Assistive Technology

“Assistive technology device 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 a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such a device” (Title 34 – Education Subtitle B – Regulations of the office of the Department of Education (Continued), Chapter III – Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, Part 300.5).

Assistive technology can be categorized into low-tech devices such as pencil grips and fidgets, and word and picture boards, and high-tech devices such as switches and Alternative and Augmentative Communication Devices (AAC- LightWriters, Alphasmart, Dyanvox, etc.). These are all considered “item[s], piece[s] of equipment.”

For a basic lesson plan example which incorporates assistive technology see below. Examples of assistive tech are in bold font:

Hook	What do you think animals need in order to survive?	Pass the brainstorm 1. FC typing 2. TA scribe
Agenda	Review agenda Objectives: 1. To learn about types of animals. 2. To learn what animals need in order to survive.	1. Large agenda on board with visuals- student to come and check off boxes for movement. 2. Individual agendas made with Boardmaker for kids supported through sign.
Stage 1	Categories of animals	Graphic organizer 1. Visual support 2. Headings
Stage 2	Reading about animal survival Partner read from science text Cue to survival items Questioning	1. Partner read 2. Post-its for survival items
Stage 3	Kidspiration concept mapping	Kidspiration 1. Text with visual support 2. 1:1 support 3. Peer groups 4. Refer to post-its 5. Refer to text 6. Model concept map on board
Closure	Ticket out the door: 1 thing you learned about animal survival	1. FC typing 2. Written 3. Scribe 4. Verbally

For websites of examples of assistive technology and ways to use such adaptations to make a successful, inclusive classroom click below:

Assistive Technology Articles

Several authors have explored the use of assistive technology for students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. To read more about these articles click here: read more...

Assistive Technology Books

The following books reflect current writing on assistive technology addressing access and inclusion across the lifespan for individuals with disabilities. To read about these books click here:> read more...