Assitive Technology Blog 1

All things AT

What is Assistive Technology?

According to Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) which makes up federal laws for education services. Describe Assistive Technology as two different forms. The two forms being assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. Assistive technology devices, is any item or product system that is used to improve the functional capabilities of a child who has a disability. While assistive technology services is any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device. 

What are some examples of low, medium, and high tech devices?

Assistive Technology can range from very low to very high tech devices to help assist children with disabilities. 

Low

Some simple assistive devices can be pencil grips, sticky notes and covered overlays. 

https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Grip-Crossover-Ergonomic-TPG-17706/dp/B001SN8HPI/ref=asc_df_B001SN8HPI/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584482454976025&psc=1

Medium 

Some medium assistive devices are talking calculators, buzzers and electronic organizers.

https://www.amazon.com/Big-Numbers-Talking-Desktop-Calculator/dp/B002DGL8U0/ref=asc_df_B002DGL8U0/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&h

High Tech 

Some more advance device for assistive technology include Ereaders, computerized testing and touch screen devices, electronic wheelchairs.  

https://americanqualityhealthproducts.com/mid-wheel-drive-power-chairs/2820-pride-jazzy-select-6-power-chair.html?msclkid=ee0b87201635104b6ccedb1e36134688&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20%7C%20Top%20Categories&utm_term=4581183922018698&utm_content=11-28-18#/seat_belt-38_seat_belt/footrests-foot_platform/delivery-free_technician_set_up/pride_footrest_extension_tubes-does_not_apply_selecting_platform

What are some resources (for teachers or parents) on AT?

There are tons of resources and websites, books and programs for teachers and parents to get involved in to help with assistive technology devices and services.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/assistive-technology-resources

https://loc.gov/programs/national-library-service-for-the-blind-and-physically-handicapped/about-this-service/?cid=loc-ppc_s=bing_c=technology-software_ag=technology_kw=technology-devices&msclkid=90f1717d77ba1e8c0fb52d4356ca0de7