ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TOOLS

Morgan McGlameryEDN 303

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Screen Reader

Definition• A program that

combines sound and picture to help explain what is on the computer

• Scenario: – A student that is blind or has a visual impairment

might use a screen reader in the classroom to help them identify and interpret what is being displayed on the screen when working on a Web 2.0 site.

• Academic Gains:– Allows blind/visually impaired to:

• Read online resources• Create word documents for assignments

• Barriers:– Blind individuals will only be hearing the

computerized voice, and will not be seeing how to spell the words.

Closed Circuit Magnification

Definition• A device that

can enlarge words and objects on a screen for easier viewing

• Scenario:– A student could use this device to enlarge the

text of a book with a smalll font size.

• Academic Gains:– Keeps students from misinterpreting the

meaning of a text due to inability to identify or see words, which will increase student comprehension.

• Barriers– Teachers would need several of these devices

if they have more than one student that has poor eyesight or visual impairments.

Braille Translation Devices

Definition• Used to

translate screen words and formatting into readable braille

• Scenario:– A teacher could use a braille translation device to

convert content on a screen into braille so all students, no matter their eyesight abilities, could read the same content.

• Academic Gains:– Blind students will be able to read a wider variety of

books/articles

• Barriers– Students without visual impairments may think the

teacher is being impartial by giving blind students a special type of text

– Blind students may not be able to read the braille as fast as other students read the regular text, causing the blind students to fall behind.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY/PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

Adaptive Keyboard

Definition• A keyboard that

reduces the strain on the user by alphabetizing the letters

• Scenario:– An alphabetized keyboard can be used in the

classroom so students are able to focus on the task rather than on locating keys.

• Academic Gains:– Students are able to work faster– Students focus more on tasks than on the

process required to complete the tasks.

• Barriers– Every student in the class would need one if

the entire class was given the same assignment

Alternate Communication Devices

Definition• A device that

helps those with Down syndrome, Autism, and other illnesses communicate easily

• Scenario:– Using a device that provides a visual interface in

the class allows students with disabilities to easily identify what they want to say

• Academic Gains:– Increases communication skills– Increases depth of conversations

• Barriers– A screen filled with pictures and words might be

more confusing or overwhelming for students– These devices may teach students to rely on

outside help when communicating, and thus hinder their ability to communicate when not being assisted.

Adaptive Student Desks

Definition• For children

with neurological impairments, these desks adjust to their needs

• Scenario:– This type of desk can be used for students that need

desks to be adjust in height or if they need adjustable leg stirrups

• Academic Gains:– Provides a customized and comfortable environment

for students to do work– Improved focus

• Barriers– Other students may see that disabled students get to

a special type of desk and feel like they too should receive special treatment

– Distraction for other students– Disabled students may feel like their disabilities are

being put on display

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING

Personal Amplification Device

Definition• An audio

enhancer that directly increases the sound of noise around the user

• Scenario:– A teacher could give this to students with

deafness or hearing difficulties when lecturing to improve their hearing quality

• Academic Gains:– Students are able to hear instruction, therefore

they will be able to understand lessons and assignments.

• Barriers– Students may cut the devices off when they do

not want to listen– Teachers may not be able to tell when the

device is turned off/on

Audio/Visual Communication Devices

Definition• Combines

residual hearing with closer views of mouth movement to enhance understanding

• Scenario:– Giving a student with a hearing disability a

screen with a close-up view of the teachers mouth

• Academic Gains:– Increases understanding of words,

therefore, there is an increase in comprehension of instruction;

• Barriers– May be a distraction for other students

Voice To Text Translation

Definition• A software

device that captures spoken words and translates it into readable text on a screen

• Scenario:– A teachers could use this device to

communicate with deaf students (especially if teachers do not know sign language)

• Academic Gains:– Students can communicate with more than

just those that know sign language

• Barriers– Deaf individuals would not be able to

translate their spoken words to text most likely because the device may not be able to identify the words that are announcing.