Assistive Technology

Explanation of Assistive Technology:

A Response to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

According to Roblyer and Doering (2013), assistive technologies are products designed specifically for the purpose of ensuring that students with disabilities are able to work around a disability or impairment with proper technological aid. These assistive technologies “level the playing field” for students with disabilities in comparison to their general education counterparts (18).

Law Regarding Assistive Technology

As outlined in Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (2013), the following federal laws promote the use of assistive technology:

“The Technology-Related Assistance Act for Individuals with Disabilities…provides funding for statewide systems and services to provide assistive technology devices and services to individuals with disabilities.”

“Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Acct (IDEA)…mandates that every individualized education program team ‘consider’ assistive technology when planning the educational program of an individual with a disability.” (400)

Assistive Technology for the Hearing Impaired

A portable RF device like the one shown allows a person with limited hearing to hear a speaker more clearly. The portable RF is a wireless device, and the speaker’s volume is controlled by the listener to suit the listener’s needs. Portable RF

Assistive Technology for the Seeing Impaired

Low Vision - LVI Magnilink Student Addition

The Magnilink is a portable device designed to make reading, both up close and at a distance, easier for students who are seeing impaired. According to Visioncue, the Magnilink is compatible with Windows computer/laptop, Apple Mac computer/laptop, any VGA monitor or a TV with an RCA connection.

Assistive Technology for the Learning Disabled

Quicktionary2

The Quicktionary2 is a portable device that can scan up to a full line of text for translation and pronunciation. Though appropriate for English language learners, the Quicktionary2 is also useful for assisting students with learning disabilities, particularly in reading comprehension and fluency.

Assistive Technology for the Physically Disabled

IntelliKeys® USB

IntelliKeys is a keyboard alternative for students with physical disabilities, specifically limited mobility.

According to Intellitools, “the universal design of the overlays provides large, well-spaced keys in high contrast colors to help students locate letters, numbers, words, and directional arrows. Concepts are broken down into manageable components, with streamlined choices, fewer concepts at a time, pictures to support learning—even student photographs for personalization.”

References

Intellitools. Kurzweil / IntelliTools. Image retrieved from

http://www.intellitools.com/intellikeys.html

Listen. (2014). Listen Technologies Corporation. Image retrieved from

http://www.listentech.com/products.html

Roblyer, M.D. and Aaron H. Doering. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.).

Pearson.

VisionCue. (2010). VisionCue, LLC. Image retrieved from http://www.visioncue.com/low-vision/magnilink-student.html

WizcomTech. (2013). Wizcomtech Ltd. Image retrieved from

http://www.wizcomtech.com/eng/catalog/platforms/01/default.asp?pCat=1&PlatformID=1