1.

Autism
Low Tech-Visual Schedule

Visual Schedules are charts which give visual pictures of information to a child used to help
them understand the sequence of events that will occur during the day. Visual schedules will
help children with autism because it will provide to them what is currently happening, what will
come next, when they are done with something, and any changes that might occur. This type of
tool can is beneficial for a student with autism because they usually respond very well to
routine and predictability.
Pros: Provides a daily schedule, very predictable, reduces anxiety
Cons: some visuals may not be clear, can cause too much attention to the schedule and student
can become too dependent
https://www.naset.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Autism_Series/Assist_tech/AssistiveTech_for_St
udents_W_Autism.pdf

Medium Tech- Timers

Timers are a specialized type of clock used for measuring specific time intervals. This device
would be used for students with autism to provide much needed time constraints and structure
for completing tasks. This is great for students on the spectrum who have a lack of
attentiveness. These ease stressful transitions by showing “how much longer” they really have
on a task.
Pros: Improves task completion, encourages confidence and independence
Cons: Students may pay too much attention to the timer causing them to be less attentive on
the task
https://www.naset.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Autism_Series/Assist_tech/AssistiveTech_for_St
udents_W_Autism.pdf
High Tech-“Touch Window”

Touch windows allows students to touch the screen, rather than using a mouse. Touch windows
are great for students with autism because the use of a touch screen can assist a child who is
having difficulty understanding the abstract relationship between the mouse actions and the
resulting actions on the screen. With a touch window, the concrete relationship between what
a child sees and what the child directly activates is established. The board provides additional
sensory stimulation which makes it more enjoyable.
Pros: Provides more engagement while learning, allows students to interact with one another
Cons: Light can lead to a distraction, may be too much sensory stimulation
https://www.naset.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Autism_Series/Assist_tech/AssistiveTech_for_St
udents_W_Autism.pdf

2. Deaf-Blindness
Low Tech-Touch Cues

Touch cues are physical cues that are used in a consistent manner to give a message to a
person. These are very great for children who have deaf-blindness because they compensate
for both the auditory and visual cues that they cannot access. Using touch cues as a teacher will
help a student gain information that they need to make sense of the activities that make up
their daily routines. In the picture above, you can see examples of different types of touch cues
commonly used.
Pros: Easy to develop and do not require formal instruction, support a child’s communication
and participation in familiar routines
Cons: May be uncomfortable, may not be used consistently or made in the same way by
everyone who interacts with the child
http://www.projectsalute.net/Learned/Learnedhtml/TouchCue.html
Medium Tech-Screen readers

A screen reader is a program that analyzes the layout and content of a website and provides a
text to speech translation. These are useful for deaf-blind children because it can facilitate the
manipulation of computers and the reading of textual information. These are one of the most
popular types of technology for children who are deaf-blind. The playback speed can be set by
the user and allows them to skip and do other important tasks.
Pros: Designed specifically for deaf-blind people, can personalize the speed and braille
Cons: May be a distraction for students
https://www.levelaccess.com/understanding-assistive-technology-how-do-deaf-blind-people-
use-technology/

High Tech-Braille systems

Braille systems are the most beneficial type of technology for deaf-blind students. For some
deaf-blind children, braille is the only way that they can read and for other it is the fastest way
for them to read. These are great for children who have deaf-blindness because if documents
and transcripts are formatted with accessibility in mind, they can be translated by braille
devices for a person who is deaf-blind. This is their way of communicating.
Pros: Very easy to learn, adapts well to technology, children tend to be speedy using braille
Cons: Errors cannot be erased
https://brailleworks.com/braille-resources/history-of-
braille/#:~:text=Braille%20is%20a%20system%20of,to%20right%20along%20each%20line.
 3. Developmental Delay (ages 3-9)
Low Tech-Slant boards

Slant boards are great for children who struggle with a fine motor delay. These are used to
improve handwriting skills for a child. They naturally place a child’s hand in an optimal position
for handwriting which facilitates a functional pencil grasp and better posture. This will help
improve the students position while they are writing.
Pros: Makes it easier for them to write, promotes good shoulder and wrist positioning for
writing, keeps good paper stability
Cons: Students may have trouble when they attempt to write without the slant board because
they are so used to using that
https://www.thetechedvocate.org/assistive-technology-to-help-students-with-developmental-
delays-succeed-academically/

Medium Tech-Audiobooks

Audiobooks are very helpful for students who have developmental delays in literacy and
reading. This helps children who struggle with a sense of words to understand them better.
Teachers can use an audiobook to change the way that students learn and listen. They are
perfect to better understand literacy skills such as fluency, phonemic awareness, language
acquisition, and vocabulary.
Pros: Increase students comprehension and literacy skills, prepare students for reading
Cons: May be less engaging, reduce reading competence
https://www.thetechedvocate.org/assistive-technology-to-help-students-with-developmental-
delays-succeed-academically/
High Tech-Text to speech software

Text to speech is great for students who have a developmental delay in speech. These devices
help gain control of what they need to say. The student can type into the device, and then it will
read aloud, making it easier for the teacher to understand. This is a very good tool to help
students with developmental delays communicate with both their teachers and peers. These
are very popular today.
Pros: Many computers come with this software built into the hard drive, so all teacher need to
do is teach students how to use it appropriately, allows children to have control of what they
need to say
Cons: Background noise can occur which can be a distraction to peers, less natural and
emotionless
https://www.thetechedvocate.org/assistive-technology-to-help-students-with-developmental-
delays-succeed-academically/

4. Emotional Disturbance
Low Tech-Behavior Charts

A behavior chart is very beneficial in helping emotional disturbance. These charts are used
regularly to keep a student on track throughout the day. These are great for keeping up with
the behavior of students who have this disability. Providing these will help them notice their
behaviors throughout the day and it is important to reward them when they are good
behaviors.
Pros: Helps maintain order in the classroom without constant verbal reminders, gives the child
a visual on their behavioral progress compared to their peers
Cons: Comparing students charts can lower ones self-esteem, causing negative behaviors
https://blog.himama.com/behavior-charts-pros-cons/
Medium Tech-MotivAider

The MotivAder is a mid-tech device which keeps students who may have emotional disturbance
focused and take control of their bad habits. This is a serious behavior change tool which allows
students to change their behavior if needed. You first choose a brief personal message which is
either a word, phrase or image that reminds and motivates you to make whatever change
you've decided to make. Then, you associate that with a vibration. This can be set to private
signals, depending on the student.
Pros: Very easy to use, reduces bad behavior, allows students to practice new habits
Cons: Does not always work, sometimes the students have trouble understanding
https://habitchange.com/motivaider.php

High Tech-Brainpop

Brainpop is a website used to help children with emotional disturbance. This allows students to
both study and play games in all the different subjects. This will help them learn by doing
something enjoyable! This website increases the depth of knowledge needed to answer quiz
questions and has playful assessments where students need reasoning. This is a great way for
students with ED to get their mind off of anything else.
Pros: Makes learning fun, allows a bit of a break for the students while still learning
Cons: Students may get too distracted using this website
https://sites.google.com/site/edemotionaldisturbance/assistive-technology
 5. Hearing Impairment
Low Tech-ASL/Sign Language

Sign language is a great way for students who have a hearing impairment to communicate. As a
teacher, I think sign language should be taught to all of the students in the classroom so they
are able to all communicate with the student who is hearing impaired. Using ASL will make the
student feel as if they fit in and allow them to learn in a different way. This is the best way to
communicate for children who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Pros: Makes it easier to communicate with others, do not feel left out of conversations
Cons: Takes a long time to learn, might be difficult for others to understand, even after learning
it
https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/h/hearing-
impaired.htm#:~:text=hearing%20impaired%20(archaic%20%2F%20not%20recommended,ear
%20and%20then%20signing%20INTERRUPT.

Medium-Tech-Hearing Aid

Hearing aids are one of the most common and helpful devices to help a child with a hearing
impairment. This allows them to hear everything else that their peers hear, making it much
easier to communicate. This also allows them to learn and process a lot more material. Hearing
aids also make sounds louder, which can make directions more audible and clear.
Pros: Improve ease in listening, not too visible so it won’t be a distraction to other students
Cons: Sometimes uncomfortable, do not block out background noise
https://www.signiausa.com/blog/ask-audiologist-hearing-aids-help-people-
deaf/#:~:text=Hearing%20aids%20help%20those%20with,they%20are%20audible%20and%20cl
ear.&text=You%20might%20be%20surprised%20to,they%20are%20audible%20and%20clear.
High Tech-FM systems

FM systems uses radio waves to send speech and other signals to a hearing aid. There are two
components which include a transmitter microphone and a receiver. In a classroom, the
teacher would wear the microphone part of the device and the student would wear the
receiver. This would allow the student to hear the sound waves while wearing this, making it
easier for them to understand what the teacher is saying.
Pros: Allows the student to hear what is being said by the teacher, good portability
Cons: Does not block out background noises, limited seating options
https://asuspeechandhearingclinic.org/hearing/rehabilitation-services/assistive-listening-
devices/what-are-assistive-listening-devices/advantages-and-disadvantages-assistive-listening-
devices

6. Specific Learning Disabilities

Low Tech-Highlighters

Highlighters are an useful low tech device to help students who have a reading disability.
Students that struggle with comprehension can use these to highlight key words or phrases that
they may not know the meaning of. They can also use these to highlight key words or phrases
that are important in a story or passage. Highlighting tools are also a great way to introduce the
idea of annotating texts in order to help with a student's comprehension level.
Pros: Available in many different sizes and colors, enhance students reading levels
Cons: Students may use for other reasons (coloring, drawing, etc.)
http://readingat.weebly.com/highlighting-tools.html
Medium-Tech-Calculators

Calculators are a great tool to use for students who struggles with dyscalculia, specifically ones
that have larger numbers and symbols. A calculator allows dyscalculic students to access higher
levels of math problem solving. Calculator use can promote higher order thinking and reasoning
needed for problem solving. Calculators that are less detailed and are bigger are easier for
dyscalculic students to use.
Pros: Make math more enjoyable, always accurate, calculators are something students will have
to use in the future so it is good to start using them young
Cons: May be overwhelming for students, result in dependence
https://www.myprivatetutor.my/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-calculators-for-calculations

High Tech-Intel reader

The Intel reader is a great device used for children who are dyslexic. This device reads printed
text out loud. It is a mobile handheld device which has a camera that captures printed text,
converts it to digital text, then reads it aloud to the person. This allows a student with dyslexia
to hear the text being read to them, so then they do not have to struggle reading it.
Pros: It is small so it can be used in any environment, makes learning more simple, not complex
Cons: Can be difficult to get used to and use
https://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2010/06/26/intel-reader-a-reader-for-the-blind-and-
dyslexic/
 7. Intellectual Disabilities
Low Tech-Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are very beneficial for students who have intellectual disabilities. This is
because they allow students to visualize and construct ideas, as well as organize and sequence
information. They help students construct understanding through an exploration of the
relationships between different concepts. These will help students understand more about a
specific idea.
Pros: Show cause and effect, brainstorm ideas, increase reading comprehension, organize
material
Cons: Time consuming to create for a specific need, can sometimes be difficult to make
https://ldaamerica.org/info/graphic-
organizers/#:~:text=Graphic%20organizers%20can%20help%20to,cause%20and%20effect%2C%
20and%20more.

Medium-Tech-Adapted Seating

Providing adapting seating is beneficial to students with intellectual disabilities because it

allows them to sit comfortably while learning material in class, as well as doing assignments.
One intellectual disability which needs adapted seating is cerebral palsy. This enhances a
students function and their ability to perform tasks in many environments. It improves upper
extremity function.
Pros: Very comfortable while learning and doing assignments, makes school more enjoyable
Cons: May be difficult to find adaptive seating depending on the classroom
https://www.rifton.com/adaptive-mobility-blog/blog-posts/2014/august/chair-seating-child-
cerebral-
palsy#:~:text=Thus%2C%20adaptive%20seating%20for%20children,for%20improved%20upper
%20extremity%20function.
High-Tech-Smart Board

The Smart Board is a great way for students who have intellectual disabilities to engage in
learning while doing classroom activities. This is a very collaborative tool and makes learning a
more fun experience. Using the Smart Board provides more visual elements and accommodates
different learning styles. Visual learners are able to observe more while tactile learns can touch
the board more. This will be very helpful for students who struggle with an intellectual disability
because it will get them more involved.
Pros: Use of collaboration, engaged in learning, uses multiple learning styles, contributes to the
mental, physical, and social-emotional development of students
Cons: Software difficulties, very delicate
https://www.teachhub.com/technology-in-the-classroom/2019/10/technology-in-the-
classroom-the-benefits-of-smart-
boards/#:~:text=It%20can%20provide%20students%20with,learn%20by%20touching%20the%2
0board.

8. Multiple Disabilities
Low-Tech-Pencil Grips

Pencil grips are a simple low tech tool which can help a child that has struggles with writing and
has difficulty with fine motor skills. Using the pencil grip prevents the child from hand shaking,
tremors, or writing disabilities to complete a task which requires a written response. This makes
handwriting more smooth and easier to read as well. These tools encourage the hand and
fingers to rest in proper position while gripping.
Pros: Comfortable for students, reduces hand fatigue, makes writing more simple for children
Cons: May feel restrictive to write with the pencil more held back
https://therapyfunzone.net/blog/pencil-gripspros-and-cons/

Medium-Tech-Adapted Switches

Adapted switches are a type of technology which is used for children who have either motor
disabilities or intellectual disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. These are access devices which
allow a student to use technology or operate other electronic devices. These help them control
computers, smartphones, etc. This will allow more participation in the classroom because they
have control of this device.
Pros: Creates more independence and engagement in school, multiple different types
Cons: Buttons may be too small which makes it difficult for the student
https://goalbookapp.com/toolkit/v/strategy/adaptive-switches

High Tech-AAC device

An AAC device stands for augmentative and alternative communication. This device can be used
for students who have disabilities with speech or writing. The AAC device replaces both speech
and writing for students with impairments in the production of comprehension of spoken or
written language. This device is made to help communication for a child. In the classroom, this
tool is key for interacting with both the teacher and peers.
Pros: Encourages communication, student will be heard
Cons: Lots of buttons makes it difficult for student to learn
https://www.mysidekicktherapy.com/blog/articles/faqs-augmentative-alternative-
communication-aac-device
 9. Orthopedic Impairment
Low Tech-Mouth Stick

A mouth stick is great for someone who has a disability with mobility. For example, someone
who is quadriplegic controls devices with their mouth and head. A mouth stick allows students
to control input while using a computer or any type of technology with using their mouths
instead of hands. This allows the student to participate more in the classroom without using
their arms and hands.
Pros: Easy for the students to use, does not require any battery, more engagement
Cons: Needs for strength and physical effort in the mouth
https://mouse4all.com/en/articles/mouth-sticks-for-
quadriplegics/#:~:text=A%20mouth%20stick%20is%20an,turning%20pages%20and%20even%2
0drawing.

Medium-Tech-Gait Trainer

A gait trainer is a great mid tech device for students who have orthopedic impairments because
it allows them to get around the school quicker. These assists children who are unable to walk
independently and learn how to walk safely and efficiently. This allows the child to participate
more in physical activities in the classroom, where they have to move around. Students can use
this device at any time during the school day, making it more enjoyable for them.
Pros: More physical engagement in the classroom, easy to get around since it has wheels, does
not require any strength
Cons: Can be challenging because the student has to remain standing at all times when harness
is up
https://www.rifton.com/resources/articles/2011/february/benefits-of-early-mobility-with-an-
emphasis-on-gait-training
High-Tech-Power Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs are a high tech device which requires battery. This is another device which
makes it easy for children with orthopedic impairments to get around the school. Physical
activities are more simple for children using these type of wheelchairs. These are much better
then a normal wheelchair because they require less effort and strength to get around. This is
great for children who have impairments in their legs.
Pros: More engagement in the classroom with physical activities, easy to get around, does not
require strength
Cons: Need to be conscious of power usage, difficult to transport, require regular maintenance
https://www.karmanhealthcare.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-power-wheelchairs/

10.Other Health Impaired

Low-Tech-Fidget tools

Fidget tools are a great way for students with ADHD to stay focused. Students with ADHD can
use these tools at any time during the school day without it being a distraction to the other
students. These play a role in more concentration and focus for a child. Sometimes children
need something to play with while learning, to increase their attention span. These are very
common and helpful for children struggling with ADHD. These are also great for students who
have anxiety to make them less nervous.
Pros: Increase focus, concentration, attention span, allows a child’s brain to better pay
attention to the primary task, help students with anxiety calm down, do not have any noise
Cons: Peers may want to use them just for fun while seeing the student with ADHD or anxiety
use it
https://blog.brainbalancecenters.com/2016/02/5-great-classroom-friendly-fidgets-for-
students-with-
adhd#:~:text=Fidgets%20are%20small%2C%20nondisruptive%20toys,in%20on%20the%20prim
ary%20task.

Medium-Tech- Talking Calculator

A talking calculator is very helpful for students that have ADHD because it lets them know
whether they have pressed the right keys and verifies the answer before they transfer it to
paper. This will help students with ADHD become less distracted and press the wrong keys on
the calculator since it speaks to them when they have done so. Using this tool will keep the
student more on track then using a normal calculator.
Pros: Less of a distraction, allows them to do better on math assignments
Cons: Tells them the answers so it may be harder for them to learn with a regular calculator

High Tech-Electric Organizer

An electric organizer is a small calculator-sized computer used for organizing ideas. This is great
for students with ADD or ADHD because they usually have much trouble staying organized. This
is mostly used for organizing vocabulary, main ideas, supporting details, and comprehension
questions. Students with these disabilities have trouble staying focused as well so this is an
awesome tool for students to use to improve both their focus and organization skills.
Pros: Improves attention, more engagement in classroom, better organization
Cons: Are sometimes difficult to use and may be confusing to a young child
 11.Speech and Language Impairment
Low-Tech-Communication Boards

Communication boards are a great way for students who have speech and language
impairments to interact with their peers. Using these boards allow students to express
themselves, without having to speak. This displays photos, symbols, or illustrations to help with
limited language skills. The student can either use gestures, point to, or blink at images to
communicate with others, making it easy for the teacher and their classmates to understand
what they want or how they feel.
Pros: Engagement in classroom, meets the students needs, lets them express themselves,
encourages communication
Cons: Limited vocabulary, grammar, and complexity
https://superpowerspeech.com/2018/04/low-tech-aac-picture-exchange-pros-and-cons.html

Medium-Tech-Quick Talker 23

The Quick Talker 23 is a great communication tools for students who struggle with speech and
language. This device allows the students to click any button depending on how they feel or
what they want. This is similar to the communication board, except this is an electrical device.
While using this device, the student can interact with the teacher telling them their needs or
feelings, so that the teacher can understand what they need. This requires no speech at all.
Pros: Very easy to use, can communicate very quickly, provides flexibility, learning outcomes
are better
Cons: May not have everything that the student wants to say making it hard to communicate
https://fhchsassistivetechnology.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/quicktalker-2/
High Tech-Wego Write

Wego Write is a small computer device which allows children to type whatever they want and it
will say it aloud. This is great for communication in the classroom, since the child is unable to
speak. It is has a keyboard, just like any other computer so it is easy for the students to use. This
is another tool where the student can express their needs and feelings.
Pros: Encourages interactions, easy to use, can be accessed anywhere since it is small
Cons: Can be a distraction to other students, have to keep checking the battery on it, can have
issues, just like a normal computer
https://www.talktometechnologies.com/pages/wegoa

12.Traumatic Brain Injury

Low Tech-Large Print Calendar

A large print calendar is a great idea for students who have cognitive problems, such as
traumatic brain injury. As a teacher, providing a calendar will make it easy for students to know
their daily routines. Students with TBI can predict what will happen day by day by using this
calendar. It is important to use large print as well because it is more simple to read and
understand when everything is bigger.
Pros: Helps organization, provides daily routines, predictable for students
Cons: A student with this disorder may be too dependent on the calendar which causes it to be
a distraction
https://www.calendar.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-using-multiple-planners-and-calendars/
Medium-Tech-Talking Clock

A talking clock says the time throughout the day as well as set timers for students doing timed
assignments. This is beneficial for a student who has a traumatic brain injury because it is very
difficult for them to process the time while reading it. By having the talking clock, they will
know how much time they may have on an assignment or what time it is during the school day.
This can be accessed at any time where the student needs information. They also set reminders
as well.
Pros: Students will always know the time or how much time they have, very easy for the
teacher to use
Cons: Can be a distraction to children if they keep hearing the time, may stress them out more
https://www.brainline.org/article/assistive-technology-individuals-traumatic-brain-injury

High-Tech-Palm Pilot

The Palm Pilot is a tool made for people who have traumatic brain injury. This device allows
students or teachers to take notes and retrieve them, set daily reminders, or to do lists for
assignments. In the classroom, the teacher can put whatever they want on the Palm Pilot, so
that the student will have reminders of what they may need for the class. This would keep the
student more organized and can be used anywhere.
Pros: Higher grades, reminds students of what they need to do, anything can be put on it, keeps
them organized
Cons: May be confusing for the student to use, so the teacher would probably have to use it.
https://www.brainline.org/article/assistive-technology-individuals-traumatic-brain-injury
 13.Visual Impairment
Low Tech-Magnifying Glass

A magnifying glass enlarges text to make it easier for a student who has a visual impairment to
read. In the classroom this can be used while reading a story, writing activities, or reading
directions. By using this tool, the student will be on the same track as the other students
because they will be able to read as well. Small text is difficult for children who are visually
impaired to read, so this is perfect for enlarging the text and allowing the student to read.
Pros: It is small so it can be taken anywhere, encourages student to read, enlarges print, allows
student to be caught up
Cons: Sometimes difficult to get sufficient light between the lens and the page, which makes it
difficult for them to read
http://www.optimalowvision.co.uk/documents/Choosing%20Your%20Magnifier%20V7.pdf

Medium Tech-Screen Magnifier

As you can see in this picture, a screen magnifier enlarges text on a screen. This is very similar
to a magnifying glass, except it is shown on a computer screen rather than paper. These are
very beneficial for students who have visual impairments because it allows them to read
printed text, since the words are huge on the screen. It also enlarges the words as a student
types them, making it easier to read. It switches views to keep up with what you are doing and
where on the screen you are focused.
Pros: Makes it easy to read, switches views to keep up with activity, enlarged text and pictures,
makes student more engaged
Cons: The light may affect their eyes, they require the student to remain in one place
https://visionaware.org/everyday-living/helpful-products/overview-of-low-vision-
devices/electronic-magnifiers/
High Tech-Learning Ally

Learning Ally is an award-winning education website which is known for helping students with
visual impairments. This website has an extensive library of human-read audiobooks. This
makes it super simple for a student who is visually impaired because they do not have to try to
read the screen themselves. The teacher can use any book that they want and find it on there.
By reading the audiobooks to children who are visually impaired, it will make the stories more
enjoyable for them as well as their learning experience.
Pros: Very easy to use and accessible, free cost, has the stories being read to students
Cons: May be a distraction to other students, students may not actually learn how to read by
just listening to the stories
https://www.ialvs.com/ways-we-can-help/low-vision-aids-devices-and-glasses/high-tech-
devices-for-low-vision/