What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology, also known as adaptive technology and AT, is any application or device that is used to increase, maintain or improve physical ability or academic performance. People generally think of mechanical devices, electronics, computers, hardware and software, but there is actually a range of assistive technology.Low-tech Assistive Technology
- Pencil grips.
- Graph paper.
- Highlighting pens.
- Planners.
- Digital clocks.
- Calculators.
- Computers.
- Dictionaries and spell checkers.
- Digital recorders.
- Talking calculators.
- Portable keyboards.
- Electronic spell checkers and dictionaries.
- Reading systems that use a computer, scanner, and software to read scanned book pages out loud.
- Speech recognition software that allows a computer to operate by speaking to it.
- Mind mapping/outlining software.
- Global Positioning System (GPS).
- Smartphones, cellular phones, PDAs, iPods, MP3 players.
- Assistive technology can help an individual with learning disabilities (LD) be more independent. - Using AT can provide more choices and greater freedom in daily life.
- AT provides tools to enable an individual to experience success at home, at school, at work and/or in the community.
- AT helps people of all ages.
- AT, successfully applied, can increase an individual’s confidence and self-esteem.
- AT improves the quality of life, and removes barriers providing the tools for possible employment and educational opportunities.
The Wonderful World of APPS:
Apps for ASD iPod Touch Project
Apps for Children with Special Needs
Educational and Special Needs Apps
Educational Technology and Mobile Learning
iPhone and iPod Touch Apps for (Special) Education
Moms with Apps
Assistive Technology: Hardware, Software, & Licences
Apple: Accessibility Technology
Assistive Technology - Ottawa Network for Education
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Kurzweil
Microsoft: Accessibility Technology for Everyone
Natural Reader
Smart Pens
Write Out Loud
Word Q
Assistive Technology Links:
Achieving Success Using Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology - DAWN
Assistive Technology - List of Supports Based on Needs
Assistive Technology Support (OCSB)
Assistive Technology to Support Students With Special Needs
Assistive Technology Supports for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
AT/AAC enABLES
AT Cubed
ASET: Association for Special Education Technology
Barrier Free Education: Centre for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access
Designing Environments for Successful Kids
Family Center on Technology and Disability
Project Access: Assistive Technology for Students
Special Education Technology Practice
Student Handbook for Choosing and Using Assistive Technology
SMARTboards in the Classroom
SNOW: Education, Access and You!
