Assistive Technology

Take the struggle out of learning with assistive technology.

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology (AT) is a type of academic intervention, just like specialized instruction or adaptations of a task or the classroom.  Combined with individualized learning strategies and training, AT enables students to lower the barriers to getting work done and increase confidence in their own ability.  Assistive technology can be anything from a low-tech tool, such as a pencil grip, to a high-tech tool, such as speech-to-text software that translates the spoken word into written text on the computer.  Examples of AT tools include:

  • Audio book (listen to recorded narration of a book)
  • Vibrating watch (silent reminder to refocus attention)
  • Talking calculator or dictionary (multisensory input)
  • Text-to-speech software (the written word made audible)
  • Speech recognition software (translates the spoken word into text)
  • Graphic organizer software (outliner for visual thinkers to organize their thoughts)
  • Word prediction software (suggests correctly-spelled words based on letters already typed)
  • Virtual math manipulatives (uses visuals to explain abstract math concepts)
  • Livescribe® smartpen (pen that records what a person writes, what it hears and synchronizes the two for rapid access)
  • Online project calculator (helps pace completion of large projects)

Isn’t buying a tool enough?

Buying a tool is the easiest step in the process. The work comes in applying the tool effectively.  Finding the right tool for a specific problem, finding a tool that your student is comfortable using around his peers, learning to apply the tool for specific problems and understanding how to integrate learning strategies to support the use of the tool are all critical factors to ensure your student’s success.

What challenges can AT can help with?

  • Slow reading and limited comprehension
  • Difficulty brainstorming and organizing ideas for a paper
  • Trouble quickly taking notes that are legible
  • Difficulty breaking large projects down into manageable chunks
  • Trouble getting distracted surfing the Internet when researching a paper
  • Difficulty working through math word problems

Will my preteen or teen feel uncomfortable using a tool?

For preteens and teens, fitting in is crucial.  When selecting appropriate technology, it’s important to be sensitive to their feelings about how they’ll be seen by their peers.  In fact, every time you are dealing with learning challenges, you are also dealing with a student’s sense of self.  That’s why any solution has to also fit with how the student feels about using it.  Fortunately, there are many solutions that allow a student to avoid feeling conspicuous.

How complicated are these tools?

AT solutions don’t have to be complicated to be powerful. A manual reading guide, for instance, can have a major, positive impact for a child who has trouble visually tracking words while reading.  The simplest solution is sometimes the best solution.  Matching the right tool with the specific needs of the learner and teaching him how to use the tool effectively is most critical for success.