Assistive Technology visual metaphor presentation

Assistive Technology visual metaphor presentationBy: Jennifer DonnersbachEDU 3092/18/14IntroductionAssistive technology is a huge part of education today. We have advanced instruction for all students in need of accommodations with assistive technology.Even the most difficult disability such as blindness or deafness can be improved in the classroom via assistive technology. The following are examples of assistive technology and how they can be used in the classroom.

http://www.rjcooper.com/fusion/Text to speech deviceThis device converts text typed by a student into speech. For any nonverbal child, this device will make a huge difference in their communication needs. Even students that are verbal can benefit from hearing what they type. Text to speech devices are helpful in the classroom with communication, phonics, and word recognition.

http://www.xda-developers.com/windows_phone/turn-your-wp7-phone-into-an-audiobook-player-with-elwpaudiobooks/AudioBooksThese books are read to the student so the student does not have to read the words on the page but can still hear the story. Audiobooks are very helpful for blind or low vision students to understand stories. Audiobooks are helpful to students who have trouble reading as well.

http://www.technologyace.com/gaming/voice-recognition-feature-upcoming-ps4/Speech RecognitionThe speech recognition device converts what a student says into text on a computer rather than the student having to use a keyboard. This is another device that would be helpful for students to learn more about phonics and how sounds have meaning.This device can also be of great use to those who have trouble writing their thoughts down. Any child with low vision or blindness can also use this tool.

http://www.tecear.com/Comtek_Personal_FM.htmPersonal fm systemsThis device can transmit the teachers voice from a microphone to a student using a hearing aid. For a student who has difficulty hearing instruction, school can be stressful.This device allows these students access to a lecture or any type of instruction the teacher gives. This is important because hearing your teacher is imperative to your learning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BrailleBrailleBraille is a system of reading for low vision or blind students done by feeling raised dots on a page. Having a blind student in the classroom can be a challenge and having a system of reading and writing will make this challenge a lot easier to manage.Braille will ensure this child does not fall behind his/her peers in the classroom.

http://www.techhive.com/product/587589/kindle-keyboard-wi-fi-3g-3rd-generation-.htmlAmazon kindleAn E-reader such as the Kindle, is an electronic book that offers many accommodations. The Amazon Kindle has an option to enlarge the print for students who have difficulties reading small print.The Kindle also gives word definitions for any word a child chooses, which makes reading difficult texts easier to understand.

http://02a53ed.netsolhost.com/eyedocksblog/myth-busted-colored-overlays-do-not-improve-readingColor OverlaysColor overlays help children who have trouble seeing print read with a better visibility.Some children find it difficult to read black ink on a stark white page. These transparent color overlays turns the white a different color so that the text is easier on these childrens eyes. This assistive technology makes reading easier on many children.

http://www.turningpointtechnology.com/KG/dynavox-keyguards.aspDynavoxDynaVox is a system for students to use as alternative speech. Students touch a box and the device says the word or phrase for them.This device is very helpful for any student limited in their ability to communicate.Nonverbal students will be able to communicate with their peers as well as their teachers using DynaVox

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MC769LL-Tablet-Black-Generation/dp/B0013FRNKGipadThe iPad allows the user to access numerous apps to help with any difficulties a student is having. Students with motor skill impairment can have access to an easy to use touch screen surface. An iPad can also allow students to learn at their own pace and learn at their own level. iPads are helpful at every grade level and allow for students to get help in the area they need.

ConclusionThese devices can be a great addition to any classroom with a child in need. Students deserve the best learning environment available to them and assistive technology ensures exactly that. The technology we have today is vast and only improving, it is a wonder as to what we will have in the area of assistive technology 10 years from now.

ReferencesNielsen, L. (2011, September 05). 25 incredible assistive technologies. Retrieved from http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/09/25-incredible-assistive-technologies.htmlBates, M. Hardware guide: Assistive technology for dyslexia [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/assistive-technology-for-dyslexia.htmlBertner, S. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dynavoxtech.com/default.aspxUdell, C. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://assistivetechnology.about.com/od/ATCAT6/a/Transforming-The-Classroom-Tablets-As-Assistive-Technology.htm