Assistive TechnologyBY: KAYLA RAY

What is assistive technology?

Devices that extend the abilities of an individual in ways that provide physical access and sensory access.

The law regarding Assistive Technology

According to federal law and regulations and the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, “The Assistive Technology Act establishes a grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, to provide Federal funds to support State programs that address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities.”

http://www.section508.gov/section508-laws

http://www.section508.gov/Section-508-Of-The-Rehabilitation-Act

http://www.section508.gov/summary-section508-standards

http://www.section508.gov/section-508-standards-guide

AT’s that can help in the classroom!

Hearing Impaired

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Personal frequency modulation (FM) systems: miniature radio stations operating on special frequencies. The personal FM system consists of a transmitter microphone used by the speaker (such as the teacher in the classroom, or the speaker at a lecture) and a receiver used by you, the listener. The receiver transmits the sound to your ears or, if you wear a hearing aid, directly to the hearing aid.

Vision ImpairedThe Pebble HD: Enhanced Vision's latest iteration of its popular handheld video magnifier designed as a low-vision and reading aid for persons who are visually impaired.

Learning Disabled

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Alternative Keyboards: these programmable keyboards have special overlays that customize the appearance and function of a standard keyboard. Students who have LD or have trouble typing may benefit from customization that reduces input choices, groups keys by color/location, and adds graphics to aid comprehension.

Physically Disabled

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Single-switch access – for people with very limited mobility. For instance, if a person can move only the head, a switch could be placed to the side of the head that would allow the person to click it with head movements. This clicking would then be interpreted using special software.

References

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2015). FM Systems. Retrieved from

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/FM-Systems/

General Medical Council. (2015). Assistive technologies for people with physical impairments. Retrieved from http://

www.gmc-uk.org/accessibility/assistive_technologies/physical_impairments.asp

Leibs, Andrew. (2015). About Tech. Pebble HD Handheld Video Magnifier. Retrieved from http://

assistivetechnology.about.com/od/PortableVideoMagnifiers/p/Pebble-Hd-Handheld-Video-Magnifier.htm

Roblyer, M.D., & Aaron H. Doering. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Boston, MA : Pearson.

Stanberry, Kristin. (February 2010). Great! Kids. Alternative Keyboards. Retrieved from

http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/alternative-keyboards/