Assistive Technology 1

Assistive Technology Assignment

EDU-2800
NCCU
Maleah Harris
10/2/15

Assistive Technology 2

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to
increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. An
example of assistive technology used in an educational setting would be audio players and
recorders. These devices are good for kids who have vision and reading comprehension troubles.
If your student struggles with writing or taking notes, an audio recorder can capture what the
teacher says in class so your child can listen to it again at home. Its also equipped with text-tospeech software that can read aloud anything on your students screen which can help them with
the pronunciation of words. This technology will be used by giving students the ability to listen
to books they read in class and also allowing them to record what teachers say during class so
they can take notes later. This can also be used amongst students to help them with learning to
read and sounding out letter. Teachers should have training on how to set up and install this
device. They should also be up to date on the latest technologies, the good thing with audio
recording devices is that they typically come in the form of eBook readers which require little to
no training to use. The costs of assistive technology are usually covered by the state or the school
board since assistive technology is very essential for some students, but on average eBooks are
very cheap and can be downloaded as app for around 8$. While on the other hand other reading
technologies like tablets can cost anywhere from 100$-300$. This technology can provide

Assistive Technology 3
accommodations, modifications or adaptations made to the environment, curriculum, instruction,
or assessment practices to make it easier for the student. I expect the student to be able to keep
up with the classroom more effectively and understand the material. I also anticipate that the
classroom will run more smoothly without me having to change my teaching style and without
giving the student a personalized education plan. In conclusion assistive technology is very
beneficial for both students and teachers since they typically require little training to use and will
help the student be more effective in the classroom.

Citations
1. What is Assistive Technology? How Is It Funded? (2000). Retrieved October 2, 2015,
from http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3859
2. Morin, A. (2014). 8 Examples of Assistive Technology and Adaptive Tools. Retrieved
October 2, 2015, from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistivetechnology/assistive-technologies-basics/8-examples-of-assistive-technology-andadaptive-tools#slide-1
3. "XII. TRAINING FOR TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS." ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION. Assistive Technology Partnership,, 2008. Web. 2
Oct. 2015. <http://www.atp.ne.gov/techassist/training.html>.