AssistiveTechnology

1. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGEY SharifaAlsufianis University of west Alabama

2. Assistive Technology Created specially for those with disabilities Enables them to perform tasks that may have previously been difficult or impossible Maybe something as simple as a walker to help improve mobility or amplification device to improve hearing.

3. The law in regard to assistive technology Federal and state law clearly define the school system’s responsibility to provide assistive technology devices and services to students with disabilities as following: • The school system has a responsibility to provide assistive technology equipment and service to students with disabilities. • School staff must be familiar with the requirement to provide assistive technology such as administrators, teachers, even parents and related service providers. • School systems should develop policies and guidelines related to the provision of assistive technology.

4. Overview to assist studentswith specific learning needs Students with hearing impairments may use assistive listening devices such as : • hearing aids and personal FM systems: It is like miniature radio stations work on special frequencies. It consists of a transmitter microphone used by the presenter such as teachers and a receiver used by the listener. The receiver transmits the sound to the ears or directly to the hearing aid (if worn). • communicator™: Translates an instructor’s voice to text and sign language on a computer screen. Some students who are deaf might discover this tools helpful for them. • One-to-one communicators: The idea for this device is to amplify the voice, so the hearing impaired individual can hear you easily and clearly . It allows normal conversation even in noisy environments, such as TV rooms and group dining areas.

5. Students with Visual Impairments A classroom teachers who are working with blind students or visually impaired should aid those students to become successful members of their communities by providing different way for example: screen magnification: Enable those users who are partially sighted to view selected areas of the screen in a manner similar to using a magnifying glass closed circuit television (CCTV):Is an Electronic Information Reading System which allows visually impaired users to continue reading and writing a range of materials. A CCTV uses a stand-mounted or hand-held video camera to project a magnified image of any printed matter onto a dedicated video monitor or a television screen screen reading: It is a software application that seeks to identify and interpret what is being displayed on the computer screen Braille: It is a dots that can read by fingers for people who are blind . It is a code by which languages such as English or Spanish may be written and read.

6. Learning disabled Learning disabilities are problems that could impact the brain's ability to receive, process, analyze, or store information. These problems can make it difficult for a student to learn as quickly as someone who is not affected by learning disabilities. Teachers may assist students with disabilities by different methods: *Use diagrams graphics or pictures to increase the educational process *provide enough independent well-designed intensive practice *provide strategies for students such as group interaction in the classroom *Encourage students to use technology such as a computer or tablet that helps them to progress *provide alternative methods for those student with disabilities such as taped exams or extended time limit

7. Physically disabled Physical disabilities may have many causes such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury. Students with physical disabilities will use different ways to mobilize themselves around schools. Some of them may use wheelchairs or scooters. Others will use crutches, canes, braces or walkers. The following ideas may help to understand the needs of a student with a physical disability: *Teachers might assist the student with upper body limitations by providing extra exam time, quiet place, using a note area or extra room on the test form or seating them in the front row of the classroom. *Teachers may be required to help them with writing *Teachers may require a helper to attend regular classes OR for those who need help walking from class to class

8. References • American Foundation for the Blind. (2014). Specialized education services for students with vision loss. Retrieved from http://www.afb.org/media/PDFs/AFB_SpecializedServices_Education_P1.pdf • Assistive Technology Industry Association. (n.d.). What is assistive technology? How is it funded? Retrieved from http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859 • Gierach, J (Ed.). (2009). Assessing students' needs for assistive technology (5th ed.). Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. Retrieved from http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/Ch13-Hearing.pdf • Office of Disability Services, Villanova University (2013). Teaching students with disabilities. Retrieved from www1.villanova.edu/villanova/studentlife/disabilityservices/resources/teaching.html • Wright-Howard, D (2007). Disability support programs and services. San Diego City College. Retrieved from http://www.sdcity.edu/portals/0/collegeservices/studentservices/dsps/qt1-dhi.pdf