Assistive Technology

Geovanda Williams

Explanation of Assistive Technology

According to the United States Assistive Technology Act of 1998, assistive technology (also called adaptive technology) refers to any "product, device, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with disabilities.” It also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. Assistive technology is a term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities.

Explanation of Assistive Technology

The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act defines assistive technology into two parts: assistive technology device and assistive technology service.

1. 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 the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

2. Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a person with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. This includes assistive technology evaluations, equipment maintenance, technical assistance, demonstration and/or training.

Explanation of Assistive Technology

Thus, any tool that helps students with disabilities do things independently and with ease is assistive technology.

Alabama Law and Assistive Technology

• Federal and state law requires an IEP Team to consider a child's need for Assistive Technology if that child has any disability that would hinder them from adequate use and access to

• Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) provides advocacy services to persons with disabilities who need assistive technology devices and/or assistive technology services.

• The Alabama Assistive Technology Program (STAR) seeks to increase the provision of, access to, and funding for assistive technology.

What are the different types of Assistive Technology?

Hearing Impaired

Seeing Impaired

Learning Disabled

Physical Disabled

Assistive Technology for the Hearing Impaired

Hearing Assistive Technology is technology that can help in various listening situations. Hearing aids and implants are common examples of technologies that are designed to help people with hearing loss. These are designed to enhance telephone communication, TV reception and to ensure an effective method of communication.

Assistive Technology for the Seeing Impaired

Assistive technology helps students who are visually impaired increase their access to the general curriculum and improve their academic performance. Closed circuit magnification is a device that enlarges words and pictures on a screen that makes them easier to view.

Assistive Technology for the Learning Disabled

Students with learning disabilities often have difficulty with skills such as reading, listening, spelling, writing, or organizing information. Appropriate assistivetechnology can make those tasks easier and allow a student to feel a sense of accomplishment. Programmable keyboards have special overlays that customize the appearance and function of a standardkeyboard.  Students who have LD or have trouble typing may benefit from customization that reduces input choices, groups keys by color/location, and adds graphics to aid comprehension.

Assistive Technology for the Physically Disabled

Assistive technology can enable young children with disabilities to participate more fully in play, communication, learning and other meaningful activities. Individuals with physical disabilities that affect movement can use mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices, and orthotic devices, to enhance their mobility.

ReferencesAn Overview of Assistive Technology | Assistive Technology | At School. (n.d.). National Center for Learning Disabilities. Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology- education/overview-assistive-technology

Assistive technology for kids with LD: An overview. (n.d.). GreatSchools. Retrieved January 20, 2015, from http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistivetechnology/702-assistive-technology-for-kids-with- learning-disabilities-an-overview.gs

Assistive technology on Pin Interest [Image]. (2014). Retrieved January 20, 2015, from https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/01/bb/71/01bb714602938154fd1063190266bf9e.jpg

Cara. (2011, March 4). Assistive-technology [Image]. (n.d.)Retrieved from http://stimr.blogspot.com/2011/03/assistive- technology-for-special-needs.html

Chrystal Vision Adaptive Technology. [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.christal-vision.com/products/images/ocr/vision-3.jpg

Learning Assistance Center-Pasadena. [Image]. Retrieved from http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxPXAEDCxp6Zx3bPVaq0UZdvJSrwB-7Ng2kye5q2RCT8apVcFizw

References (continued)

Richards, S. (n.d.). Assistive technology for special needs students [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/shanerichards/assistive-technology-for-special-needs-students

Rifton. [Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rifton.com/~/media/images/rifton/resources/articles/2014- images/fundingassistivetechnologypapers.jpg?la=en

U S Department of Education. (2013). IDEA - Building The Legacy of IDEA 2004. Retrieved from http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,statute,I,A,602,1,

University of Alabama. (n.d.). Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. Retrieved from http://adap.net/adap-pubs.html