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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICEACCORDING TO THE IRIS CENTER FOR TRAINING ENHANCEMENTS THE “INDIVIDUALS DISABILITIES EDUCATIONAL

IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2004 (IDEA’04) DEFINES ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE AS ANY ‘ ITEM OR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT OR PRODUCT SYSTEM THAT IS USED TO INCREASE THE FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES OF A CHILD AND SPECIALLY EXCLUDES

A MEDICAL DEVICE THAT IS SURGICALLY IMPLANTED OR THE REPLACEMENT OF SUCH DEVICE.”

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “Meet Mason”

Assistive Technology is any device or service that helps a student with a disability to meet Individualized program (IEP) goals and to participate in the

general education classroom to the best of his or her ability.

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “Fundamental Core” Assistive Technology helps to improve participation and enjoyment in the classroom for students with learning disabilities. With the use of assistive

technology devices these students are better able to achieve success in learning and obtain more autonomy in the classroom.

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “Tools”

Assistive Technology Continuum : a tool that categorizes the various AT devices into no tech, light tech and high tech. No Tech is based on the students needs not on the device. Light Tech are simple tools that can assist the student and make daily activities easier. High Tech is usually

electronic require a power source.

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “Independence”

“I really admired and was amazed at the use of the alternate key board as well as the automatic page turner . These new devices can open up an opportunity for disabled

students . I never realized how these simple tasks that I take for granted everyday can be so beneficial to other students.” Jendron (2009)

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “Sports”

“Most assistive technology helps persons with disabilities learn, communicate, or build skills essential to for self sufficiency and adult independence. Living a full life requires access to

sports and recreation activities that motivate and promote wellness, and provide opportunities to build social bonds and have fun.”

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “Voice Activation”

Assistive products are designed to provide additional accessibility to individuals who have physical, or cognitive difficulties , impairments, and disabilities . Alternate

input devices with voice activation allow individuals to control their computers through means other than a standard key board or pointing device.

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “New Worlds”

The mission statement of the Assistive Technology Solutions division of Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center is to provide adults and children with disabilities

access to complex rehabilitative and assistive technology services and equipment to increase their opportunities for independent living, employment , education,

and recreation.

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “Ellen”

“There are several technology devices to help students. Don’t limit your student to just one, or one name brand. Try them all. The true

value of technology for learning. Lies not in learning to use technology but in using technology to learn.”

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Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice “Individualized”

Development and Implementation of an IEP which includes Assistive Technology. In very basic terms, an Individualized Education Program, or IEP,

is a tool and a process that is used to plan, implement and evaluate the special education program for a student with a disability. It is also a written commitment on the part of the school to provide specified services including

AT , and must be reviewed , revised and updated at least annually.