Introduction to Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (legal definition): The term “assistive technology device” means 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 a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.
- It will overall increase a child’s ability to function in an environment and therefore allow them to be able to effectively learn. The appropriate types of assistive technology needed for an individual student can be documented in his/her I.E.P.
- There are 3 types of assistive technology devices, Low tech, Mid tech and High tech.
Low Technology Devices: Devices that have no electronic components and are usually inexpensive. They are the simple tools that make daily activities easier or even just possible to achieve.
Some examples of low technology devices for students include:
o pencil grips
o clipboards
o communication picture boards
o slant board
o a keyguard
o Velcro
o raised lined paper
Mid Technology Devices: Devices that are electronic in purpose but are less expensive and require less training than high tech devices.
Some examples of mid technology devices include:
o Calculator
o audio book
o portable notetaker
o digital recorder
o mp3 player
Some examples of mid technology devices include:
o Calculator
o audio book
o portable notetaker
o digital recorder
o mp3 player
High Technology Devices: Devices that are computer based and that are more complex to operate and to learn how to use. They are usually expensive but they are beneficial because they are powerful devices that can be used to complete many tasks.
Some examples of high technology devices include:
o desktop computer
o iPad
o iPod
o software
o argumentative communication device
o the internet
Some examples of high technology devices include:
o desktop computer
o iPad
o iPod
o software
o argumentative communication device
o the internet
Resources:
Assistive Technology Graphics: http://www.articlesweb.org/technology/equipment-technology/use-of-assistive-technology-devices
http://llatech.com/evening-the-playing-field-with-assistive-technology/
Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Georgia Department of Education. "Definition of Assistive Technology". Retrieved January 20, 2013 from http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/Assistive-Technology-Definition.aspx
LLA Tech. "Evening the Playing Field with Assistive Technology". (April 24, 2012). Retrieved January 20, 2013 from http://llatech.com/evening-the-playing-field-with-assistive-technology/
Simplek12Team. "Assistive Technology". Retrieved January 20, 2013 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWWT96BzfGc&playnext=1&list=PLC3D9F9B7B358E983&feature=results_main
Teaching Resources for Florida ESE. "Assistive Technology Devices". Retrieved January 20, 2013 from http://www.cpt.fsu.edu/eseold/in/acom/tech.html
Assistive Technology Banner on top of website:
created using www.dafont.com
Assistive Technology Graphics: http://www.articlesweb.org/technology/equipment-technology/use-of-assistive-technology-devices
http://llatech.com/evening-the-playing-field-with-assistive-technology/
Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Georgia Department of Education. "Definition of Assistive Technology". Retrieved January 20, 2013 from http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/Assistive-Technology-Definition.aspx
LLA Tech. "Evening the Playing Field with Assistive Technology". (April 24, 2012). Retrieved January 20, 2013 from http://llatech.com/evening-the-playing-field-with-assistive-technology/
Simplek12Team. "Assistive Technology". Retrieved January 20, 2013 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWWT96BzfGc&playnext=1&list=PLC3D9F9B7B358E983&feature=results_main
Teaching Resources for Florida ESE. "Assistive Technology Devices". Retrieved January 20, 2013 from http://www.cpt.fsu.edu/eseold/in/acom/tech.html
Assistive Technology Banner on top of website:
created using www.dafont.com