Authors: Audrey Kranzo and Kecia Waddell

Table of Contents

Overview

Assistive Technology is the use of an aid, for example, computers, switches, calculators, spelling devices, communication devices and voice synthesizers, which is used to help an individual be as independent as possible by maintaining or improving capabilities. Visit http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/intro/introATidea.php to learn more about Assistive Technology and what it means for schools.

“When exploring assistive technology devices for a student, it is important to consider the full range of devices that are available, beginning with low-tech devices and considering high tech-devices only after the lower-tech options have been tried. Although some people assume that the most expensive, high-tech device is the best solution for a student, this is not necessarily true. In fact, a low-tech device is sometimes more effective, since it is frequently easier to use.” (Massachusetts Department of Education Assistive Technology Guide for Massachusetts Schools)

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation act requires federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible to all people. Visit http://www.section508.gov/ for more information.

Tutorials are available for teachers and parents to view. This site provides short videos for many of the software tools that are used in special education. http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/assistivetechnology?from_legacy=1

http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atk12/miniassessment.html -offers assessments

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te7assist.htm- provides examples of assistive technology given a specific disability

http://www.startechprogram.org/technology/techtools.html -examples of low, middle, and high level technology

http://www.techmatrix.org/index.aspx -guide to technology tools for learning

http://www.ictknowledgebase.org.uk/web20andaccessibility -accessibility and Web 2.0

http://jimthatcher.com/webcourse3.htm -web page accessibility

http://www.webaim.org/intro/ - web page accessibility

http://www.sfsu.edu/access/webaccess/webtwo.html - read about web accessibility problems and find solutions

http://www.emergingedtech.com/2009/07/internet-resources-for-teaching-students-with-special-needs/

• TextHELP Read and Write Gold - toolbar helps LD students with pronunciation, grammar, idiom, spelling, summarizing – and solve the plagiarism problems

• Dragon Naturally Speaking - speech recognition software which is ideal for people with dyslexia

• http://emotiv.com/epoc-demo.html - Endless possibilities...using thought impulses!

http://www.naturalreaders.com/ -free text to speech software for your computer

http://thecyberbuddy.com/ -free text to speech for reminders, weather and more

http://www.sensorysoftware.com/bigcalculator.html -free download big calculator

http://www.iespell.com/ -free spell check for Internet Explorer

http://www.ed.gov/teachers/needs/speced/adhd/adhd-resource-pt2.pdf:This 2004report from The U.S. Office of Special Education Programs contains an exhaustive list of tips for educators. The 32 page report is in PDF format.

http://www.addinschool.com/: This site boasts over 500 interventions for students, organized into two large groups - elementary school children, and junior high and high school students.

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/adhd/: What impressed me about this site fromBritish Columbia’s Ministry of Education was the5 well documented case studies for studentsfrom grades 1 to 11, including clearly edified Accommodation/Support plans.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_teaching_strategies.htm: This web article from the non-profit “Helpguide” organization is full of great ideas and tips for teachers and parents.

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/add-and-adhd/resource/10503.html: Over 20 useful articles are listed on this one concise page, with summaries to help you understand what each article has to offer.

Facebook works with the blind on accessibility

Twitter provides accessibility for all

RSS Reader accessibility tips for RSS feeds

Flickr easy Flickr

YouTube easy YouTube

Second Life accessibility resources

Attend the most practical, educational AT conference in North America - Closing The Gap Conference

Video: Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams. Produced, Written, and Directed by Ken Ellis. Release Date: 2/2/2005

Image: User-generated by Kecia Waddell at ImageChef.com Template: Street Sign

Back to Table of Contents