Assistive Technology Tools Assistive technology tools are tools

Assistive Technology Tools

Assistive technology tools are tools that assist those who are visually impaired, developmentally physically challenged and deaf/hard of hearing with the use of technology.

Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired

Screen Reader- is a program that combines sound and picture to help describe what is on a computer screen Closed Circuit Magnification- is a device that can amplify words and objects on a screen for easier viewing Braille Translation Devicesare used to convert screen words and formatting into braille

Pros and Cons Academic Gains Barriers �Screen Reader- gives both a visual and sound for comprehension �Closed Circuit Magnificationgreat visual aid for those who are visually challenged but not blind �Braille Translation Devicesgreat for those who are completely blind �Screen Reader- not so great for those who are both blind audio impaired �Closed Circuit Magnificationthe device can become a distraction for those in the classroom with impaired child �Braille Translation Devicesbecomes a barrier if child has not yet been taught how to read braille

Assistive Technology for the Developmentally Physically Challenged

Adaptive Keyboard- is a keyboard that decreases the strain on the user by alphabetizing the letters Alternative Communication Devices- Are devices that helps those with Down ’s Syndrome, Autism, and other disabilities communicate without difficulty Adaptive Student Desk- are for children with neurological deficiencies, these desk modify to their necessities

Pros and Cons Academic Gains Barriers �Adaptive Keyboard- assist with easily locating keys �Alternative Communication Devices- great for non verbal students to communicate with others �Adaptive Student Deskmakes the classroom setting more comfortable for those students who need them �Adaptive Keyboard- May hinder the development of adapting to a Qwerty keyboard later in life �Alternative Communication Devices – the device may glitch or cause interaction problems �Adaptive Student Desk- may not be in every room due to expense

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Personal Amplification Device- Is an acoustic enhancer that directly increases the sound of noise nearby the consumer Audio/visual communication devices- Combines residual hearing with closer views of the mouth movement to enhance comprehension Voice to text translation- A software device that captures articulated words and translates it into intelligible text on screen

Pros and Cons Academic Gains Barriers �Personal Amplification Device- great for individualized assistance �Audio/visual communication devices- good tool for those who read lips/ mouth movement �Voice to text translationgreat for those who are only hearing impaired but not for those who are both blind and deaf �Audio/visual communication devices– the device may hinder the learning environment for others by providing distraction �Voice to text translationcauses problems for young learners who can not yet read and of course the usual technology issues of glitching