Wejdan & Nouf

Assistive Technology in the Classroom

     Students come in every shape, size, & type. They learn in different rates too. Teaching can be tailored to compensate for different learning needs of most kids inside regular classroom. Some kids with measured disabilities will require focused instruction in one-on-one / small-group settings. But other kids who want help to keep up with the peers; especially those with more severe disabilities, can benefit from devices designed to help them learn such "assistive devices" aid their learning, understanding, & participation in regular classroom environment. Assistive technologies include any device that disabled kids might use to help them learn & function more effectively. By current estimates, more than 4,000 assistive devices have been designed for students and teachers.

Definition of Assistive Technology:

(AT) is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them.

 

 

Benefits of Assistive Technology:

     Access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities open door to their increased independence at home, school & work settings. Through aid of these devices, their experiences are enhanced, promoting equality in learning environment. Technology resources can be the key to improved communication & learning skills as well as increased mobility & movement which enhances quality of life for all.

 

Types of Assistive Technology:

Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, & scooters.
Pre-vocational & Vocational Aids:  Picture-based task analysis sheets, adapted knobs, & adapted timers.

Recreation & Leisure Aids: Adapted books, switch adapted toys, & leisure computer-based software applications that are used by students with disabilities.

Visual Aids: Magnifiers, talking calculators, Braille writers that assist students with visual impairments / blindness.

Academic & Learning: Calculators, spell checkers, & portable word processors that are used by students who has difficulty achieving in educational curriculum.

Computer Access & Instruction: Input & output devices, alternative access aids, modified / alternative keyboards, & other devices & software solutions that enable students with  disabilities to use  classroom computer.

Environmental Control: Switches, & adapted appliances that are used by children with physical disabilities to increase their independence across all areas of curriculum.

 

 

Example of one of the assistive technology used in the classroom for students with special needs:

     We visited Disabled Student Services High Tech Center at CSULB. The High Tech Center provides computer support services for students with disabilities & maintains consultant relationship with faculty & staff. The center provides one-on-one training & small group demonstration sessions for students, faculty & staff members to develop their knowledge & skills in use of assistive technology software & hardware.  The HTC provides study room in lower level library for students with disabilities to access. This center contains many of the assistive technologies for various types of special needs. It has a lot of devices that help special needs in the school; one of them is MagniLink that help visually impaired in the class.

 

Description of MagniLink:

     MagniLink is desktop video magnifier with wide-screen monitor provides wider view of text line. The wide-screen format allows the letters to be displayed across screen from book / paper being read. The screen can be tilted 5 degrees forward & 10 degrees back to accommodate the best viewing position for user. Five large & easy to press buttons located under display screen provide all of the most popular features for visually impaired.

 

The Kinds of MagniLink are: MagniLink ZIP - MagniLink IMAX - MagniLink MIRA - MagniLink CCTV - & MagniLink Vision.

 

     These devices were not available in the past, but now with the rapid development of technology there are many devices that assist the special needs especially for the visually impaired. In the end, we were so glad when we visited (HTC), so we would like to thank Mrs. Velma Martin (Associate coordinator, HTC) because she provided useful information for us.

 

References:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfuwG5_277A

http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/students/dss/programs/high_tech_center/#services

http://www.freedomvision.net/1%20Magnilink.html