The Opportunities of Assistive Technology

No Technology or Low Technology

No technology (no-tech) or low technology (low-tech) refers to items that do not include any type of electronics. These are examples of low-tech devices:

• A rubber pencil grip that enables a student with a disability to better grasp a pencil or pen
• A nonslip placemat on a student's desk that makes it easier for her to pick up items because it stops them from sliding
• A study carrel that helps a student pay closer attention to the schoolwork at hand

Mid-Technology

Devices in the mid-technology (mid-tech) category use simple electronics. Examples include the following:

• A tape recorder that a student uses to record lectures
• A calculator that assists a student in completing math computations
• A timer that lets a student know it is time to change from one activity to another

High Technology

The third level of assistive technology is referred to as high technology (high-tech). Items in this category use complex technology and often are expensive compared to no-tech and mid-tech items. Examples include these:

• Voice-recognition software that allows a student to dictate information that then appears in print on the computer
• Electronic communication boards on which a student can touch a picture and a prerecorded voice communicates for him. For example, a student touches a picture of himself and a voice says "Hello. My name is Danny. What is your name?"

Technology that used to be considered sophisticated (for example, talking watches and calculators, personal digital assistants) now is readily available and provides educational access for students with disabilities. As advances in technology continue, even more opportunities will become possible. As an educator, you should anticipate that assistive technology will be part of many students' tools for learning.