Assistive Technology in the Educational Setting

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Assistive Technology in theEducational Setting

• Ed. 453 - Computers and Technology in Special
  Education
• An Interactive Lecture

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What the Law States

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
  (IDEA) states word for word the definitions of
  Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and AT Services
  as they apply to children.
• It is mandatory for all students with special
  education needs to be considered for assistive
  technology.

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Mandate to Provide Device/Service

• Schools are required to provide assistive
  technology to a student if it is needed for the
  student to receive a free, appropriate public
  education (FAPE).

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Special Factor

• The 1997 reauthorization of IDEA added a
  requirement for IEP teams to consider assistive
  technology needs of each student during the
  development of the students IEP.

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What is AT?

• any item, piece of equipment or product system,
  whether acquired commercially off the shelf,
  modified, or customized, that is used to
  increase, maintain, or improve functional
  capabilities of individuals with disabilities
  (20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section 1401(25).

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What Does This Mean?

• This means that many of the adaptations,
  modifications and accommodations made for a
  student, in order for him/her to participate, may
  be considered as assistive technology. AT can be
  as simple as a pencil grip or as complex as a
  computer.

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Examples

• Assistive technology may impact many areas of an
  individuals life. The specific areas considered
  for any individual will be influenced by their
  specific needs.
• Positioning Allows student greater access to
  education activities.

• Wheelchairs
• Walkers
• Standing aids
• Bean bag chairs

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Examples

• Self Care
• The areas of eating, dressing and toileting are
  areas in which devices may be necessary for some
  students.

• Adapted utensils
• Specially designed toilet seats
• Electric feeders

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Examples

• Augmentative Communication These are devices
  which assist students in communication.

• As simple as communication boards
• as complex as electronic communication devices
  and speech synthesizers

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Examples

• Environmental Controls These are items which
  enable independent use of equipment in the
  classroom by the students.

• Remote control switches
• adaptations of on/off switches

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Examples

• Hearing aids, closed caption TV and TDD
• Magnifying devices, computer with voice, optical
  character reader (Kurzweil)
• Powered wheelchairs, canes

• Assistive Listening These are items which can
  assist students with hearing.
• Visual Aids Methods for assisting with vision
  needs.
• Mobility Assistance with moving.

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Examples

• Physical Education, Leisure, and Play
• Enhancing a students social interactions.

• Drawing software
• Computer games
• Beeping balls
• Game rules in braille
• Swimming pool lifts

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Examples

• Computer Access This is the means by which the
  student will access a computer.

• Touch window
• Head pointer
• Speech recognition

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Examples

• Software can be selected which parallels the
  regular curriculum, but allows for alternative
  ways of responding to exercises.
• Software can provide the tools for written
  expression, spelling, calculation, reading, and
  higher level thinking skills.

• Computer Based Instruction This is a means by
  which the student may be able to interact more
  independently with the curriculum.

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AT Services

• IDEA defines Assistive Technology Service as any
  service that directly assists a student with a
  disability in the selection, acquisition, or use
  of an assistive technology device.