Assistive Technology
The website gives an outline of Assistive Technology (AT)
that are computer-related. Assistive
technology can be very simple or very complex.
It defines Assistive Technology as “any device or system that helps to
improve the functional capacity of people with disabilities”. It is usually divided into three categories
which are low-, medium-, and high tech.
Example of low-tech would include a non-electronic devise such as a
stand for a laptop. Medium-tech would be
devices that are more complicated such as a mouse or keyboard. High-tech is a more “sophisticated
communication and computer control systems”.
These would include things that would need training and support that are
designed for those with little communication or functioning abilities.
The website also includes information that explains
different tools of AT and applications that are available. The tools and applications in which AT is
outlined include keyboards, mouse, voice recognition, touch screens, switches
and scanning, on-screen keyboards, visual, hearing and speech impairment.
Assistive Technology:
Tools that Help with Learning
This article talks about how important it is to know what
AT is to be able to use the correct tools for the student that is in need. This website defines assistive technology
(AT) as “any device, piece of equipment or system that helps a person with a
disability work around his challenges so he can learn, communicate or simply
function better”. This website also
gives a list of AT tools. Those on an
IEP, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the team
on which AT is needed for the child. It
also states that the “school district is responsible for choosing and
purchasing the technology” along with training the staff and child on how to
use it. However, those students on 504’s,
the schools aren’t required to purchase or train the teachers/child on how to
use it but should “consider it as an accommodation”. The article talks about how it is important
to know that AT doesn’t cure learning and attention or make up for ineffective teaching
but is to assist in the child’s learning.
Reflection
I thought the Assistive Technology was an interesting read. I really looked into the visual impairment
section. We have a first grader who is
visually impaired in which I have been working with in the computer lab during my
practicum experience. We have a keyboard
that has a larger font for the keys and is also colored yellow. I know the text enlargement is used for this
child to be able to see the screen. The
text-to-speech option would also be good to know, possibly in the future for
this student. Once I clicked on the
different tools and applications, and read all of the different uses for each,
it is a good resource to have. I thought
it was neat how many different ways to access and use just the keyboard for those
with disabilities. Just like in physical
education class, you have to adapt to the different learners along with
disabilities in all other classes as well and this website gives great AT
resources!
The second article, Assistive Technology: Tools that Help
with Learning, is a good resource for parents.
It breaks down into sections that explains it all in simple terms to
understand. I think it is important for
everyone to understand what AT is and understand how the various AT can help
assist their child’s/students learning.
I like how it explained more about AT within the lines of IDEA with IEP
and 504’s. Overall, I enjoyed learning
more about AT with both websites and will keep them bookmarked for the future.
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