2. Assistive technology is technology used by
individuals with disabilities in order to
perform functions that might otherwise be
difficult or impossible. Assistive technology
can include mobility devices such as
walkers and wheelchairs, as well as
hardware, software, and peripherals that
assist people with disabilities in accessing
computers or other information
technologies.
http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109
3. • In 2009-2010, we implemented inclusion classrooms across the district
at all grade levels with the goal of improving educational opportunities
and state assessment scores.
• Inclusion classrooms provide special education students with instruction
in the least restrictive environment.
• Team teaching provides the expertise of subject-specific and special
education teachers. Both general education and special education
students benefit from this environment.
• Using modifications and assistive technology, special education
students and those with 504 plans are able to achieve the same
NJCCCS and 21st Century classroom standards.
4. The Hazlet Township Public School system offers numerous assistive
technology devices to classified, ESL and regular education students
within our district. The following list supports our goals of providing the
best possible technology for all students:
ƒ
Microphone / headphone devices
ƒ Image / font size increasing software
ƒ Touch screen monitors
ƒ Alpha smart keyboards
ƒ Variety of software packages for all grade levels
ƒ Phonic ear
ƒ System 80 machines
5. Touch Screen Monitors
Microphone/Headphone Devices
Allows students with spatial and fine
motor disabilities to operate computers
and utilize educational software.
Students with a lack of fine motor,
comprehension and written communication
skills can record oral answers and create
Podcasts to communicate information.
6. Phonic Ear
AlphaSmart Keyboards
Allows students with auditory processing disabilities
to hear the teacher ‘s voice amplified through an
FM speaker system.
Students are able to complete assignments
and type class notes faster and neater
than writing by hand. The device also
provides text-to-speech capabilities.
7. Font Increasing Software
Educational Software
Designed to help students of all ability levels
increase acquisition of basic skills.
Helps students with visual impairments use
computers.
8. •Sticky Keys allows students to type combination
keystrokes without pressing the keys simultaneously.
•Slow Keys helps children with unsteady hands or
difficulty in key targeting.
•Auto-repeat can be disabled to support students
with reflex control challenges.
•High-contrast LCD screen and multiple font sizes help
children with vision challenges.
•Linked Files make it easy to provide customized
assignments, instruction, and support materials.
Neo 2 Mobile Lab
http://www.renlearn.com/neo/NEO2/specialneeds/default.aspx
The next generation of AlphaSmart Keyboards.
9. Universal Access Provisions
The READ 180 Software can be easily programmed
by teachers to provide students—individual or
whole class—with universal access. The provisions
comprise text captioning for anchor videos,
adjustment of audio-reading speed, alternate
color schemes, and button rollover.
Individualized Instruction and Reports
Powerful reports, such as the Student Diagnostic
Report, provide educators with the individual
student performance data they need to fine-tune
instruction and improve student performance.
Instructional Routines that Promote Active
Participation of Special Education Students
The rBook Teacher’s Edition and the three
Resource for Differentiated Instruction books
present educators with best practice routines
designed to help striving learners feel safe.
Examples of such routines are: Oral Cloze, Text
Marking, Repeated Readings, Explicit Instruction of
Academic Words, and Sentence Starters.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/read180/
10. Reading, Writing and Learning Software
• Compatible with any printed work.
• Helps increase reading speed,
fluency and comprehension.
• Provides visual and auditory feedback to
help improve study skills and keep up with
assignments.
• Text-to-speech helps model fluency and
increase comprehension.
• Writing and self-editing tools allow
students to self-correct while working.
http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx
11. • All teachers will participate in a one-hour workshop in which strategies
for finding free online assistive technology resources will be discussed.
• Ongoing assistance will be provided by the director of special
services, technology facilitator, child study team, and in-class support
teachers.
• A educational networking site will be created on Ning.com to help
spread information and share ideas and resources. The Ning will be
maintained by the technology facilitator.
