Authors: Audrey Kranzo and Kecia Waddell


Getting Started with Assistive Technology

• 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

Choosing the Best Assistive Technology

• 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

Internet for People Who are Disabled

• 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

Commercial Software

• 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!

Free Assistive Technology Downloads

• 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

Online Document Resources

• 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.

Popular AT Services

• 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

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

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