Assistive Technology

Tools for the Visually Impaired

Screen Reader
What is it? Software that combines sound and pictures to help explain to the student whats on a computer screen (Lewjdaddy, 2008).

Scenario: A screen reader would be used if a student was blind and they needed to use the Internet for a project.
Academic Gains: The student would be able to use the Internet freely without another person by their side reading everything for them. The student would be able to work independently, giving them more confidence in their academics. Potential barriers: The screen reader could become a distraction to the other students if there were no headphones available. Other students may think it is cool and want to use it.

Closed Circuit Magnification

What is it? A device that enlarges words and objects on a screen for the student to view easier (Lewjdaddy, 2008). Scenario: This device would be used for a student who had poor vision and needed the enlarged words to read their textbooks and other papers easier. Academic gains: This could potentially increase the students likelihood in succeeding in every class. It would make reading a lot easier on them. Potential barriers: This could become a distraction in the classroom because it does magnify whatever the student is reading. Other students could easily read the screen from afar and become distracted with their own work.

Braille Translation Devices

What is it? Devices used to translate screen words and formatting into readable braille for the student (Lewjdaddy, 2008). Scenario: A device would be used for a student who was blind and needed braille to read. They may need assignments translated, or information off the Internet. Academic gains: This device would help the student read in their own way without the help of another human reading it for them. Potential barriers: I watched a video of a translation device and it was extremely loud when the machine printed the braille. If the device was in the classroom it would be a major distraction to the other students if used during regular classroom hours.

Tools for the Developmentally/Physically Challenged

Adaptive Keyboard
What is it? A keyboard that reduces the strain on the student. One can alphabetize the letters, letting them focus on the task instead of struggling trying to find the letters (Lewjdaddy, 2008). Scenario: This device would be used for a child who has severe trouble using a regular keyboard. Using a keyboard that has an ABC layout instead of QWERTY layout would help the child find the letters easier and help them use the computer with ease. Academic gains: Like stated above, it would help the student focus on the task instead of having difficulty finding each letter. This could create better skills on the computer and improve their academics. Potential barriers: The only barrier I see with this is if other students use it and then start having trouble on the regular keyboards.

Alternate Communication Devices

What is it? A device that helps students with Down Syndrome, Autism and other illnesses communicate easier (Lewjdaddy, 2008). Scenario: This device would be used if a student in my class had Autism. If we were doing group work, it would allow them to communicate better with their peers by letting them select a picture/message with what theyre trying to say. Academic Gains: This tool provides students with communication deficits a chance to be heard by letting them share their thoughts when its usually difficult too. It allows the student to work more fluently with others and participate in about anything in the classroom. Potential Barriers: I do not see any barriers with this device.

Adaptive Student Desks

What is it? Desks that adjust to the students needs. They can adjust in height and provide adjustable leg stirrups (Lewjdaddy, 2008). Scenario: An adaptive desk would be used in my classroom for a student who was physically challenged. The student could use it whenever they came to class since it is adjustable and provides comfortable positioning for them. Academic Gains: The desk would allow the student to get out of the device they are in and make them feel part of the class by sitting them in with the other students at desks. It could build their confidence in the classroom along with their academics. Potential Barriers: Getting the child out of their own device could take some time. If the student needed to get up and go to the bathroom but couldnt walk that could be disruptive and distracting to the class.

Tools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Personal Amplification Device

What is it? An audio enhancer that directly increases the sound of noise around the student (Lewjdaddy, 2008). Scenario: If a student had a hard time hearing and wore an amplification device, I could wear a microphone, that connects wirelessly to their device, on my shirt to make my voice louder for them during the school day. Academic Gains: This could help the student hear lessons and lectures much clearer, improving their academics. They wouldnt always have to sit in the front row to hear me speak. It would also help them communicate with their classmates better.

Potential barriers: I dont see any barriers with this device.

Audio/Visual Communication Devices

What is it? Devices that combine residual hearing with closer views of mouth movement to enhance understanding. (Lewjdaddy, 2008). Scenario: A video interpreting service could be used if a student was deaf in my class. The student could have a computer with an interpreter there to communicate what was said during lessons. Academic Gains: Allowing this in a classroom would let the student comprehend everything going on instead of sitting there trying to read lips and only catching a few things. Potential Barriers: This could become a distraction to the other children if they can see the interpreter.

Voice to Text Translation

What is it? Software that captures spoken words and translates it into readable text on a screen (Lewjdaddy, 2008). Scenario: This device could be used if there was a deaf student in my classroom. It is a way I could communicate if there was no interpreter there. It would allow me to say what I needed to say and translate it so the student could read it. Academic Gains: This device would allow the student to come to class and understand without the help of an interpreter. They could gain confidence being independent and succeed in their academics. Potential Barriers: If this device is not monitored correctly and other students are rude, it could cause a problem.

Works Cited:
Lewjdaddy. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXchQnJ6PoE Pictures: Adjustable classroom chair. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.especialneeds.com/classroom-furniture-classroom-tables-chairs-adaptive-tableschairs.multi-use-classroom-chair.html Assistive technology resources. (2012). Retrieved from http://lvassistivetech.blogspot.com/ Braille embosser video demonstration from enabling technologies. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.brailler.com/videodemo.htm Find desktop video magnifiers (2012). Retrieved from http://assistivetechnology.about.com/od/ClosedCircuitTVs/tp/Find-Desktop-VideoMagnifiers.htm New technologies empower the vision impaired. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.boston.com/jobs/diversity/spring08/new_tech_empowers_vision_impaired/ Nih aac comparative device study. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/programs/atp/research/projectarchives/nihaac/Pages/NIHAACComparativeDeviceStudy.aspx Personal fm systems. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.tecear.com/Comtek_Personal_FM.htm Telephone turns speech into text in real-time. (2013). Retrieved from http://textually.org/textually/archives/cat_sms_for_deafdisabilities.htm Video relay service session. (2009). Retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Video_Relay_Service_session_helping_a_Deaf_person_communicate_with_a_hearing_person_via_a_Vi deo_Interpreter_%28sign_language_interpreter%29_and_a_videophone_DSC0051c.jpg