologies available
- Asking students and guardians what they need
- Having students do their own research on what might work for them
AT Examples
High Tech AT
- Power wheelchairs/ scooters
- Computers with specialized software such as eye gaze
- Digital hearing aids
Mid Tech AT
- Alternate mouse or keyboard
- Closed captioned television
- Talking spell checkers
Low Tech AT
- Highlighted text
- Large print text
- Paper-based communication book
Case Study
Student: Grade 2 student in language class.
Content: Students are asked to rewrite a story in their own words.
Problem:The student is having a hard time getting his ideas down quickly enough using the pencil and paper and keeps losing his train of thought.
Solution: The student can use a computer with text to speech (e.g., google voice) to construct the paper verbally and have it automatically converted to text
Additional Resources
- Basic AT information from the OTC
- AT assessment process steps from SNOW
- AT informational module for teachers from the IRIS Center
- Low Tech AT for students with ASD from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
- AT Facts and links from ATiA
- Video example of text-to-speech in the classroom from Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium
- Video example of word prediction in the classroom from Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium
