Assistive
Technology
Special
needs students face many challenges. Even though using technology may seem
far-fetched for these students it is very possible. The goal is to offer these
students an increased opportunity to learn. Technology can be an amazing tool
when used appropriately. This paper will provide you with suggestions on how to
use this tool productively with special needs students.
Students
with mild to sever cognitive disabilities may be very successful with interactive
storybooks, text-to-speech products, or reading skill software. Scholastic
offers an amazing interactive storybook app called Storia and the WizCom’s
Quicktionary Reading Pen is an excellent resource. Videos can also be very
beneficial as long it is a good quality, teacher-reviewed video. SchoolTube is
an awesome website with educational videos to accompany a wide variety of
subjects.
Students
that face physical disabilities may need alternative methods instead of the
keyboard or mouse. A joystick may be used to operate the cursor of a computer.
Able Net, Inc. has a helpful website (http://www.ablenetinc.com/ )that offers a
wide variety of assistive technology.
Students
with sensory disabilities are also able to use technology. For those that are
blind, a text-to-Braille convertor may be used. The visually impaired may used
closed-circuit television magnification. FM amplification systems may be used
by those who are hearing impaired. Vision Cue, Tele Sensory, and Audio
Enhancement are all companies that offer assistive technology for these needs.
Each of the companies have a website.
There
are tools that are also appropriate for at- risk students. These students need
interactive games that are very motivating and engaging. Brainpop.com is an
amazing website that offers a wide variety of interactive games for different
subjects. At-risk students can benefit from many types of assistive technology.
The Don Johnston and Tom Snyder companies offer several tools. Their websites
are very user friendly and you may search by specific needs. Ipads have became
a lifesaver for some of my students. They love playing games and listening to
stories on them.
Talented
and Gifted students also need special accommodations. These students need to be
pushed and may be able to do more than the average students. Tools such as
multimedia presentations, web page design, and electronic portfolios are tools
that could be used for projects. The Duke TIP program has a website that
provides very useful information for teachers and parents. Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page also has a
wonderful website. This site has a kids 101 page that contains games, puzzles,
contests, and even a reading list for students.
