Assistive technology (AT) is any item, equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. These resources can provide a variety of information to help IEP teams support the unique assistive technology needs of students related to disability. Teams must work collaboratively to determine the right support for each student. AT supports can strengthen student access, participation, and progress in general and special education curriculum in all settings. But what exactly is assistive technology? AT is any item, equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability.
The purpose of assistive technology is to reduce or eliminate the effects of a person's disability and to eliminate barriers to accessing their environment and performance standards. Assistive technology can help level the playing field for students with disabilities. For many students with disabilities, assistive technology provides a way to participate more successfully in the general education curriculum. This is an excellent resource because it lists many different assistive technology tools that would be useful for diverse students. Assistive Technology (AT) tools for mathematics are designed to help people who struggle with computing, organizing, aligning, and copying math problems on paper.
This checklist is designed to help IEP teams consider the needs of students with disabilities in terms of assistive technology. Certain AT tools can help people who have difficulty processing and remembering spoken language. Decisions about the use of the assistive technology device or service in other environments outside of school should be made on an individual basis. This can include a variety of interventions achieved through strategies or modifications that are not normally considered to be assistive technology. Assistive technology is a tool that helps students benefit from the general education curriculum and access extracurricular activities at home, school and work.
I did an assignment and found it very interesting to learn about the different assisted technologies available to help students with disabilities. AT tools can help a person plan, organize and keep track of their calendar, agenda, to-do list, contact information, and miscellaneous notes. Discover websites, blog posts, articles and videos related to understanding, selecting and evaluating assistive technology. A wide range of AT tools are available to help people who struggle with reading. An assistive technology device, such as a calculator (identified as a low-tech device) could also be used to meet the needs of the student. The IEP team must determine if a particular child needs an assistive technology device or service and, if so, the nature and scope that will be provided.
It is important for IEP teams to consider all available resources when determining which AT tools are best suited for each student. Assistive technology can provide students with disabilities access to educational materials that may otherwise be inaccessible. It can also provide them with increased independence in completing tasks that may otherwise require assistance from another person. Additionally, AT can provide students with increased opportunities for social interaction by providing them with access to communication tools that may otherwise be unavailable. When selecting AT tools for students with disabilities it is important for IEP teams to consider the individual needs of each student. It is also important for IEP teams to consider how AT tools will be used in different settings such as home, school and work environments.
Additionally, IEP teams should consider how AT tools will impact other areas such as communication skills and social interactions. In conclusion, it is important for IEP teams to consider all available resources when determining which AT tools are best suited for each student. Assistive technology can provide students with disabilities access to educational materials that may otherwise be inaccessible. Additionally, AT can provide students with increased opportunities for social interaction by providing them with access to communication tools that may otherwise be unavailable.
