Technology in learning with disabilities
Article written by Sergiu Bumbacea
Hello everyone! Welcome back to our KTW Blog. Today we will continue discussing another subject on mental health: technology in learning with disabilities.
Educational software where the computer provides multisensory experiences, interaction, positive reinforcement, individualized instruction, and repetition can be useful in skill-building. Some students with learning disabilities who have difficulty processing written information can also benefit from completing writing assignments, tutorial lessons, and drill-and-practice work with the aid of computers.
First of all, you have to understand which are the types of disabilities in learning:
– Dyslexia: language and reading based
– Dyscalculia: math-based
– Dysgraphia: writing based
– Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders: sensory confusion
– Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: a neurological disorder affecting the right side of the brain
– Dyspraxia: problem sending messages from the brain to the body
Cindy Lumpkin, a special education teacher will explain now what is assistive technology and how can you help your kid. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX6ss4pos64
So, Assistive Technology refers to the use of technology to increase, maintain, or improve the capabilities of a student with a disability. Assistive technology helps in two ways: it can help the student learn how to complete the task and it can help to bypass an area of difficulty.
What are The Types of Assistive Technology?
The Types of Assistive Technology Devices are classified in Low Tech (has no electronic components, relatively inexpensive, easy to learn to use), Mid Tech (electronic in nature, fairly inexpensive, requires less training than high tech), High Tech (based on computer technology, require more training, are considerably expensive).
Examples of Assistive Technology by Domains:
1. Receptive
– Low to Mid tech: Notepad
– Mid to High tech: Audio Recorders, Talking dictionary, Visuwords
– Apps for Mobile Devices: Audiobooks
2. Speaking
– Low to Mid tech: Cue Cards
– Mid to High tech: Prezi
– Apps for Mobile Devices: ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard
3. Reading
– Low to Mid tech: Highlighter strips, Sticky notes
– Mid to High tech: Kurzweil 3000(text-to-speech software), Storyline Online, Project Gutenberg
– Apps for Mobile Devices: Speak Selection, Free Books, GoodReader
4. Writing
– Low to Mid tech: Pencil grips, Computerized pens
– Mid to High tech: Word processing
– Apps for Mobile Devices: Pages, iWordQ
5. Reasoning
– Low to Mid tech: Graphic Organizers, Audio recorders
– Mid to High tech: Inspiration, Spark-Space, Audacity
– Apps for Mobile Devices: SimpleMind+
6. Math
– Low to Mid tech: 4-function calculator
– Mid to High tech: Graphing calculator, Math Dictionary for Kids, Brainig Camp, IXL Math
– Apps for Mobile Devices: ShowMe, ScreenChomp
For more information and examples about Assistive Technology check this site!
What are your thoughts about Assistive Technology?
What tools do you recommend?
Resources:
https://www.ldatschool.ca/assistive-technology/
https://www.washington.edu/doit/how-can-students-learning-disabilities-benefit-computer-use
