Assistive Technology and Students with Visual Impairments

Special writing aids help visually impaired people write in straight lines, while Braille and large-print and audio-cassette books help them read and write.

1.Name at least three items that could be considered AT and describe how those devices could support a student with a disability in the classroom.

This article focuses on the many forms of technology in relation to special education. The article discusses the “high” and “low” forms of technology that is available for students with special needs to help “bypass” or “compensate” for their disabilities. The article goes on to survey the current status of assistive technology for the special education population. In the end, the article uncovers that the use of assistive technology for the special education population is promising though uncertain. Assistive technology has proven to be beneficial for students with learning disabilities, as it would empower them to work beyond their normal capabilities (Lewis, 1998).

He focuses on how technology is supposed to significantly impact a student’s performance and completely forgets to mention how important technology may be for someone who cannot learn well without responsive instruction; for example, technology in the classroom can be beneficial to students that are physically or mentally impaired. On the contrary, the article ‘Technology and Literacy for Adolescents with disabilities’ describes how technology “can be universally beneficial for all students as a vehicle for learner engagement or conveyance of instructional content, and it can also promote participation, learning, and performance by students with disabilities”(King-Sears, Swanson, Mainzer, 569). The article then illustrates an example of how technology can specifically facilitate classroom learning by stating “For example, an electronic picture board with voice output might be considered assistive technology for a student whose disability included significant oral language deficits” (King-Sears, Swanson, Mainzer, 569). In this sense, technology does have a significant role in students’ life, not only making it important, but necessary. Also as mentioned above, the performance of these students have been affected in a significant way. Throughout the article, they describe how these new assistive technologies have changed the two specific students, Brian and Michelle. Brian has dysgraphia which prevents him from being able to transfer his thoughts onto paper and Michelle has Asperger’s Syndrome, which gives Michelle “genius-level intelligence” (King-Sears et al.). The technologically advanced tools that they have both been given are not only specialized to assist them, but also help them do tasks that

Davis, J. (2013). What Can you do to Help Students with Visual Impairments. Educational News , 26-32.

In this artifact, I researched for alternative technological tool(see Assistive technology.doc) for students with disabilities to represent how technology could be a great assistance for them. This assignment represents how technology could be used by all students no matter what they need. Therefore, in this assignment, I looked for tools and ways to implement access to technology resources for students who have neuromuscular difficulties, and/or difficulties of counting with her finger to show that there are varieties of technological tool for all the needs.

The author provided a literature review of the popularity of use of the iPad in the classroom, among students with or without disabilities. The review found that students with disabilities had greater engagement and behavioral response rates when using iPads and teaching applications on the iPads as opposed to more traditional methods of teaching. Through this background knowledge, the author sets up her research proposal.

First, an article from 1995 proves how much technology has changed when it comes to accessibility. In his Nation article “Virtual Students, Digital Classroom,” Neil Postman points out, “It would be quite astonishing if computer technology equalized all learning opportunities, irrespective of economic differences.” (381). Modern technology is a part of every classroom unlike it was back years ago. Equipment has become accessible to everyone attending classes, not just the wealthy. Fat pencils have been replaced

Individuals with sight problems can adjust color and brightness to assist them in viewing programs. Children with hearing problems can adjust volume controls and replace noise commands with visual commands. For example, if a child clicks on a program that is unable to open, they can program the computer to respond with a verbal message informing them of the inaccessible program, as opposed to the usual noise response. “Laptop computers can provide high-tech tools for note taking because of their mobility”(Barfield, 2003, p. 1). Customized computers also offer many different options for individuals depending on their needs. Touch screens, and touch pads enable an individual to use a computer by simply touching a screen or pad with his/her finger. “This often allows students who have fine motor problems, inaccurate keyboard skills, or problems with spelling to complete programs without frustration (Olson, 2000, p. 344). Voice activated computers allow students to use a microphone to enter information into the computer. Positions of buttons and switches can also be changed to accommodate an individuals certain needs. Other parts of the computer can also be altered to aid an individual with special needs. For example, individuals with limited motor control often use a key guard. “A keyguard is a keyboard overlay with holes positioned over each key. This assists in stabilization of finger, hand, or stick movement (Ray, 1995, p.

When thinking about assistive technology (AT) we are usually thinking about some device that helps students with disabilities. AT is more than that, a tool, software, piece of equipment or service. Appropriate AT helps student with disability work around his challenges in performing tasks using their abilities in order to meet their IEP goals in least restrictive environment accessing common core curriculum. It is very important for student with disability not only to have a device but also to have the support and services on how to use to the device and how device could be best adopted to their needs. IEP team is responsible for considering AT for all students with disabilities and that is individualized process. If needed school district

The purpose of utilizing assistive technology for these students is to allow them to accomplish tasks they normally could not do on their own, due to their respective impairments. Assistive technology contributes to normalcy between the educator and student by allowing the student to actively participate in their own learning. This allows for an increased independence for students with learning disabilities, and educators to feel confident that they have the tools to achieve their desired results. This results in the giving the student a level playing field to achieve success in the classroom and integrate assistive technology in their daily lives for leisure and work activities (Netherton & Deal, 2007).

Carnine, D. (1997). Instructional design in mathematics for students with learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 30, 130-141.

Assistive technology in the digital age goes beyond eyeglasses, canes and wheelchairs. The more high-tech kind includes newer technologies that made a particularly dramatic impact on education.

Visually impaired kids should never be discriminated from attaining quality education. If the right procedure is adapted in delivery of information or rather education to such students, they will equally possess the same level of education as normal children. The procedure of teaching a blind

The use of technology in educating children with special needs has widely grown in the past few decades. Individuals with special needs are unique and all have different areas in which they need assistance. Due to the advancements in assistive technology, computer programs, software, and other technology tools, it has become much easier for people to find useful and easier ways to become educated. Because of this, “technology has changed the way people with disabilities live, work, and learn.” (Winzer,98)