Assistive Technology in Special Education
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to any item, piece of equipment, software, or system either acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified, or customized and used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of an individual with a disability. In special education, assistive technology helps students access the curriculum, communicate effectively, and participate more fully in classroom activities.
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), assistive technology can range from simple tools to advanced digital devices and must be considered based on each student’s individual needs.
Resource: U.S. Department of Education – IDEA Definition of Assistive Technology https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.5
What are some examples of Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is commonly categorized as low-tech, mid-tech, or high-tech, depending on complexity and cost.
- Low-Tech Assistive Technology
- Low-tech devices are simple, inexpensive, and do not require electricity.
- Examples include pencil grips, slant boards, visual schedules, highlighters, and graphic organizers.
- Low-tech devices are simple, inexpensive, and do not require electricity.
- Examples include pencil grips, slant boards, visual schedules, highlighters, and graphic organizers.
- Mid-Tech Assistive Technology
- Mid-tech devices are more advanced than low-tech tools but are typically battery-operated or simple electronic devices.
- Examples include audio recorders, talking calculators, spell-check devices, and word prediction software.
- High-Tech Assistive Technology
- High-tech devices are more complex and often computer-based or digital.
- Examples include Speech-to-text software (e.g., Dragon NaturallySpeaking), Text-to-speech programs (e.g., NaturalReader), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, and tablets with specialized apps.
- Mid-Tech Assistive Technology
- Mid-tech devices are more advanced than low-tech tools but are typically battery-operated or simple electronic devices.
- Examples include audio recorders, talking calculators, spell-check devices, and word prediction software.
- High-Tech Assistive Technology
- High-tech devices are more complex and often computer-based or digital.
- Examples include Speech-to-text software (e.g., Dragon NaturallySpeaking), Text-to-speech programs (e.g., NaturalReader), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, and tablets with specialized apps.
Resources (pictures included as well):
https://getgoally.com/blog/low-tech-assistive-technology/
https://www.autismadventures.com/low-tech-mid-tech-and-high-tech/
https://www.okabletech.org/education-services/lowtech/
https://www.moisd.org/departments/special-education/assistive-technology/
https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/assistive-technology
https://www.nuance.com/dragon.html
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
Assistive technology plays a critical role in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Under IDEA, the IEP team is required to consider whether a student needs assistive technology to access their education and meet their learning goals.
If assistive technology is determined to be necessary, it must be:
Specifically documented in the IEP
Provided at no cost to the student
Used consistently across learning environments, when appropriate
Assistive technology supports students by reducing barriers to learning, increasing independence, and promoting academic and social success. The goal is not to give students an advantage, but to provide equitable access to learning opportunities.
Comments
Post a Comment