assistive+technologies

media type="custom" key="186219" toc =Assistive Technologies Overview=

There is a wide range of assistive technologies that allow learners to gain better access to computers and other forms of technology. In addition, some assistive devices are designed to help students with disabilities to communicate, participate and contribute to the learning process. A significant barrier to the use of many of these devices in the k-12 setting is their cost. This, coupled with the fact that many of these technologies are intended to serve the needs of different unique populations rather than large groups of students, means that most children who could benefit from these devices don't have access to them.

**Uses of Assistive Technologies in Education**
There are tools such as the [|Excalibur], which can be used to scan a document and then read the document back to a student who might have a visual impairment or learning disability that impacts his reading ability. The [|Tracker Pro] allows users to control a computer through head and eye movement rather than using a mouse and keyboard. There is also a variety of [|adaptive keyboards] that can be used by different students who have special needs. All of these technologies are designed to help learners of all ages participate more fully in the educational process.

Educational Benefits of Assistive Technologies
As you might imagine, making information accessible whether it be visual, textual, aural or tactile is an important step in helping students learn and feel included in a classroom setting. The idea behind these adaptive technologies is not to provide a //different// set of assignments and tasks for students but rather provide them with the opportunity to do the same tasks in a way that acknowledges their special needs.

Specific Ideas for using Tool in a k-12 Setting
Click here to add or view a lesson plan or idea for using this technology in the classroom.

**Relevant Online Resources**

 * [|Adaptive Computer Products] has a large selection of links to different adaptive products, websites and resources.
 * For those teachers working in Wayne County in Michigan, the Wayne County Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) is an excellent resource. They have a lending library where you can check out different pieces of equipment and software to use in your classroom. They also provide training on the different equipment as well as other helpful resources.
 * The Michigan Region IV Assistive Technology Consortium is another great organization serving much of southeast Michigan. Their website has a lot of great information pertaining to assistive technologies and they have several different links to similar organizations across the country that will be of interest to those of you not living in the southeast Michigan area. Their links page also provides access to a wide range of tools and sites categorized by disability, subject and much more. This is a great first stop in your search for assistive technologies.


 * Relevant Software/Hardware**
 * [|Adaptive Technology] sells a range of products such as keyboards, mice, voice recognition software and more.
 * [|Robotron] has a variety of tools geared towards individuals with visual impairments. These tools include a scanner that converts documents to speech as well as braille publishing software.
 * [|RehabTool.com] also has a large collection of products with their specialty item being a tool that helps individuals with a speech impairment speak in a normal voice.
 * [|Adaptive Technology Consulting] sells the Dolphin Tutor, which is a software that reads the screen for you and makes the text more visible as a way to help people who have dyslexia read and write. The software works with Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel and Power Point.
 * [|MIT] also has a wide range of adaptive tools available on it's website. These include magnification, note taking, voice recognition, keyboard and many other types of tools.
 * [|WiViK] is an on-screen keyboard that can be activated with a variety of pointing or switching devices and is useful for students who are unable to use a standard keyboard.
 * [|Fentek Industries] has a large variety of keyboards and alternative mouse balls and track balls that can be used to manipulate a cursor.
 * The [|TranSend LT Print/Braille Printer] prints braille and printed text side-by-side.
 * The [|Linux Screen Reader] (LSR) is a free open source screen reader that you can download and install on your computer. Like other screen readers, the LSR will read websites and screens in desktop applications for individuals who have visual impairments.

**Relevant Articles or other Readings and** **Relevant Sources of Information (Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, Discussion Forums etc.)**
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