5220-90-2010 - Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology Enhances Learning for All

Assistive Technology that helps (not just) special education students

Create a chart relating the problems these 6 students might face with your online lesson and their possible tech-based solutions.

Student	Low Vision	Croatian	Vietnamese	Wheelchair/Bad Arm	Deaf	Learning Disabled
Difficulties	Accessing visual information: text size may be too small contrast of foreground and background may be too low background may be too busy or cluttered to perceive important foreground information browser window may be too small the pointer may be hard to find or use, etc. Using a standard keyboard/monitor Navigating web pages	Reading and understanding information presented in English Using English to communicate verbally and in writing Does not share the same cultural history (context)	Reading and understanding information presented in English Using English to communicate verbally and in writing Does not share the same cultural history (context)	Limited mobility Using a standard mouse Using a standard keyboard Manipulating many standard tools	Accessing auditory information	Difficulty recognizing/processing letters and words Difficulty decoding
Tech-Based Solution	Make adjustments to the monitor and/or operating system using built-in accessibility features Modify the monitor using glare filters or mountable screen magnifiers Use screen reader software to re-present text as speech (or braille) Adapt standard keyboards using keytop labels or tactile indicators or use alternative keyboards (expanded, large-print, braille, on-screen) Use Opera Browser to customize viewing of web pages Color-code main ideas and essential questions Personal Digital Assistant "For blind users, choices are beginning to emerge that allow access to PDAs using speech and/or Braille output" ) Are Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) accessible? . (2010, January 27). University of Washington. Retrieved October 3, 2010, from http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?62). Audio recording of the lesson to assist with lesson notes/follow-up Audio textbook or large print text (depending on specifics of low vision ability)	Use screen reader software to re-present text as speech Use an online translation service, such as Google Translate Pocket Translators Provide visual examples for vocabulary utilize free websites like starfall.com Use computers or iPads to communicate through image searches	Use screen reader software to re-present text as speech Use an online translation service, such as Google Translate Pocket Translators Provide visual examples for vocabulary utilize free websites like starfall.com Use computers or iPads to communicate through image searches	Make adjustments to the operating system using built-in accessibility features Use mouse alternatives, such as track balls, joysticks, touchscreen monitors, and head tracking devices Use alternative keyboards (expanded, single-hand, or on-screen) Use a movable interactive whiteboard that the student can reach	Make adjustments to the operating system using built-in accessibility features: sub titles more visual examples IM in the classroom GoogleDocs for collaborative note-taking Blogs Interactive white board printouts Show the student how to find internet resources that would help	Make adjustments to the monitor and/or operating system using built-in accessibility features Use screen reader software to re-present text as speech Audio Sound System Recorded Podcasts and Videocasts Images presented with text

Assistive Technology that helps regular education students (Non IEP)

Student	Distractability	Poor Reading Strategies	Poor Writer	ELL
Difficulties	ADD / ADHD	Comprehension	Difficulties writing and editing	Understanding language communicating	Needs Repetition / reinforcement
Tech-Based Solution	Podcasts or Video Casts Use an Invisible Clock or other personal timer with a silent vibration or beeping alarm Audio Sound Systems Closed Captioning	Text Reader Provide visual examples for vocabulary iPad or Kindle Web-based supplemental reading programs, such as Read about or Fluent reader.	Text Reader Pencil Grips (fine motor issues) Laptop Speech-to-text such as Dragon Dictation	Use screen reader software to re-present text as speechUse an online translation service, such as Google Translate Pocket Translators	Podcasts Videocasts Interactive Whiteboard printouts E-notes E-mail communication with teacher Blogs Closed Captioning