Assistive Technology
Summary:
This page presents definitions of assistive technology devices and services and examples of both.
Assistive technology device: any piece of equipment used by a person with a disability to increase, maintain, or improve his or her functional capabilities.
Low-Tech: low-cost, typically nonelectronic devices
- adapted furniture, tools, or utensils
- raised-line, colored, or grid paper
- correction tape or pens
- highlighter tape or pens
- Velcro™
- manual communication boards
- large print books
- magnifiers
- line guides
- pencil grips
Mid-Tech: moderately priced, easy to operate electronic devices
- tape or digital recorders
- electronic dictionaries or organizers
- audio books
- special lighting or acoustical treatments
- adapted keyboards
- audible word scanning devices
High-Tech: fairly expensive devices that contain microcomputer components for storage and retrieval of information
- talking calculators or word processors
- word prediction, graphic organizer or flowchart software
- scanners
- reading pens
Assistive technology service: any service, including evaluation, purchasing or leasing, selection, design, or fitting, coordination, and training that helps a person with a disability select, obtain, and use an assistive technology device.
Assistive Technology Educational Network (ATEN)
http://www.aten.scps.k12.fl.us/
A network for the coordination of statewide delivery of assistive technology
services for students with disabilities in Florida.
Assistive Technology Training Online http://atto.buffalo.edu/
A website featuring free training and information about assistive technology
solutions and adapted computing to help elementary level students with
disabilities.
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
http://www.cast.org/
A not-for-profit organization whose mission is to expand opportunities
for individuals with disabilities through the development and innovative
use of technology, with a primary focus on universal design for learning.
Methods & Materials | Assignments & Assessments | Learning Environment
Time & Schedule | Communications Systems
Accommodations in Lesson Design