Assistive Technology for School Age Students
What does the current research say about this
topic?
Assistive Technology enables children to:
* communicate to others
* receive instruction that matches their learning
style
* play
* move about in an independent manner
* demonstrate and display what they have learned
* be independent
* improve literacy skills
Definition of Assistive Technology:
According to the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals
with Disabilities Act of 1988 (Tech Act), an assistive technology
device is... "any item, piece of equipment, or product system,
whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized,
that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
An assistive technology service is... any service that directly
assists a person with a disability in selecting, obtaining, or
using an assistive technology device".
Importance
of Assistive Technology for Children:
Childhood is the time when we all learn the many
lessons, skills, and abilities needed to function as adults.
Thus, assistive technology for children can be even more important
than it is for adults because it enables children with disabilities
to learn those skills of independence and self-sufficiency. Assistive
technology can help children with disabilities participate with
their peers.
Tasks for which Assistive Technology can be
used as a tool:
* educational
* emotional
* social
* activities of daily living
* recreation
* leisure
* communication
* play
* mobility
*productivity
Basic Principles of Assistive Technology
1) A team approach is best when deciding upon the most
appropriate technology for a child.
2) The child and the family are the most important team members.
3) School professionals and family members should work collaboratively
to choose assistive technology devices and plan the needed assistive
technology services.
4) Assistive Technology is a tool, and it does not replace the
teacher in the learning process.
Why use assistive technology?
Families must have their goals and needs met through
the use of technology with their children. Decisions on
types of equipment, guided by professional knowledge, will impact
all aspects of the family's and child's life. Professionals
and families must work together to find appropriate equipment
and funding sources for assistive technology. All caregivers
must be educated in the use and care of the assistive equipment.
Choosing and using assistive technology approaches to gain outcomes
most definitely requires the collaborative efforts of families
and professionals. (Edmondson, R.)
Assistive technology can support all areas of
development!
How can technology be used
with children?
1) Professionals must apply the principles of developmentally
appropriate practice and appropriate curriculum and assessment
when choosing technology for use in their classrooms or program.
2) Used appropriately, technology can improve children's thinking
ability and help them develop good relationships with peers.
3) Technology should be integrated into daily learning activities.
4) Teachers should work for equity in access to technology for
all children and their families.
5) Technology has a powerful influence over children's learning
-- it must not teach them to stereotype or use violence to solve
their problems.
6) Work together with parents to promote appropriate uses of technology.
Types of Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology comes in many forms. It can
be as simple as an adapted handle on a pencil or as extensive
as a computer. The key to assistive technology is not the price
tag or sophistication of the devices, but the usefulness as a
tool to the user. When attempting to decide what device is a possible
good match, the WATI continuum can be used. They list devices
from low tech to high tech for all types of tasks.
Please contact Kathy S. White with questions
or concerns about this website.
