Assistive Technology Project

1. Mild disabilities Students with mild disabilities may use assistive technology such as productivity software. If the students are having problems reading, they can use Wiz Cam’s Quicktionary Reading Pen. Also, they can use Don Johnston’s Co: Writer and Write Outloud program to assist with writing. Additionally, the students can use math games and graphing software if they are having problems in math. Finally, if the students are having problems spelling, they can use a dictionary or word bank.

2. Moderate and severe disabilities Students with moderate and severe disabilities can use a variety of assistive technology tools. The students can use special software to help them learn and reinforce life skills. Also, they can videos to help them learn different tasks or behaviors. Additionally, they can use interactive programs on the computer by having an alternative keyboard. Finally, they can use programs that have been integrated into the curriculum by their teachers through companies like AbleNet.

3. Physical disabilities Students with severe physical disabilities can use a wheelchair that is powered by a joystick. Also, the student may have a special computer which is operated by a joystick. Additionally, they may have an alternative keyboard. Finally, they may or them to use special switches that allow them to operate a computer.

4. Sensory disabilities There are several types of assistive technologies which can be used for the student with sensory disabilities. First, if the student is blind, he/she could use a cane or sensor assistive technology to help them move and navigation in their environments. Also, the student could use tools that convert the person is only printed information into audio information. Additionally, scanners and screen readers could be used as assistive technology. Moreover, if the student is partially sighted, information could be enlarged or the contrasted can be changed. Next, the student can use a closed circuit television magnification system. Finally, the deaf student can use technology that is available in multimedia format and FM amplification systems can be used.

5. At-risk behaviors/situations I would use assistive technologies for at-risk behaviors/situation that are unsuccessful in school. For example, maybe the student needs help keeping track of his/her homework assignment, tests, projects, and quizzes. I could use the assistive technology such as a reminder service or a specialize prompting devise. Also, I can allow the student to use online student organizer which has built in reminders. Additionally, I allow the student to use a calculator if math is a weak area for the student. Moreover, I can use a word bank if spelling is a challenge for the student. Finally, use assistive technology as a way to motivate the student, for example, allows the student use Trackstar (a lesson developed by me to help the student understand the concept using technology at a different pace). Gain a better understanding of the objective.

6. Gifts and talents I would use assistive technologies for gifted and talented students based off of the Pyryt’s approach (Pryryt’s P’s). For example, one assistive technology web program I would use is NorthStar Math. This assistive technology program allows the gifted student to start out by taking a diagnostic test and proceeding with prescriptive instructions. This assistive technology web program will give the student time to develop his/her critical thinking (processing) skills. Next, the student will be able to do what they love learning about (passion), in this case math. Also, once the student has mastered a certain objective, he/she will be allowed to explain what he/she has learned and how this is useful in his/her everyday life in a presentation using a multimedia program (blog possible). Also, he/she will be responsible for responding to his peers’ comments. Reference Roblyer, M .D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating Educational Teaching Technology into Teaching (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson