Students can be classified as special education
student based on their learning disabilities, special need(s) and/or gift or
talent. Student disabilities are classified as: mild disabilities,
moderate/severe disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, at
risk disabilities, and gifts/talents. These students may or may not need
the use of assistive technology in order to enhance their educational needs to
become successful learners. Roblyer and Doering (2012) define assistive
technology as “devices that extend the abilities of an individual in ways that
provide physical access (i.e., wheelchairs, braces) and sensory access (i.e.,
Braille closed captioning)” (Roblyer & Doering, 2012).
The integration of technology
along with the use of assistive technology can greatly increase a special
education student’s education and allow them to become just as successful as
their classmate a successful. Mild disabilities are the most common type of
disability that include “learning disabilities, serious emotional disabilities,
and mental retardation” (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p. 406). These
individuals often require some type of assistance to help remediate what is
being taught. An example of a piece of hardware to enhance a student’s reading
and communication skills is a text- to-speech product, such as the Quicktionary
Reading Pen which will read words. Illustrated stories can also be read
to students from sites like
http://www.magickeys.com/books.
Students with moderate/severe disabilities learning
focuses on everyday living skills and tasks such as personal hygiene, shopping
and the use of public transportation. To help accommodate these
individuals, alternative keyboards (Intellikeys) can be used in the classroom.
These keyboards are more spacey and programmed to fit the needs of the
individual. To help with problem solving and decision making, Juba
(www.jubalearning.com) allows students to analyze and organize data using Venn
Diagrams.
Students with physical disabilities often have problems
with fine motor or gross movement. Motorized wheelchairs operated by a joystick
and the use of switches are assistive technology tools that accommodate the
need of students with physical disabilities.
OneSwitch (www.oneswitch.org.uk) contains various sites, blogs games, and
ideas for DIY projects and other information helpful to students, parents and
teacher to assist students with physical disabilities.
Sensory disabilities are impairments with loss of
hearing or vision1 (p. 409). Students who are blind may use a screen
readers such as JAWS to read text computer screen. Closed circuit television
(CCTV) software enlarges text or alters contrast enabling partially sighted
individuals access to printed materials; while amplification systems allow deaf
individuals use of computers.
Assistive technology is not specifically for
students with disabilities. Students who are at risk of failure are not
identified as having a learning disability, but assistive technology can
provide these students with tools necessary to help them become successful.
Virtual Math Manipulatives (www.mathplayground.com/math_manipulatives.html) are
interactive tools to help concepts come alive. Prompting devices such as Job
Coach (www.attainmentcompany.com) helps these students remember tasks. Gifted or talented students need services or
activities to develop their high achievement capabilities. The Creativity Web (www.creativelearning.com)
website helps gifted students develop their process skills through
distance-learning, while the use of iPads, iPods, and other technology tools
that allow gifted students to showcase their extraordinary knowledge and
understanding.
Whether students are learning disabled or gifted
assistive technology enables students to increase their learning, knowledge,
independence and understanding providing them with the necessary skills to
become lifelong learners.
Reference
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology
into teaching 6th edition. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall.
