003+Assistive+Technology


 * __Introduction__**

Assistive Technology is used in many classrooms and homes around the world. This type of technology was uncommon until the mid 1990’s. Technology was not developed enough to have these devices available. It was not until the 1980’s when assistive technology was increasing in popularity. Laws have since been put in place to protect children with disabilities in seeing they receive the care devices they need to function to their full potential in the classroom. Assistive Technology helps improve the way people with disabilities learn. Teachers and parents must communicate with one another and work together in order to benefit the child. It is important for teachers to be knowledgeable about different disabilities and the devices that could potentially help. When a disability interferes with a child’s learning it is crucial to be able to use assistive devices. There are many different types of assistive technologies. Different devices are used for various disabilities.


 * __Laws __**

Technology was limited to the masses in the early to mid 1900’s. The costs of such devices were extreme considering that they were not extremely functional. Therefore assistive technology was barely a thought in the education field in the 1970’s. Computer technology and other personal technology devices were just begging to be developed. This means use of them was a rarity as assistive technology was hard to come by. The legislation that passed a law establishing equal educational rights for students with disabilities in 1975 brought assistive technology further into the education setting (Dalton, 2002). The act was called the Education for the Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94 – 142). This act established the frame work for the Free and Appropriate Public Education for all children (FAPE) which is geared towards the success of all students (Dalton 2002). FAPE has become a corner stone in the field, as all students do have a right to an education no matter what challenges the students could face.

The 1980’s contributed to the growth of assistive technology in technology greatly. In 1982 the OTA (U.S. Office of Technology Assessment) brought assistive technology to the forefront. The OTA had written a report that identified the potential of assistive technology use with the handicapped (Dalton, 2002). This report was revolutionary and stressed the importance of technology in daily life. The 1980’s also had other effects on assistive technology. 1986 provided the widely accepted definition of assistive technology (“Assistive technology means any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.” According to Blackhurst, 2006.) in the form of amendments to the Rehabilitation Act. Assistive technology was also put into to other acts in the late 80’s which continued to expand the importance of technology. This push moved us into the 1990’s where assistive technology continued to grow. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have further expanded the definition of assistive technology devices and services. An IDEA amendment in the late 90’s made assistive technology part of the IEP for students with needs (Dalton, 2002). These laws have pushed assistive technology to the forefront of the education field; and make it an extremely important part of the classroom environment today.

**__Assistive Technology in the Classroom__**

Assistive technology is very helpful with children who have disabilities. This type of technology makes work easier for the disabled. There are all sorts of different technologies for different types of disabilities. IEP’s (Individualized Education Programs) are put in place by the teacher and parents of the child with disabilities. Terms are agreed upon and carried out by both parties. “Assistive technology devices are mechanical aids which substitute for or enhance the function of some physical or mental ability that is impaired” (Kelker). Many accommodations can be made by the teacher in the classroom for these children. There are many concerns parent might have with their children using assistive technology. This might include whether it is or is not appropriate for their child, or if they will become dependent on it? In Kelker’s paper it states that, “It is never too soon to consider using assistive technology.” It is important to consider the child’s needs and disabilities when choosing assistive technology. Most assistive devices are mobile and easy to use. “The level of guidance and support necessary for each student in the classroom may vary greatly; the student may need anything from physical, verbal, or visual prompts to high-technology devices and services” (Assistive Technology to Meet K-12 Student Needs). Teachers can help point parents in the right direction in choosing the specific devices for their child’s need. There are a couple steps in obtaining this type of technology. The needs of the child must be considered, equipment should be tested by the child, and deciding on the device. Some equipment requires training and specific instruction that a teacher and parent would need to go over together to be on the same page for. The cost of assistive technology can be a deterrent for some parents. It is important for teachers to explain that the positive outcome outweighs the cost of equipment.

**__What Devices are Available__**

Every child learns in a different way and their needs must be met by the teacher and school. If a child has a disability that keeps them from succeeding in the classroom, it is the teacher and school’s responsibility to help this child learn at his or her highest level. A vision problem in a child could be solved by getting him or her eyeglasses, using a magnifying glass, or highlighters (Assistive Technology to Meet K12 Needs). But, if a child has a severe vision problem, like blindness, they will need more accommodation to help them succeed; for example, the student may need a Braille writer, Braille translation software and even a Braille printer (Assistive Technology to Meet K12 Needs. There are many more devices that could be used for students with vision problems, such as, large-print books, talking calculators, and screen readers (Assistive Technology to Meet K12 Needs). Children who have severe vision problems may rely heavily on communication and hearing. If a teacher thinks that a child has a hearing problem, she should inform the parents and request that the child should get their hearing checked. A child, who has hearing problems, could succeed at a higher level by getting them hearing aids (Assistive Technology to Meet K12 Needs). This device amplifies the sound and increases hearing ability so the child can hear better. Other objects a teacher could use to help the child learn better include pictures or objects, communication boards, and electronic books (Assistive Technology to Meet K12 Needs). If a child has hearing difficulties, he or she may be more inclined to have communication problems. For communication problems, a child could use touch screens, pictures or objects, and electronic dictionaries to help them meet their needs (Assistive Technology to Meet K12 Needs). If a child speaks a different language then the school could provide a translator or translating devices to help the child understand (Assistive Technology to Meet K12 Needs). Mentioned above are just a few disabilities that children can possess and some of the devices that may help them. There are many disabilities that children have and each child may require a different assistive technology device or devices to help them succeed.

**__Conclusion__**

The laws regarding assistive technology devices have made it a lot easier for students to receive help in order to succeed. There are many different devices that can accommodate student’s vision, hearing and communication problems, along with learning, behavior and cognitive disabilities. All of the devices should help maintain or even improve the student’s disability problem. The assistive technology devices need to be accepted and be able to be used in the classroom to make all students succeed. Like mentioned earlier, all students learn in different ways. When a student has a problem or disability, they normally have more problems succeeding in the classroom. These devices should make it easier for students to understand the material and be able to complete their work successfully.

**References** North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. (nd). //Assistive Technology to Meet K- // //12 Needs //. (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2010, from []

Blackhurst, A. E. (2006, April 19). NATRI AT Resources: fundamentals: AT Defined. National Assistive

Technology Research Institute (NATRI) Welcome Page. Retrieved September 30, 2010, from []

Dalton, E. M. (2002). Issues In Teaching and Learning - Assistive Technology In Education (Unpublicationdoctoraldissertation). Rhode Island College. Retrieved September 30, 2010,from []

//Family Guide to Assistive Technology //. (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2010, from []



Ashley Kuhns Tommie Reams Chelsie Yutzy