Topic 11: Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is a huge field with a lot of information and resources for students with disabilities. It can be very overwhelming when you are just learning what assistive technology is in the first place. I have found various resources to help me better understand and apply assistive technology to the classroom.

What is Assistive Technology?

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology- An online encyclopedia page about assistive technology that can be edited by all. It is a collaboration of things AT.
• http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109- Written by The National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education to give an overview of AT in our educational system right now.

What can information can I give parents and families?

• http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html- A helpful analysis of AT prepared by Parents, Let's Unite for Kids (PLUK) in cooperation with The Federation for Children with Special Needs

How do I use AT in the classroom?

• http://atto.buffalo.edu/- Free information and tutorials on assistive technology for students with disabilities in elementary grades
• http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml- Information on AT with links to lesson plans and other special education resources

What devices are available?

• http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te7assist.htm- This table introduces the most common assistive technology devices to regular classroom teachers so that they can ensure that all students in the classroom have an equal and inclusive opportunity to participate in and benefit from the learning process.
• http://www.gpat.org/devices.aspx- This page provides introductory information on the range of assistive technology solutions that are available to support access to the school curriculum and student achievement for students with disabilities.