Assistive technology

Children With Special Need

By: Eunice Iwunze

THINK-PAIR-SHAREWith your partner brainstorm as many disabilities that a child may have that begin with the following letters:

For example: A is for Autism A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Definition:The term Special need encompasses a staggering array of diagnosis that varies from mental retardation developmental delay, mental health issues, behavioral problems etc. In the pass, children with special needs did not have the opportunity to learn until the great innovation of technology.

Assistive TechnologyAnd Special Education

Definition:Assistive Technology refers to products, devices or equipments that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Communication Aid:

•Speech and augmentative communication Aids•Writing and Typing Aid

Computer Access Aid:Hardware and Software•Alternative Input Devices•Alternative Output Devices•Accessible Software•Universal Design

Daily Living Aids:•Clothing and Dressing Aids•Eating and Cooking Aids•Home Maintenance Aids•Toileting and Bathing Aids

Education and Learning Aids:Cognitive Aids;•Include cognitive software that focus on categorization, matching, association, reasoning, decision making, problem solving, memory skills, perceptual skills, talking word processing, word prediction/completion software, cognitive retraining or rehabilitation tools

Environmental Aids:•Environmental Controls and Switches•Home-Workplace Adaptations

Ergonomic Equipment:•Low-tech assistive equipment or devices designed to reduce the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries often associated with work related situation

Hearing and Listening Aids:

Mobility and Transportation Aids:•Ambulatory Aids•Scooters and Power Chairs•Wheelchairs•Vehicle conversions

Prosthetics and Orthotics:•Replacement; This is the replacement of body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids

Recreation and Leisure Aids:•Sports Aids•Toys and Games•Travel Aids

Seating and Positioning Aids:Vision and Reading Aids:Services:

Here are a few examples of assistive technology equipment used in a special education classroom to assist students with special needs.

ASSESSMENT List two ways you think assisted

technology improved the life of a student with a disability.

EVALUATION