Adaptive/Assistive Technology

Emerging Technology
Innovative Uses
Leslie Leonard
CSN Education Department, EDU 214
04/26/2020
Adaptive/Assistive
Technology

What is assistive technology?

According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association, “Assistive

technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or
product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional
capabilities of persons with disabilities.”
Assistive technology can range from no-tech, low-tech,
mid-tech, and high-tech (Melissa, 2019). One type of low-
tech assistive technology that can be used to help students
with any disability would be pencil grips and holders.
Students with disabilities “may not be able to hold a
standard pen or pencil” (Kivi, 2008). Pencil grips and
holders can help students improve hand posture and
writing.

Pencil Grips & Holders

 Pencil Grips/Holders

1. Start by typing the following site into a search engine: 2. Scroll down to see the different types of
https://www.especialneeds.com/shop/daily-living-aids/handwriting/grips- pencil grips and holders available and the
holders.html prices.
 Pencil Grips/Holders
3 4

3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on School/Government agencies 4. A bulk order quote may be requested directly from there.
One example of emerging technology that can help students
with any disability is word prediction software (Stanberry &
Raskind). Students can use this type of software to assist them
as they write. According to Kristen Stanberry, “Word prediction
software can help a user during word processing by “predicting”
a word the user intends to type. Predictions are based on
spelling, syntax, and frequent/recent use. This prompts kids who
struggle with writing to use proper spelling, grammar, and word
choices, with fewer keystrokes.” Word prediction programs also
have many benefits. For example, these can decrease spelling
errors, improve motivation, decrease fatigue, and increase
typing speed (Tumlin & Heller).

Emerging Technology
 Word Prediction Software

1. A great word prediction software is Clicker Writer.

Start by typing the following site into a search engine:
https://www.cricksoft.com/us/clicker/apps/word-prediction
 Word Prediction Software
3

3. Click on “School Prices” to check out

the available packages.
2. Clicker offers a Free Demo
 4
Word Prediction
Software

4. Clicker also offers District Prices

Innovative Uses
 Khan Academy
Khan Academy is an American non-profit
educational organization created in 2008 by
Salman Khan with a mission to provide free,
world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
According to the U.S. Department of Education,
“digital learning resources, including an extensive
video library, practice exercises, and assessments.
These resources focus on K-12 math and science
topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics,
and include resources on the humanities, finance,
and history.”
Khan Academy also offers a free, fun educational
app for kids. According to Khan Kids, “our free
program contains a breadth of learning materials
across math, language arts, and social-emotional
learning, aligned to the Head Start Early Learning
Outcomes Framework and Common Core.”
Khan Academy is FREE!
Khan Academy

Khan Academy is an innovative method

teachers are using to help students learn
because through Khan’s approach
education can be customized (Thompson,
2011). Teachers are able to tailor lesson
plans that meet each child's needs.
Students also have access to Khan’s
extensive library anytime, anywhere. If a
student is struggling they can simply use
Khan’s videos at their own pace.
 Khan Academy
1

1. Khan Academy offers options for learners, teachers, districts, and parents.
Click on Teachers.
2. Teachers can help students with personalized practice for FREE.
You can make an account on this site.
 Khan Academy
1

1. Khan Academy offers options for learners, teachers, 2. Districts can upgrade to Khan Academy Districts to receive
districts, and parents. Click on Districts. training, support, and analytics to help students succeed.
 References
Assistive Technology Industry Association. (2020, April). What is AT? Retrieved from
https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/what-is-at/
Kivi, R. (2008, August 8). Writing Tools for Special Needs Students: Assistive Devices for Success. Retrieved from
https://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-physical-disabilities/3775-ergonic-pens-and-pencils-for-students/
Melissa. (2019, May 01). Low Tech, Mid Tech and High Tech Assisstive Technology " Autism Adventures. Retrieved from
http://www.autismadventures.com/low-tech-mid-tech-and-high-tech/

Stanberry K. & Raskind M. (2020, April). Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An Overview. Retrieved from
https://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview
Stanberry, K. (2010, April 21). Word Prediction Software Programs. Retrieved from
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/word-prediction-software-programs/

Tumlin, J. & Heller, KW. (2004). Using Word Prediction Software to Increase Typing Fluency with Students with Physical Disabilities. Retrieved from
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ729603

U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from
https://www.ed.gov/oii-news/use-technology-teaching-and-learning

Thompson, C. (2011, July 15). How Khan Academy Is Changing the Rules of Education. Retrieved from
https://www.wired.com/2011/07/ff_khan/
Khan Kids. (2018, July). Welcome to Khan Academy Kids. Retrieved from
https://khankids.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004559231-Welcome-to-Khan-Academy-Kids