Assistive technology (AT) is a term that describes any device, system, or equipment that helps people with disabilities perform tasks and live independently.

Assistive Technology Definitions

  • Low-tech assistive technology – simple, non-electronic tools and devices that help people with disabilities
  • Mid-tech assistive technology – more complex than low-tech AT, often battery-operated or electronic, generally user-friendly and require minimal training

AT Background and AT Frameworks:

Assistive technology as evolved significantly over time. In the early years, it was mainly items to help with physical disabilities such as crutches, canes, and wheelchairs. Since then physical assistance has developed to include top high tech items such as prosthetics and hearing aids. Additionally, we are starting to consider other disabilities with screen readers, text to speech, speech to text, artificial intelligence tools such as Siri and Alexa, and smart devices such as phones and speakers.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is one of the most popular frameworks for designing the educational environment. It calls for the environment to be accessible to all learners. Through the utilization of UDL, the lesson should include multiple means of engagement, representation, and assessment.

Products – Product Flyers and Catalog Excerpts: Provide a bibliography of Assistive Technology tools and links to the tool if available

  • Text-to-Speech Systems
    • Converts written text into audible spoken words
    • NaturalReader is an Android app that reads books, PDFs, and web pages.
    • The WordTalk toolbar sits neatly in Microsoft Word under the ‘Add-Ins’ tab. You simply click you cursor where you want WordTalk to start and then press one of the first 4 buttons on toolbar to start speaking (entire document (bubble), paragraph (P), sentence (S) or word (W)). WordTalk will now highlight a word as it is spoken.
    • Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader – is a Google Chrome plugin. Read Aloud uses text-to-speech (TTS) technology to convert webpage text to audio. It works on a variety of websites, including news sites, blogs, fan fiction, publications, textbooks, school and class websites, and online university course materials.
  • Large Print Materials
    • Large-print materials have a type size that is easier to read for individuals with vision problems.
    • While most books are a size 10 to 12 font, large print materials are mostly commonly available as size 16 to 18 fonts.
    • You can find large print magazines, religious materials, and calendars as well as normal books.
  • Speech Recognition Software (also known as speech-to-text)
    • Converts spoken words into written text
    • This can help those with hearing problems to provide captions as well as those with learning disabilities
    • Examples include Siri, Alexa (Amazon), Dragon Speech Recognition, and Voice Typing in Google Docs
  • Phonetic Spelling Software
    • Spell and Pronounce It Right – Android app – a unique dictionary tool that offers more than just pronunciation and grammar.
    • Ginger Software – With Ginger, the AI-powered writing assistant, correct your texts, improve your style and boost your creativity.
    • Ghotit – Advanced Desktop and Mobile Apps for People with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
  • Noise Cancelling Headphones
    • Individuals may be sensitive to sounds or easily distracted.
    • Noise cancelling headphones can assist.

Assessments

Differentiated instruction and assessment are approaches to meet the diverse needs and abilities of all students within a classroom. This is important because it helps maximize each student’s learning potential.

Differentiated instruction means that an instructor needs to be flexible and adjust teaching methods, materials, and content to accommodate for the varying levels and learning profiles of students. This ensures that all students have access to meaningful learning activities.

Differentiated assessment involves tailoring the assessments to reflect individual students’ needs which ensures a fair and accurate measurement of their understanding and progress. This includes offering multiple ways for students to demonstrate mastery. Examples include observation, exit tickets, interactive games, projects, portfolios, presentations, essays, or journals.

Related Organizations

ATPE – Association of Texas Professional Educators

  • ATPE is the leading educators’ association in Texas
  • Provides professional liability insurance
  • Advocates at the Capital

TCEA – Texas Computer Education Association

  • Free professional development
  • An online community to connect and share
  • Weekly webinars
  • Certification Courses

TSCA – Texas Speech Communication Association

  • Annual conference with professional development
  • Networking with colleagues

Resources for Assistive Techs

  • I would create a presentation if gathering with multiple stakeholders to provide general information.
  • I would have a list of websites specific to student needs for teachers, parents, and the student to review.
  • I would ask experts to come visit with teachers, parents, and students in relation to specific tools that could be utilized by our students.
  • I would request administration to add professional development on UDL into scheduled PD days on the calendar.

Assistive Technology Skills

  • Ability to use computers with various operating systems, smartphones and tablets, various browsers
  • Troubleshooting: Familiar with many common issues with technology and software
  • Capable of installing, updating, and managing software and apps
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Skilled researcher and problem solver.
  • Pay attention to details
  • Work well with others at developing relationships and solving problems
  • Willingness to learn
  • Effective time and resource management