BY BRUNY NEGRONI-MARTINEZ

Web quest Assistive

Technology

INTRODUCTION

You are a 3rd grade teacher who has a few students that require you to differentiate your instruction. Kevin, Dominick and Elisa have been diagnosed with ADHD. Sarah has an auditory disability, and requires a special device in order to hear. In addition, you have a number of students that have mild learning disabilities that impact all areas, especially reading and writing. As you prepare for the school year, ask yourself, "What resources do I have in order to help me meet my students' needs?"

Overview

Students with special needs involves providing accommodations for some of them and modifications for others.

Providing for the needs of students diagnosed with ADHD, an auditory disability and mild learning disabilities involves assistive technology as well as strategies that do not require technology.

Additional time and patience will be required when I am working with these students.

What is an IEPs?

Individualized Education Programs for kids with delayed skills or other disabilities might be eligible for special services that provide individualized education program in public school. Also, this program is totally free of charge to families.

What students qualify for this services? Learning disabilities Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Emotional disorders Cognitive Challenges Autism Hearing impairment Visual impairment Speech or language impairment Developmental delay

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by either significant difficulties of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsive ness or a combination of the two. It is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, affecting about 3 to 5 percent of children globally and diagnosed in about 2 to 16 percent of school-aged children.

The principle characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Students with ADHD have a common learning problems are with reading and handwriting. It's possible a disability interference with concentration and attention can make it even more difficult for a child to perform well in school.

What is auditory disabilities?

This a term for a variety of disorders that affect the way the brain processes auditory information. Individuals with APD (Auditory Processing Disorder) usually have normal structure and function of the outer, middle and inner ear (peripheral hearing).

APD can affect both children and adults, although the actual prevalence is currently unknown.

What is mild learning disabilities?

Impairments that are sufficiently mild so that generally normal functioning is possible when appropriate medical, educational, or other special services are provided.

What is Assistive Technology?

This term includes assistive, adaptive and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them.

Assistive technology increases a student’s opportunities for education, social interactions, and potential for meaningful employment. It also supports a student’s participation in learning experiences in the least restrictive environment. Assistive technology is a tool to help the student benefit from the general education curriculum, and access extracurricular activities in home, school, and work environments.

Strategies to help students with special needs and to use Technology

Used diagrams, graphics and pictures to argument what they were saying in words.

Provided ample independent, well-designed, intensive practice.

Vary the tone of voice: loud, soft, whisper.

Teach students to verbalize a plan before solving problems or undertaking a task.

Employ multi-sensory strategies when directions are given and lessons presented.

Act out the story. Let the child choose his or her character and assign you one, too. Use funny voices and costumes to bring it to life.

Also, use a different interactive program to create focus on the students its possible. Example: prezi.com, interactive game, flash card, smart board, etc.

Conclusion

The Assistive Technology help all students, particularly students with special needs. Also, Georgia Department of Education have a project to help local school systems to provide technology for students with disabilities.

Web Reference

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Retrieved September 29, 2012, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder

Auditory processing disorder. Retrieved October 4, 2012 from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_processing_disorder

Education.com. Glossary of Education: Mild Disabilities. Retrieved October 4, 2012 from: http://www.education.com/definition/mild-disabilities/

Georgia Department of Education. Georgia Project for Assistive Technology. Retrieved October 1, 2012 from:

http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/default.aspx

Web Reference (Continuation)

HelpGuide.org A Trusted Non-Profit Resource. Helping Children with ADHD Succeed at School. Retrieved September 29, 2012 from: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_teaching_strategies.htm

Kids Health from Nemours. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Retrieved October 1, 2012 from: http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/iep.html

Learning Disabilities Association of America. Successful Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities. Retrieved September 29, 2012 from: http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/teachers/understanding/strategies.asp

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. Considering Assistive Technology (December 2010). Retrieved October 4, 2012

from: http://nichcy.org/schoolage/iep/meetings/special-factors/considering-at