Andy Szatkowski

Assistive Technology or AT is the following:Any software, hardware, or service

given to a student with a disabilityIt helps the student meet an IEP

goal Also helps student participate in

general education setting

1. Communication2. Perform academic tasks3. Participate in social or extracurricular

activities4. Move around school5. Used for proper seating/positioning6. Access to materials

Teacher should be trained on basic functions of any AT device, to be able to help studentWill maximize student achievement with device

or serviceSchool district has to provide training

sessions for student, parents and teacher

School evaluates need for device/serviceDevice is bought, leased or acquiredServices/Device coordinated for studentTraining providedSchool will select, fit, adapt, repair and

replace device as needed

Many laws passed dealing with equal opportunities for students with disabilites

American’s with Disabilities Act (1990)Title II- people with disabilities are entitled to

equal access to a public educationTitle IV- cites telecommunication companies

must use AT for people with vision and hearing impairment

Individuals with Disabilities Act People with disabilities are entitled to a free

and appropriate educationThe important part is: that meets the needs of

the personThis enables people to receive the AT that is

needed for them to be successfulAssistive Technology Act (1998 & 2004)

Advocacy for people in need of ATPrograms to help people secure the needed AT

Smartboardsfor students that can

lip read, allows teacher to face students

Interactive with students

VV talker speech assistant Deaf children often have

trouble speaking clearly Shows inflection in voice to

train child how to speak Would be great for school

speech therapist

Abisee Zoom-ExScans books and

enlarges the words for reader

Will also read aloud to reader

Braille BooksBooks for people

who are blindEnables student to

follow along with rest of students

Connects words to sensory motor skills

Audio Books- Students that struggles

reading can now hear the story

Allows student to stay on pace with reading for class

Math Software Programs- Helps break down

equations and subject into smaller parts for students

May give formulas to students, so student doesn’t have to memorize

GrabberAllows students to

grab objects in class

Joystick input deviceAllows students to

use computer and enter info, even if fingers/hands do not work properly

Many opportunities in education for students with disabilities, due to the advances in technology

Student, parents, and teachers should be trained on the technology, so it can be used to maximize student achievement

VV talker speech assistive device. (2014, January 1). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://www.tuvie.com/vv-talker-speech-assistive-device-for-vulnerable-deaf-children/

Smartboard. (2003, January 1). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://education.smarttech.com/en/products/special-education

(1998, January 1). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from www.wrightslaw.com/info/atech.index.htm

(2014, January 1). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from www.fctd.info/resources/techlaws.php

(2014, January 1). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/