Assistive Technology For Students

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Assistive Technology Overview

Assistive technology is any device that helps a person with a disability complete an everyday task.

The federal government recognized the importance of assistive technology for students and requires that school districts must consider assistive technology for any child in special education.

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Assistive Technology in the Classroom

This Education World article defines the wide range of assistive devices, technologies commonly used in schools, and the effect of this technology in the classroom.

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Sometimes you just don't know what to do or what to say when interacting with someone with a disability. The United Spinal Association has put together this comprehensive guide to help you and your students make people with disabilities feel welcome.

A good rule of thumb is if you are ever unsure how to interact with a person who has a disability, just ask them.

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Assistive Technology Basics

Understood is a great resource for learning the basics of assistive technology.

Covers topics such as What It Is and How It Works, Who Pays for Assistive Technology?, Text-to-Speech Software, and What Happens If We Change Schools?.

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What Is Assistive Technology and How Is It Funded?

The Assistive Technology Industry Association outlines the types of assistive technology, how to choose the right device(s), and the various sources of funding for the devices. There are payment options other than the local school district. It will depend upon the particular technology, its user, and its use.

Equal Access to Software and Information

Equal Access to Software and Information serves as a resource to the education community, providing information and guidance in the area of access-to-information technologies by individuals with disabilities.

They are committed to the belief that students and professionals with disabilities have the same right to access information technology as everyone else.

Assistive Technology in the classroom

Kathy, a special education teacher, talks about some of the assitive technology pieces she uses in her classroom.

YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT2pJrArbWs

Accessing Accessibility Options

Computer operating systems, smart phones and other devices have special accessibility options to make them easier to operate.

Googling the device name plus "accessibility options" will bring up a list of resources that will make them easier to operate.

Dreamms Organization

The uses of technology in schools for special education are discussed at Dreamms.

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Closed Captioning Resources

Closed Captioning is a list of closed captioning resources for hearing impaired students to enjoy broadcast programs.

CAST

CAST is a clearinghouse with sources of adaptive technology and career opportunities.

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Assistive Technology - 10 Things To Kow

"Assistive Technology: An Introductory Guide for k-12 Library Media Specialists" by Janet Hopkins at Linworth Publishing talks about creating an accessible library media center.

Identifies some of the assistive features built into Windows and Macs.

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Grey Olltwit Software - Educational Programs

For students with ADD/ADHD, Grey Olltwit has created a number of software titles to take advantage of different learning styles, such as matching skills via music and games with popular characters like Winnie the Pooh and Lion King.

RJCooper

RJCooper makes special software and hardware products for persons with special needs.