What do the following have in common?
These are all examples of using assistive technology. Assistive technology plays an important role in many of our daily lives, improving our ability to do regular tasks. Assistive technology is even more impactful for learners with disabilities by aiding in their ability to take in information, communicate, and navigate physical spaces.
In this blog, we’ll explore what assistive technology in a special education setting looks like, discuss various examples of assistive technology, and learn how to easily integrate & provide assistive technology into learning spaces.
Assistive technology (AT) in education includes any technology or piece of equipment that maximizes student outcomes by accommodating a deficit area and adjusting the environment, stimuli, or output of information to best meet the needs of the student. For example:
Mason, a 5th grade student with a hearing impairment, uses closed captioning, picture-paired text, and amplification devices to accommodate his needs and allow access to the information being presented.
In this case, the AT may not necessarily adjust the information or level of the information being presented; however, it allows the student access by modifying the means of information delivery. This is an important distinction, demonstrating that assistive technology is an accommodation versus a modification, altering the method of learning rather than the learning content itself. Overall, assistive technology works to empower learners and provide equal access to instructional content.
Assistive technology for cognitive deficits, similar to the hearing impairment example above, primarily modifies the means of communicating or receiving information. A common technology used in special education settings for students with cognitive disabilities is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. AAC devices use pictures to support communication and information delivery. For example:
Ms. Smith is working 1:1 with her first grade student, Sarah. When Ms. Smith shows Sarah a picture of a stop sign and prompts her to spell, speak, or write out the word ‘S-T-O-P,’ this presents a challenge for her. However, when Sarah is provided an AAC device, she can easily and effortlessly locate a stop sign to communicate this knowledge.
An AAC device not only empowers students but also provides educators with a better understanding of the students’ knowledge, ability, and learning capabilities. AAC devices are also helpful when used in collaboration with other assistive technologies such as text-to-speech software, audio-formatted books/articles/lessons, memory aids, and more. Following best practices, take a multimodel and multisensory approach to teaching and learning with assistive technology. Incorporate a variety of input and output – text, speech, touch, visuals, and movement – that are appropriate for your students’ needs into their AT use.
Assistive technology can be imperative for day-to-day life for those with vision, speech, and hearing impairments. These particular devices not only accommodate for daily living but greatly increase outcomes in the classroom. A few common examples are:
Assistive technology can play a key role in supporting and accommodating individuals with daily tasks that maximize independence, skills, and quality of life. Many of these accommodations are physical items, modifications, or technologies that are commonly used in all settings, including special education settings. Below are a few common examples:
TeachTown’s K-12 standards-first, adapted core curriculum, enCORE, is offering increased accessibility for switch devices? With a brand new scanning technology that is native to the TeachTown platform, enCORE will be accessible to any single-switch device on any operating system. Whether your students use Buddy Buttons or Blue2 or any other device, we’ve got you covered!
Built-in Supports for All Learners:
✔ AAC-friendly curriculum with guidance on programming high-priority vocabulary
✔ Text-to-speech (e-reader) for literature access
✔ Extended response time in technology-based activities
✔ Flexible learning formats: paper-based & digital options
✔ Hands-on learning with physical manipulatives
To learn more about our K-12 adapted core curriculum, enCORE, schedule a call today.