Assistive Technology

As educators, we know that technology in the classroom is meant to enhance learning for students. However, we cannot for get that technology is meant to enhance the learning of all students, especially students in special education programs where integrating technology could possibly make the most influential difference. When discussing special education, our course text states, "Education for students with special needs encompasses strategies for both those with physical and/or mental deficits and those with special gifts or talents" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 398). Technology has proven very beneficial  for students that need extra assistance, as well as for students that need more of a challenge than their regular classrooms can give them. This is where assistive technology comes into play.

Roblyer and Doering define assistive technology as "technology for individuals with disabilities... extending the abilities of an individual in ways that provide physical access and sensory access" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 400). The course text discusses how the goal of these types of technologies is to enhance learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Students in special education need to have technology incorporated into their learning process just like students in general education, but these technologies have to implemented by different methods depending on which student population is being targeted.

Since the No Child Left Behind Act has been put in place, "there is an urgent need for assistive technology to help students in the general education classroom succeed" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 402). Because of the activity known as inclusion, special education students spend as much time as possible in the general education classroom. Because of this, it is crucial that educators incorporate helpful assistive technologies in order to ensure that students in the special education program are as successful as possible in a general education classroom. It is argued "that technology is underutilized for students with disabilities, yet these learners stand to benefit most from technological affordances" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 406). If students with disabilities have the potential to benefit the most from assistive technologies, then it is the role of educators to determine which assistive technologies are most effective in helping students reach their full potential. It is not always easy, but as the course text states, "teacher need to acquire technological knowledge to allow students to learn with and from technology" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 413).

To give all students equal opportunities to develop and learn should be the goal of every educator. Roblyer and Doering state that "when technology is used to make the curriculum accessible, students with disabilities have the same opportunities to learn as their peers without disabilities" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 406). This is my goal in my classroom, and now that I am aware of all the assistive technologies available I will do my best to incorporate them whenever possible to help all of the learners in my classroom meet their full potential.

Below you will find a list of the exceptionalities listed in the course text, as well as examples of assistive technology to benefit students with each type of exceptionality.

* Mild Disabilities
Students with mild cognitive disabilities do not necessarily need help with the physical aspect of technology, but "reading, writing, memory, and retention of information" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 406). Many educators tend to use productivity software for students with mild cognitive disabilities.

Resources
Website Suggestion: Don Johnston's Write:OutLoud
Hardware Suggestion: NEO Writer


* Moderate and Severe Disabilities
It is crucial for students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities to focus on "daily living skills such as personal hygiene, shopping, and use of public transportation" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 408). Students with these disabilities have to be taught how to function in every day life. There are many different types of assistive technology to help students with moderate to severe disabilities learn real life skills.

Resources
Website Suggestion: Time, Money, & Fractions On-Track iPad app
Hardware Suggestion: IntelliKeys Keyboard


*Physical Disabilities
Students with physical disabilities can have a variety of needs when it comes to using technology. Some students with physical disabilities may need alternate methods of access to technology such as alternative keyboards or switches instead of keyboards. Other students with physical disabilities may need assistive technology that can create text based on what the student says.

Resources
Website Suggestion: Able Net Inc. iPad, iPhone, iPad access
Hardware Suggestion: ORCCA Technology - Touch Screen


*Sensory Disabilities
The course text states that "sensory disabilities involve impairments associated with the loss of hearing or vision" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 409). There are many assistive technologies that can assist students with sight or hearing problems. Students with sensory disabilities could benefit from screen magnification, text-to-Braille converters, screen readers, and FM amplification systems.

Resources
Website Suggestion: YourDolphin Screen Reader
Hardware Suggestion: Digital FM Amplification System 


*At-Risk Behaviors/Students 
Students that demonstrate at-risk behaviors generally respond to positive motivation and reinforcement. Students with at-risk behaviors will benefit from software that keeps them highly engaged and motivated at all times during a lesson.

Resources
Website Suggestion: BrainPop
Hardware Suggestion: Student Planner

*Gifts and Talents
Students with gifts and talents benefit from being challenged more than they are in a regular classroom setting. Students with gifts and talents can by challenged through different methods such as self-directed  research and advanced technological learning experiences.

Resources
Website Suggestion: The Creativity Web
Hardware Suggestion: Microsoft 8

New assistive technology is changing education for blind students http://t.co/PLS9i1irah #SpecialEd

— Borne Digital (@BorneDigital) July 15, 2013

I have learned so much about assistive technology for exceptional learners! How do you integrate assistive technology? #ED505UWARAY

— Kristen Walker (@kristenwalker81) July 15, 2013