Candice Ward

EDU 505

What is Assistive Technology?Assistive technology (often

abbreviated as AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (www.atia.org)

AT DevicesAssistive technology devices can range from simple items that address problem areas to high-tech devices that solve problems. Teachers may realize that they already have some AT resources in their classrooms that could be considered.

http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu

IDEA 2004To fully understand the law regardingAssistive Technology, it is important toknow that The Individuals withDisabilities Education ImprovementAct of 2004 (IDEA 2004) is a U.S. lawthat mandates equity, accountability andexcellence in education for children withdisabilities.

The Process of Implementing AP Devices & ServicesIDEA 2004 requires IEP teams to judge whether ATdevices and services are needed to accomplish the individualized goals and objectives for students with disabilities. Although teams are required to consider AT, there is no federally designated process for them tofollow. However, it is important that schools follow a systematic plan to make certain that AT isconsidered, that the needs of students with disabilitiesare being met, and that resources are being used wisely.

Specific AT DevicesThe next four slides will give you a better

understanding

of what AT devices are. You will get to learn more about

four specific AT devices that are used in classrooms

today.

The devices that we are discussing are: FM Systems Magnifier

Voice-to-text Software Eye-tracking devices

FM SystemsFM Systems are

wireless assistive hearing devices that enhance the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and also help people who are hard of hearing but do not wear hearing aids, in particular over distance and in noisy environments, like classrooms.

MagnifierMagnifiers allow

students to get an enlarged view of class work and books. Students have the independence of using this device on their own, when it is needed.

Voice-to-text SoftwareVoice-to-text software

helps students who have a difficult time expressing their thoughts on paper, for students who have difficulty with spelling, and for students who have difficulty with the physical act of writing. This program is most useful for students whose oral language skills are stronger than their written language skills.

Eye-tracking DevicesEye-tracking devices

(ETD) can assist those with hand-mobility challenges to use their eyes to navigate the Web. There are a variety of eye tracking options available today. These AT devices would be beneficial to students who are unable to move their arms or upper torsos.

ReferencesAssistive Technology. Retrieved August 26, 2014, from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt

.edu/module/at/cresource/what-are-the-schools-responsibilities-regarding-assistive- technology/at_04/#content

Classroom Assistive Listening Devices. Retrieved August 26, 2014 fromhttp://www.californiaearinstitute.com/hearing-device-center-listening-device-classroom- bay-are.psp.

Eye-Tracking Devices Help Disabled Use Computers. Retrieved August 26, 2014. from http://today.ttu.edu/2011/09/eye-tracking-devices-help-disabled-use-

computers/.

FM Systems. August 26, 2014. www.hearinglink.org/fm-systems.

IDEA 2004. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 26, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/idea2004.

The Learning Center. Retrieved August 26, 2014, from https://www.wvwc.edu/services/thelearningcenter/tape.php.

What is Assistive Technology? How is it funded?. Retrieved August 26, 2014, from http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859.

More Resorceshttp://www.teachthought.com/technology/8-

helpful-assistive-technology-tools-for-your-classroom/

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview