Wacona Elementary School - Assistive Technologies

Assistive Technology

What is assistive technology? As defined by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, the term refers to "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

Assistive technology can be anything as simple as a pencil grip, to more complicated equipment like voice recognition software.

Though assistive technology is usually thought of in terms of special needs students, all students can benefit from little modifications or accommodations.

If you believe that your student would benefit from some type of assistive technology, talk to the classroom teacher, to the special services teachers, or to the school counselor.

For more information about assistive technologies, check out these Web sites: GPAT, Onion Mountain Tech, Ability Hub.

These lists should give you some good ideas of how you can assist students in your classroom. These lists start off with low tech suggestions and progress to high tech suggestions. This information is provided by the Council for Exceptional Children.

Communication Reading Learning/Studying Math Motor Aspects of Writing Computer Access Composing Written Material

Vision Hearing Recreation Mobility Activities of Daily Living Control of the Environment Position and Seating

Communication: Communication board with pictures/words/objects Eye gaze frame Simple voice output device Voice output device with icon sequencing Voice output device with dynamic display Voice output device with speech synthesis	Reading: Predictable books Changes in text size, spacing, color, background Book adapted for page turning Use of pictures/symbols with text Talking electronic device to speak challenging words Single word scanners Scanner with Optical Character Recognition and talking word processor Electronic books
Learning/Studying: Print or picture schedule Aids to find materials (e.g. color coded folders) Highlight text Recorded material Voice output reminders for assignments, tasks Electronic organizers Pagers/electronic reminders Single word scanners Hand-held scanners Software for concept development Software for organization of ideas Hand-held computers	Math: Abacus/Math Line Enlarged math worksheets Alternatives for answering, explaining or giving examples Math "Smart Chart" Money calculator/Coinulator Tactile/voice output measuring devices Talking watches/clocks Calculator with or without print out Calculator with large keys and/or display Talking calculator Calculator with special features On-screen/scanning calculator Alternative keyboard Math software Software for manipulation of objects Voice recognition software
Motor Aspects of Writing: Variety of pencils and pens Pencil/pen with adaptive grip Adapted paper (e.g. raised line or highlighted line) Slantboard Prewritten words/phrases Templates Portable word processor Computer with word processing Voice recognition software Talking calculator	Computer Access: Keyboard with accessibility options Word prediction, abbrev./expansion to reduce keystrokes Keyguard Arm support Track ball/joystick with on-screen keyboard Alternate keyboard Pointing options/Head mice Switch with Morse code Switch with scanning Voice recognition software
Composing Written Material: Word cards/book/wall Pocket dictionary/thesaurus Writing templates Electronic/talking spell checker/dictionary Word processing with spell checker Talking word processing Abbreviation/expansion Word processing with writing supports Multimedia software Voice recognition software	Vision: Eye glasses Magnifier Large print books CCTV (closed circuit television) Screen magnifier (mounted over screen) Screen magnification software Screen color contrast Screen reader, text reader Braille materials Braille translation software Enlarged or Braille/tactile labels for keyboard Alternate keyboard with enlarged keys Braille keyboard and note taker
Hearing: Pen and paper Computer/portable word processor TTY/TDD with or without relay Signaling device Closed Captioning Real Time captioning Computer aided note taking Flash alert signal on computer Phone amplifier Personal amplification system/Hearing aid FM or Loop system Infrared system	Recreation: Toys adapted with Velcro, magnets, handles, etc. Toys adapted for single switch operation Adaptive sporting equipment Universal cuff to hold crayons, etc. Modified utensils Arm support for drawing/painting Electronic aids to operate TV, VCR, etc. Art software Games on the computer Other software
Mobility: Walker Grab bars and rails Manual wheelchair including sports chair Powered mobility toy Powered scooter Powered wheelchair Adapted vehicle for driving	Activities of Daily Living: Nonslip materials Universal cuff/strap to hold items in hand Color coded items for easier locating Adaptive eating utensils Adaptive drinking devices Adaptive dressing equipment Adaptive devices for hygiene Adaptive bathing devices Adaptive equipment for cooking
Control of the Environment: Light switch extension Interface and switch to activate battery operated devices Interface and switch to turn on electrical appliances Radio/ultra sound to remotely control appliances Electronic aide to daily living controlled through augmentative device	Position and Seating: Non-slip surface on chair Bolster, rolled towel, blocks for feet Adapted/alternate chair, sidelyer, stander Custom fitted wheelchair or insert

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This page created by Lori Miller, Technology Instructor
at Wacona Elementary School, July 2004.

Communication	Reading	Learning/Studying	Math	Motor Aspects of Writing	Computer Access	Composing Written Material
Vision	Hearing	Recreation	Mobility	Activities of Daily Living	Control of the Environment	Position and Seating