assistive technology and autism: expanding the technology leadership role of the school librarian

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School Libraries WorldwideVolume 17, Number 2, July 2011Copyrightof works published in School Libraries Worldwide is jointly held by the author(s) and by the International Association ofSchool Librarianship. The author(s) retain copyright of their works, but give permission to the International Association of SchoolLibrarianship to reprint their works in collections or other such documents published by or on behalf of the International Association ofSchool Librarianship. Author(s) who give permission for their works to be reprinted elsewhere should inform the Editor of SchoolLibraries Worldwide and should ensure that the following appears with the article: Reprinted, with permission, from School LibrariesWorldwide, Volume 17, Number 2, July 2011pages86-98.Assistive technology and autism: Expanding thetechnology leadership role of the school librarianDemetriaEnnis-ColeUniversityof North Texas, USADaniella SmithUniversityof North Texas, USAAssistive Technology is any device, auxiliary aid, or low to high technology tool that allows a userwith a disability (cognitive, physical, or neurological) toperform tasks that would be extremelydifficult or impossible without the apparatus.Access to assistive technology in schools and publicplaces is an attempt to “level the playing field” for individuals with disabilities by providing themwith access toservices, education, and employment. Technology support enables individuals withdisabilities to complete daily living activities, work successfully, benefit from learning environments,and enjoy leisure time. School librarians can serve in leadership roles for students with autism, theirfamilies, and other school professionals by locating assistive technology tools;training teachers,families, and students to use these tools, evaluating the effectiveness of the devices; helping teachersintegrateequipment intothe school curriculum; monitoring student progress on and satisfaction withthe apparatus; and helping teachers modify the curriculum to better support individualized studentlearning.Introduction"Assistive Technology (AT) tools are used frequently by educators in Special Education Programsto expand opportunities for students with disabilities.The 1975 Education for the HandicappedAct (EHA)"