Intro to Assistive Technology:
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) there are two types of Assistive Technology: assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. Under the IDEA 2004 an assistive technology device is defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commericially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability" (IDEA 2004, Sec. 1401 (1)(A)). Unlike an assistive technology device, an assistive technology service under IDEA 2004 is undefined as "any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (IDEA 2004, Sec. 1401 (2). On this page we will learn the difference between these devices and services and explore examples of each category.
Assistive Technology Devices
It is important to understand that a device that is surgically implanted into the student, although it may "increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disabilty" is not considered an assistive technology device under IDEA 2004. Examples of these medical devices include cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers, and feeding tubes.
There are three types of assistive technology devices: low tech, mid-tech, and high tech. Low technology devices are typically low in cost, have little to no electronic components, and are very easy to use. Mid-tech devices usually require electricity, are not too expensive, and they are not difficult to use. Some Mid-tech devices may require a little training. High tech devices are usually very expensive, are computer based, and are difficult to use. As a result of the level of difficulty of the high tech devices, most require a lot of training for both the student and the educator.
There are three types of assistive technology devices: low tech, mid-tech, and high tech. Low technology devices are typically low in cost, have little to no electronic components, and are very easy to use. Mid-tech devices usually require electricity, are not too expensive, and they are not difficult to use. Some Mid-tech devices may require a little training. High tech devices are usually very expensive, are computer based, and are difficult to use. As a result of the level of difficulty of the high tech devices, most require a lot of training for both the student and the educator.
Examples of Assistive Technology Devices:
Low tech devices: Pencil Grips
Pencil Grips are an excellent low tech tool when a student can not hold a pencil or writing implement correctly. If a student lacks fine motor skills and has trouble holding a pencil a pencil grip can make it easier for the student to hold a pencil and write clearly. There are many different types of pencil grips that can be found in stores as you can see in the picture. Something as simple as a small pencil can drastically improve a student's penmanship. This can be particular important if the student is also nonverbal. By giving the student the opportunity to write you are also providing the student with a form of communication. This device meets IDEA 2004 definition of a assistive technology device as it has the capability to "increase ...[and]... improve [the] functional capabilities of a child with a disability" (IDEA 2004, Sec. 1401 (1)(A)).
Pencils grips can also be made from items within the classroom or home to be customized to meet the student's specific needs. Pencil grips can be made from items such as foam, putty, and even tennis balls. Most pencil grips that are bought from supermarkets and grocery stores can not be modified or adapted for the child. However using these simple items educator or parent can create their own pencil grip to aid the child.
Pencils grips can also be made from items within the classroom or home to be customized to meet the student's specific needs. Pencil grips can be made from items such as foam, putty, and even tennis balls. Most pencil grips that are bought from supermarkets and grocery stores can not be modified or adapted for the child. However using these simple items educator or parent can create their own pencil grip to aid the child.
Low tech devices: Raised Line Paper
Raised Line Paper is a very simple Assistive Technology Device which is inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk. Raised Line Paper is a perfect device for a student who may have vision difficulties. Typical lined paper may be too light for a child with vision difficulties to see and use. When a student with vision issues uses Raised Line Paper they have an easier seeing the lines on the paper and will therefore write clearly. Raised Line Paper makes the student's life easier because if they were simply using the normal paper found in notebooks they are simply guessing where to begin to write. Raised Line paper can be used to teach a student with disabilities when teaching penmanship. The student can clearly see where they should begin and end their letters; while the other students in the class are using regular lined paper the child can seemlessly learn with the rest of his or her class.
Raised Line Paper can be created within the classroom or home by simply tracing the lines of paper that has already been lined with a dark colored marker. A teacher or parent can also create their own lined paper using unlined paper, a ruler, and a marker to costumize the spacing between the lines of the paper.
Raised Line Paper can be created within the classroom or home by simply tracing the lines of paper that has already been lined with a dark colored marker. A teacher or parent can also create their own lined paper using unlined paper, a ruler, and a marker to costumize the spacing between the lines of the paper.
Mid-tech devices: Audio books
Audio books are a good Mid-tech device for students who have vision impairments. This device is more expensive than the previously mentioned low tech devices however it helps the student participate in class discussions regarding reading materials. A student who has difficulty reading the books that are required within a class can listen to an audio book and acquire the same information as a student who had read the book. Using an audio book can take a student who has difficulty reading a book and put them on the same level of student without a disability.
Mid-tech devices: Digital Recorder
A digital recorder is a good mid-tech device for a student who has difficulty taking notes in the class or has a hearing impairment. A student with a hearing impairment may not be able to hear the teacher during a lecture or lesson. Using this device a student can record a lecture and listen to it at a later time. While listening to the lecture again the student can take notes at a pace that they are comfortable and use the recording to study for an upcoming quiz or test.
A student with difficulty taking notes or a hearing impairment is capable of having the same information as a student without any difficulties. The student can review the information that was provided to them with ease if they simpy rewind the recording and start listening again.
A student with difficulty taking notes or a hearing impairment is capable of having the same information as a student without any difficulties. The student can review the information that was provided to them with ease if they simpy rewind the recording and start listening again.
High tech devices: Laptop / Notebook
A laptop or a notebook is an expensive high tech device but is very useful in the classroom. A student with who has difficulty writing may find it easier to type his or her notes. The student can also use differnt programs on the computer to assist them with taking notes or recording the lecture. However, this software or programs may cost the school extra money. While the student is taking notes the typing software can be modified so the text they are using can be magnified or even darkened to make the learning process easier for the student. The brightness of the laptop can also be raised or lowered to help a visually impaired student use the laptop or notebook with ease.
High tech devices: iPads
An iPad is very similiar to a laptop or a notebook because a student can easily use the device to record a lecture and the student can also take notes while the teacher is speaking. Some programs or applications on the iPad can either be purchased for free or the school may have to pay for them. An iPad can also be customized to meet the students specific needs. The font the iPad uses can be customized for the student so they can read the text clearly. The one major difference between an iPad and a laptop is that an iPad does not need to be plugged in or charging for long periods of time. An iPad's battery can last up to ten hours without a charge.
For more information concerning iPads please click on the link "iPads in Education under the tab labeled "more...".
For more information concerning iPads please click on the link "iPads in Education under the tab labeled "more...".
Assistive Technology Services
Assistive Technology Services are those who assess a child to see if the can qualify to use different Assistive Technology Devices. Those responsible for assessing the student to see if they qualify are also responsible for buying the appropriate device as well as making sure the device's settings are optimized to meet the student's needs. If the device or devices becomes broken or needs to be updated the teacher will bring the device to Assistive Technology Services. If the teacher or parent needs to be trained to use the device the services in charge of the Assistive Technology are responsible for the training.
(Dell, Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities, 2012)
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