What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology is found all around us in the classroom, at work or at home. Generally speaking, it is a tool that allows us to complete a task or project that otherwise would be impossible or cumbersome. It includes accommodations, devices, software, hardware, and other products that minimize the challenges presented by a disability or the aging process.
Assistive technology can be high- or low-tech. For instance, a pencil can be considered an assistive technology device because without it, it would be difficult to write notes during class, or write down an appointment in a calendar. Assistive technology is used by everyone.
The United States education system uses the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 to define assistive technology (AT). It is defined as “any item of equipment or product system whether acquired off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”
This definition indicates that assistive technology is more than just devices. It includes assessment and training required to match a student to a compensatory strategy and its implementation into a classroom environment. It includes the modification of a wheelchair and the development of a new product. The possibilities are endless.
Why is it Important?
Assistive technology is a vehicle that drives a student to compensate and accomplish goals otherwise not obtainable. A person with a learning disability may become gainfully employed after completing a GED program in an ABE setting when books on tape are provided, or a person with a physical disability may become more independent and able to control their environment through simple electronic devices. Solutions are available for all types of disabilities, physical, mental or emotional.
What Does It Take?
It takes creativity to make a change, but it does not necessarily need to be expensive.
The field of assistive technology is broad. Therefore, it is important to be aware of resources to assist the professional and learner through the maze of options available. Some good websites to investigate include:
Ability Hub (www.abilityhub.com) is an inclusive website on assistive technology that provides information on products along with education materials to learn more about common types of assistive technology useful for the classroom, independent living, and vocational needs.
Abledata Search Engine (www.abledata.com) is a large database of products and solutions to explore. Searches can be based on keywords or categories to find appropriate options that meet specific needs.
Closing the Gap (www.closingthegap.com) is an internationally renowned resource distribution site of special education and assistive technology. There are news flashes, articles, search engines and centralized information to learn how technology can enhance the classroom.
Job Accommodations Network (http://www.jan.wvu.edu/) provides useful information on accommodating the workplace for people with disabilities along with their Searchable Online Accommodations Resource (SOAR). The Americans Disabilities Act is thoroughly explained on this website to give the reader an understanding of rights found under this act.
Learning Styles Online (www.learning-styles-online.com) is an Internet learning styles inventory that asks several questions regarding preferences and will identify specific learning styles and accommodations when submitted.
Helpful Computer Features
Both the Macintosh and PC computers have built-in accessibility to the user.
Most of these features are found under Accessibility Options in the Control Panel. On the PC, the computer must be in Category View to see all of the options.
Sticky Keys when turned on allows the keyboardist to press one key at a time rather than holding more than one key to make a keystroke.
Filter Keys are useful when an individual has a tendency to hold down a key too long causing it to repeat multiple times. It gives options to adjust the sensitivity of the keyboard.
Toggle Keys provide tones for the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock. Mouse Keys turns the number pad into a mouse. By pressing numbers, the The Arrow will move around the screen and other numbers will click.
The On-Screen Keyboard is a virtual keyboard that appears on the computer screen that types by clicking the letters with a trackball, head pointer or mouse. People who are unable to use a standard keyboard may find this technology an option.
The Magnifier is a simple screen magnification program which can adjust the normal size of graphics and text two to nine times.
Narrator is a voice output program that follows the mouse cursor and reads information on the screen.
Voice Recognition (VR) translates spoken words into text. Although, the built-in voice recognition system is not as powerful as Dragon Naturally Speaking, it is a possibility for some.
Screen Resolution can magnify the entire screen when placed at 800 x 600. It is found under the Settings in the Display of the Control Panel.