In the classroom and school setting, effectively integrated assistive technologies give students
with disabilities an increased opportunity for learning, productivity, and independence. These
are descriptions of how I would use assistive technology to increase the overall achievement of
students with the following disabilities:
Mild Cognitive Disabilities- To help increase reading achievement for individuals with mild
cognitive disabilities, I would use reading skill software to help increase their comprehension. I
would also use text-to speech products such as a voice synthesizer to read notes, therefore
allowing students with reading difficulties to review the notes easily. Interactive storybooks or
CD based books with high interest stories that use the power of multimedia could motivate
students with mild cognitive disabilities to read and understand text better. Additionally, I
integrate voice recognition software and word prediction software to help increase their
writing achievement. Word processing software would also be a great tool to help enable
students to put ideas on paper without the barriers imposed by paper and pencil such as
spelling and mechanics. I would also use graphing software, drills, games, and tutorials to help
students with mild cognitive disabilities in math.
Website- www.wizcomtech.com
Hardware-reading pen
Moderate to Severe Cognitive Disabilities- For students with moderate to severe cognitive
disabilities, I would integrate assistive technology such as software to help teach and reinforce
functional skills like money management, daily living, and employability. I would also use
videos to enhance acquisition, maintenance, and transfer of functional and community based
behaviors.
Website-www.ablenetinc.com
Hardware-Talking Word Processors
Physical Disabilities- Before choosing adaptive technologies for students with physical
disabilities, I would determine the best placement of the adaptive technologies and provide
training to ensure the student is able to operate the technologies independently. I would also
provide alternative methods of accessing keyboards, mouse, and monitors such as using the
SmartNav4 device, which allows students with disabilities from spinal cord injuries or muscular
dystrophy to use a virtual keyboard with only slight head movements. By monitoring function, I
could ensure maximum level of participation is obtained without any undue physical demands
upon the students using these assistive technologies.
Text-to Braille converters and screen readers are technologies I would integrate for students
with sensory disabilities to help them use computers and understand the text from each lesson,
in addition to guide canes to assist with movement.
Equipping my class with closed circuit television magnification systems and built in
magnification control panels would allow visually impaired students to watch educational
movies and see the computer screens. FM amplification systems are assistive listening devices I
would integrate to enhance the achievement of individuals who are hearing impaired.
Website- www.enablingdevices.com
Hardware-Braille Writers/ SmartNav 4 Device
At-risk Students- I would allow at-risk students the opportunities to use software and websites
such as Istation reading that provide powerful and motivating opportunities to engage in
learning activities as well as utilizing other electronic quizzes and instructional materials that
provide immediate feedback, thus holding their attention longer and reducing the occurrences
of negative behaviors.
Website-www.brainpop.com
Hardware-iPad for engaging apps
Gifts and Talents- In my class, gifted and talented students would be provided with tools for
engaging and self-directed research. They would be given challenges such as using provided
tools to create multimedia presentations such as Wiki and Prezi presentations, design web
pages, and document learning experiences using electronic portfolios.
Website-www.hoagiesgifted.org
Hardware-Laptops/iPads to create and share presentations
Twitter Reference: SmartBrief Education@SBEducation
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