The table below summarizes some strategies for using assistive and instructional technology for students with special needs.
| Target Groups |
Sample Technology Integration Strategies |
Sample Resources and Activities |
| Students with mild and moderate to severe disabilities |
For individuals with mild cognitive disabilities:
- Reading: Use reading skill software, texttto-speech products, interactive storybooks.
- Writing: Use voice recognition software and word prediction software.
- Mathematics: Use graphing software, drills, games, and tutorials.
For individuals with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities:
- Software helps teach/reinforce functional skills (e.g., money management, daily living, employability).
- Videos enhance acquisition, maintenance, and transfer of functional and community-based behaviors.
|
WizCom's Quicktionary Reading Pen
http://www.wizcomtech.com/
Don Johnston's Co: Writer and Write: OutLoud
http://donjohnston.com
Dragon Talk's Dragon Naturally Speaking
http://www.dragontalk.com/
Freedom Scientific's WYNN word processing software
http://www.freedomscientific.com
AbleNet, Inc.
www.ablenetinc.com
Attainment Company
http://www.attainmentcompany.com
|
| Students with physical disabilities |
Provide alternative methods of accessing keyboard, mouse, and/or monitor.
Determine the best placement of adaptive technologies, and provide training to ensure the student is able to operate it independently.
Monitor function to ensure maximum level of participation is obtained without undue physical demands.
|
AbleNet, Inc.
http://www.ablenetinc.com
Adaptivation, Inc.
http://www.adaptivation.com
Enabling devices http://www.enablingdevices.com
lntellitools
http://www.intellitools.com
ORCCA technology
http://www.orcca.com
|
| Students with sensory disabilities |
For individuals who are blind:
- Use canes and sensor technologies to assist movement.
- Use text-to-Braille converters.
- Use screenreaders.
For individuals who are visually impaired:
- Use closed-circuit television (CCTV) magnification systems.
- Use built-in computer screen magnification control panels.
For individuals who are hearing impaired:
- Use FM amplification systems (assistive listening devices).
|
VisionCue
http://www.visioncue.com/
Dolphin Computer Access, LLC
http://www.yourdolphin.com/
Freedom Scientific Blind/Low Vision Group
http://www.freedomscientific.com
TeleSensory
http://www.telesensory.com
AudioEnhancement
http://www.audioenhancement.com/
|
| At-risk students |
Locate software and websites that provide powerful and motivating opportunities to engage in learning activities.
Utilize electronic quizzes and other instructional materials that provide immediate feedback on performance.
|
BrainPop
http://www.brainpop.com
Don Johnston, Inc.
http://www.donjohnston.com
Tom Snyder, Inc.
http://www.tomsnyder.com
|
| Students with gifts and talents |
Locate starting point web pages to launch them into content with appropriate challenges.
Provide tools for engaging in self-directed research
Provide tools such as multimedia presentations, web page design, and electronic portfolios to document learning experiences.
|
Duke TIP program
http://www.tip.duke.edu/
Hoagies' Gifted Education Page
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org
|
View Full Article
© ______ 2010, Allyn & Bacon, an imprint of Pearson Education Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of this material by any means including but not limited to email and blogs is strictly prohibited without the explicit permission of the publisher.
photo by:
iwona_kellie 
Five Great Snacks for Your Graduation Party 
Get Excited About Camping with These Printables and Activities 
Summer Reading
Add your own comment