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

License

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Ed Guide Copyright © 2022 by Jordan Shurr is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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