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.
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.
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.
