Assistive technology is a technology used to assist individuals with disabilities who would normally have difficulty or might be impossible to perform a certain task. Assistive technology could be as basic as hardware and as complex as software. These technologies could assist people with technology such as computers or simply function easier. Some people with disabilities might have limited hand function and might not be able to use a completely use a computer, so a keyboard might have special keys or a custom mouse. Assistive technology can have a wide range.
I figured since I’m an education major I would look up assistive technologies in school. The first website that I cam across was Assistive Technology to Meet K-12 Student Needs, this site listed technologies that would be an aid to disabled students working with technology. Below are assistive technologies that I found interesting or especially helpful.
Visual aids:
- · Braille translation software (translates inputted text that can be Brailled)
- · Braille printer
- · Computer with speech output or feedback
- · Operating system special-accessibility options (screen enlargement, adjustment of keyboard, sound, display, mouse)
Communication aids:
- · Voice out-put devices
- · Augmentative communication devises (visual displays or speech output)
Physical aids:
- · Joysticks
- · Adapted mouse
- · Tilt board
- · Touch screens
Hearing aids:·
- · Technology captions
- · Audio-voice amplifications (for teachers, computers, or televisions)
This website gave a huge variety of assistive technology aid for students with all kinds of disabilities. I was very impressed with the range of idea available on this site but I wish there was more information on how certain technologies work.
The next site that I looked at had a description and picture of each of the technologies listed. The technology that surprised me most was a “page turner” I didn’t realize that something so simply could be so difficult and complex for someone. The page-turner holds a book for a student, so that they can focus on the book with out struggle. The page-turner switches the pages of a book with a simple press on a switch.
Overall I was pretty impressed with the information I found on assistive technology. I learned that these technologies are adaptive and customized to help individuals move about, communicate, or control their environments. Some technologies are simple and others are more complex and specific to the user. Now that I have a better understanding of these technologies I will keep in mind availability, If I have students with disabilities I might try to push for easier learning for them through use of assistive technologies.
I would love to use a braille translator! It would be cool to have it translate worksheets for students. Do you know if they can integrate blind students, or do they have their own school?
ReplyDeleteHeather, that is a good question. I think that if there is one available, they probably go to a school for the blind, but I bet that they often much be integrated into the regular classroom. I have always been interested in braille and how they use it with students who need to learn how to read it. Thanks for the information about the translating and everything, Jeanell. I am going to check out some of your resources!
ReplyDeleteJeanell,
ReplyDeleteHow much fun would it be to use a braille translator. It would be a great way to be put into someone elses shoes. I think that the computer with the speach output and translator could be a great tool for not only the impaired students but also for all the other students. I am thinking of when you are typing on the computer and if you have a speach output, the students can hear what they are writing and hear if it makes sense. Overall you have given alot of great examples of tool that we all can use in our classroom if and when we have a student that needs help.
I agree that it is really interesting that some assistive technologies can be so simple, but can help children learn in such a great way. To think that something as simple as a page turner can make learning easier and more possible for that student who needs it. Such small things like joysticks, and larger text can increase learning so much. It is very important as a teacher to be highly aware of students and how we can best support their learning with AT.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool about the page turner. I have never heard of that before but that sounds like it could be a great help to students who get distracted easily or don't have the motor control to manually turn pages. There are so many assistive technologies available that I never heard of before reading all the blogs.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you pointed out how something simple can make a big difference in a child's learning. I think that it is important to remember that even the smallest thing can really enhance a child's ability to learn. As teachers I think that it is important to not take any skill for granted, and to remember that something that might be easy for one student might not be for another.
ReplyDelete