Assistive technology
Many teachers are aware of assistive technology devices used in our classrooms: hearing aids, glasses, and iPads… How is an iPad Assistive technology? First, let us define “Assistive Technology” in the classroom as any device that a person with disabilities uses to overcome or mitigate obstacles to access. Using this definition, a wheelchair that enables a child to move from station to station, a microphone or hearing aid that helps him hear a lesson, and the magnify feature of the Microsoft 7 operating system that helps her navigate the computer and write an essay are all assistive technologies.
Following this line of reasoning an iPad, with accessibility features enabled and any of many apps for reading aloud, producing speech, or even improving fine motor skills could be considered an Assistive Technology. UDL, Universal Design for Learning, is not an AT, or Assistive Technology, as UDL describes a set of principles for making curricula accessible for all learners – not solely those with identified disabilities. Nor can you provide an iPad in a 1:1 model and assume that you have UDL and/or AT “in the bag” because careful thought and planning, along with effective implementation, are required for either definition to apply.
Find additional examples of assistive technology using family friendly language where the term is defined and information is provided about how federal law impacts access to assistive technologies by students with special needs using the link in this sentence or cited below.
PBS. (2003-2013). Assistive technology. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/strategies-for-learning-disabilities/assistive-technology/.
Following this line of reasoning an iPad, with accessibility features enabled and any of many apps for reading aloud, producing speech, or even improving fine motor skills could be considered an Assistive Technology. UDL, Universal Design for Learning, is not an AT, or Assistive Technology, as UDL describes a set of principles for making curricula accessible for all learners – not solely those with identified disabilities. Nor can you provide an iPad in a 1:1 model and assume that you have UDL and/or AT “in the bag” because careful thought and planning, along with effective implementation, are required for either definition to apply.
Find additional examples of assistive technology using family friendly language where the term is defined and information is provided about how federal law impacts access to assistive technologies by students with special needs using the link in this sentence or cited below.
PBS. (2003-2013). Assistive technology. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/strategies-for-learning-disabilities/assistive-technology/.