What is Assistive technology?
- Assistive technology is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities.
- It also includes using the process of selecting, locating and using them.
- As defined by the Individual with disabilities Act ( IDEA 2004), there are two main components to assistve technology: assistive technology devices and services. Assistive technology devices are any items, devices, products or software that helps improve the functional capability of a student with a disability. These devices can be bought and customized in order to meet the proper accommodations for the student.
- A assistive technology service is the process of selecting, acquisition, implementation of the assistive technology devices. It also includes receiving any training required to implement or use the device. The team that recommends the various devices, evaluate the needs of the student and assist in get the device, coming up with the plan and make changes later on if necessary.
- The devices range from low technology to high technology. A low technology devices do not require much training and do not have any complex or advanced features. (see below for examples of Low technology devices). Another type of assistive technology devices is medium technology devices. They may have complex features, may require some training and are more expensive then low technology devices (see below for examples and more information). The last type of assistive technology device is high technology device. A high technology device is usually complex, will have a digital or electronic component, and is likely to require training and effort to learn hoe to use them (see below for examples and more information).
Low technology devices- A pen and paper is an Medium Technology device- A calculator is a High Technology device- A laptop can be
example of a low technology device. It is simple to perfect example of Medium Technology. It complex and has multiple features that could
use and is the cheapest of the three. It does not requires little to no training and can be beneficial. benefit a student with disabilities. It does require any training. training and can be used in multiple ways. It can be used to install software or a program that could help a student or it could be used as a communication device.
example of a low technology device. It is simple to perfect example of Medium Technology. It complex and has multiple features that could
use and is the cheapest of the three. It does not requires little to no training and can be beneficial. benefit a student with disabilities. It does require any training. training and can be used in multiple ways. It can be used to install software or a program that could help a student or it could be used as a communication device.
Resources/ Hyperlinks
Dell, Amy G., Newton, Deborah A., Petroff, Jerry G., (2012) Assistive Technology in the Classroom.
http://www.gatfl.org/assistive.php
http://www.gatfl.org/assistive.php