What is an assistive technology?
Assistive technologies can be described as "The application of practical or industrial arts that help people with disabilities. AT is really a concept, a perspective as it were, that leads one down the road to making practical decisions about specific devices, services, and adaptations that can be used by people with disabilities, their advocates, and their family members to make independence possible." (Bryant & Bryant 2012)
In the inclusive classroom assistive technologies can prove to be an essential asset to both students and teachers. Many students with disabilities rely heavily on these devices to help them gain access into the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
In the inclusive classroom assistive technologies can prove to be an essential asset to both students and teachers. Many students with disabilities rely heavily on these devices to help them gain access into the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
types of assistive tecnology
Assistive technology tools are categorized according to their functionality and make-up. They range from low tech to high tech.
Low Tech - low tech tools include inexpensive tools that do not require batteries. Some examples of these tools include binders, rubber stamps, pencil grips and finger grip rulers.
Left - A Pencil Grip
Mid Tech - mid tech tools include devices that require batteries. Examples of these include tape recorders, label makers and voice pods.
Left - A Label Maker
High Tech - high tech tools include those tools that are expensive/use batteries. Some examples of these tools include computers, PDAs and wheel chairs.
Left - A Wheel Chair