Assistive Technology:Easier Than You May Think…

By Emily Dalgleish

Fair means that each person gets what they need in order to succeed.

Assistive technology, as defined by The Family Center on Technology and Disability, is anything that “helps a person with a disability do something s/he otherwise cannot to do.”

“Assistive technology can be anything from a simple device, such as a magnifying glass, to a complex device, such as a computerized communication system.”

What is Assistive Technology?

Why Use Assistive Technology?

Besides enabling formerly “disabled” students, assistive technology is beneficial for all students

Research shows students in the early and middle grades benefit in reading instruction as well as students with special reading needs when technology is used

Studies show that students in technology rich environments show higher overall academic achievement, improved attitudes towards learning, and increased self-esteem

Isn’t Assistive Technology Expensive?

Many free programs and resources available online

Medicaid

Grants

Free Assistive Technology Online

Online spell checkers

Audio calculators

Text to speech programs

Visual aids

Computer based learning and review options

Assistive Technology Scavenger Hunt!

Medicaid

The doctor writes a letter of medical necessity Describe the assessments given to determine

the need Formal request of specific equipment Vendor ships AT device to individual Device is used

Additionally- Schools are eligible to apply for Medicaid, these same steps should be followed

Grants

Multiple grant programs can be found through the US Department of Education

Small grants through civic organizations such as: Lions Clubs Junior League Rotary International Kiwanis International

Wrap-up

Assistive technology is useful and beneficial for all students

Assistive technology does not need to be expensive

By using technology, our school can diversify its population and better service its students

ReferencesFamily information guide to assistive technology (2005-2006).

Retrieved fromhttp://www.fctd.info/resources/fig/index.html. Grahame, K. (2006) The wind in the willows. New York: Signet

Classics.Honey, M., Culp, K.M., & Spievogel, R. (2005). Critical issue: Using

technology to improve studentachievement . Retrieved from

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm.

Maes, A. Funding assistive technology through Medicaid. Retrieved fromhttp://www.onlineconferencingsystems.com/dn/funding_at/.

Socol, I. (2009). Software collection. Retrieved fromhttps

://angel.msu.edu/section/default.asp?id=FS09%2DCEP%2D842%2D730%2D870191%2DEL%2D14%2D204&goto=.