Technology
Technology can open doors and break down barriers for children, youth, and adults with disabilities. Whether in the classroom or workplace, assistive technology (including devices, software, recordings, and much more) can increase, maintain, or improve the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Also, technology that is used by everyone, such as spell check, can be particularly helpful to people with learning disabilities. Here we explore new developments in technology that can accommodate people with learning disabilities.
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Making the Written Word Easier for Readers with Print Disabilities
Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about accessing e-text through the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC). Find out how to obtain e-text so that LD students can get printed material in the format they need.
Teaching History to Support Diverse Learners
What is the best way to engage students with learning disabilities in learning history when the curriculum requires them to think like a historian- analyzing multiple sources and evaluating media such as diary entries, images, songs, and political cartoons. This article tells you how to include them in "Doing History" without watering it down. An extensive resource list is included.
Practicing Social Skills: How to Teach Your Student Social Interactions
Learn ways to teach social skills so that your students can remember them when they need to use them — both in and out of your classroom. This article includes the latest multimedia resources.
Beyond "Getting the Answer": Calculators Help Learning Disabled Students Get the Concepts
When should a teacher allow students to use a calculator? Here is a look at what research shows about the when a calculator should be used- and when it should not be used. A flow chart is provided to help teachers make a choice about classroom calculator use.
Be an Empowered Consumer: Let Your Voice Be Heard
Do you ever want to tell the people who make assistive technology products exactly want you think? Options for communication range from calling tech support to being a beta tester. Find out how to be an influential voice in product development. Help make products serve people with learning disabilities well.
The Need for Flexible Alternatives to Print
An important change in special education law in 2004 was the inclusion of NIMAS, the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard. This new regulation requires educational publishers to provide textbooks and other print materials in a digital format, so that students who have trouble with print can access the curriculum.
The Assistive Technology Planner: From Research to Implementation
What happens after assistive technology is considered in an IEP? The National Assistive Technology Research Institute (NATRI) surveyed educators around the nation to find out. Learn from their “top ten” list of findings on the use and support of AT.
Read about the uses of assistive technology (AT) for people with learning disabilities in the workplace. The obligations of the employer and learning-disabled employee are summarized. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) can play a role in facilitating the process. Suggestions are given for commercially available and specialized devices that have an AT function. Links to additional information on AT are also provided.
Options: Turn Them On for Learning
This article provides brief research summaries on the benefits of providing students access to optional features in consumer electronics followed by practical suggestions on how to integrate these features into instruction and studying.
Boosting Inclusion in After School Activities with AT and Supplemental Services
IDEA 2004 mandates that supplemental services and assistive technology (AT) be provided when necessary to students who receive special education services. This article provides suggestions for how supplemental services can contribute beyond the realm of academics by helping to make activities outside the regular school day more inclusive for students with special needs.
On The Go: What Consumer Products Can Do For You (If You Know Where to Look!)
Common devices, such as PDAs, cellular phones, and handheld mp3 players can be assistive tools for learners with disabilities. Read on to learn more about these devices and their applications in the classroom and beyond.
Questions to Ask Colleges About Assistive Technology Resources
It is important that students with disabilities consider accommodations that colleges provide, including assistive technology (AT) devices and services. This Info Brief highlights differences between the availability of AT in the K-12 environment and college setting, poses questions related to AT that students should consider when selecting a college, and offers links to resources about AT and support networks of interest to prospective college students with disabilities.
Help for Young Learners: How To Choose AT?
Technologies, from low to high-tech, can play a role in promoting the social and cognitive participation and growth of young children. This Info Brief presents an introduction to the role of assistive technology (AT) for young learners with disabilities. It highlights a six-step approach to AT decision making for young children and provides links to resources, including the TAM Technology Fan, for researchers and service teams.
Reading Software: Finding the Right Program
With the range and variety of commercial software products on the shelves today, how can an educator or parent choose a program that will most benefit a particular student? Where are product reviews that can inform the decision?
Using Assistive Technology to Support Writing
In this article, CITEd examines how technology can support students' writing skills, including such tools as text-to-speech engines, word prediction software, speech recognition software, and larger keyboards.
Tools for Evaluation: Assistive Technology Tools Kits
Evaluations are a key step in the process of linking individuals to assistive technology, yet often can be varied. This information brief provides a basic introduction to how AT tool kits aim to standardize the process of AT evaluation and to the four models of assistive technology evaluations.
Finding Alternative Sources of Funding for Assistive Technology
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA), students with learning disabilities have the right to be provided with appropriate assistive devices to help them succeed in school. This Info Brief provides information to help parents find and obtain alternative sources of funding for classroom- or home-based assistive technology when funds are not available through a child’s school.
Dyslexia and the Challenge of Using Today's Technology
How do people with dyslexia learn to use technology? Learn to solve the problems caused by dyslexia such as remembering passcodes and learning complicated tasks. Find out how to save time doing your work and find files in the computer
