12/8/2015

Assistive Technology: Resource Roundup | Edutopia

Assistive Technology: Resource Roundup

Discover websites, blogs, articles, and videos that provide information and tools related to
understanding, selecting, and assessing assistive technology.
OR IGIN AL LYPU B LISH ED :D EC EM BE R 9,2 013| U PD AT ED : OC T OBER 26 ,20 15

Resources by Topic:
Getting Started
Finding Assistive Technology
Tips and Tools
Need-Specific Resources
Universal Design for Learning
Additional Resources on the Web
This guide to assistive technology will help you navigate some of the
available websites, resources, and tools related to assistive technology
and accessible educational materials -- from getting started, to tips, to
finding appropriate technology and need-specific resources. Before you
dive in, you may want to watch VideoAmy's "Five-Minute Film Festival:
The Power of Assistive Technology (http://www.edutopia.org/blog/filmfestival-assistive-technology) ."

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Understanding Assistive Technology: Simply Said

Getting Started
Whether low-tech, high-tech, or somewhere in between, assistive technology and related services play
an important role in reducing barriers to learning for students with a variety of special needs and
challenges. Parents and educators can work together to examine the role technology can play in
helping young people build independence.

For Educators
Vanderbilt University's IRISSTAR LegacyModules are web-based learning modules that provide
information about working with students with disabilities; Assistive Technology: An Overview
(http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/) is a great walkthrough of assistive-technology basics
for classroom teachers.
For general information on assistive technology (AT) and accessible educational materials (AEM),
including relevant federal laws, the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
(http://aem.cast.org/) at CAST provides a helpful outline (http://aem.cast.org/supporting/assistivetechnology.html#.VifwU6Q7TrY) .
CAST's AEM Navigator (http://aem.cast.org/navigating/aem-navigator.html#.VifxQaQ7TrY) is a
decision-making tool -- designed for use by Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams or other
collaborative teams -- for determining the need, selection, acquisition, and use of AEM. Information
about specific resources available in your state is included in their State AT Resources
(http://aem.cast.org/policies/state.html#.VifySKQ7TrY) .
For school districts, Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (http://www.qiat.org/index.html)

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(QIAT) provides various quality indicators and other resources (http://www.qiat.org/indicators.html)

useful for evaluating the effectiveness of assistive-technology services.

For Parents
Assistive Technology Basics (https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistivetechnology/assistive-technologies-basics) from Understood.org (https://www.understood.org/)
includes a variety of resources for parents, including examples of the types of tools that are
available, information on universal design for learning, and tips on how to work with schools.
Joanne Karger, J.D., Ed.D. and Mary Brownell, Ph.D. offer helpful advice in this video on Assistive
Technology and Learning Disabilities (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIbigV2bPc&feature=youtu.be) from the National Center for Learning Disabilities (http://www.ncld.org/)
(NCLD):

Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities

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Finding Assistive Technology

Explore the following websites for information about specific technologies and guidance on finding
appropriate tools.

For Educators
TechMatrix (http://techmatrix.org/) , funded through a grant by the U.S. Department of Education
and maintained by the American Institutes for Research (http://www.air.org/) (AIR), is a searchable

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database of over 400 assistive and educational technology tools and resources. The products are
searchable by content area, grade level, IDEA disability category, and the type of instructional
support.
TechMatrix also provides a useful consumer guide
(http://techmatrix.org/sites/all/themes/TechMatrix/images/consumerguide.pdf) for school
administrators looking to purchase technology and collects research articles
(http://techmatrix.org/resource-search?body=&title=&search=true) on the theory and practice of
using technology to improve student learning.

For Parents
Common Sense Media (http://www.commonsensemedia.org/) has an online resource, the Learning
Difficulties & Special Needs Guide (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/special-needs) that
includes product recommendations for parents whose kids struggle with traditional learning.
Graphite (http://www.graphite.org/) , a service of Common Sense Media, maintains a collection of
reviews of Great Special Ed Apps and Sites (http://www.graphite.org/top-picks/great-special-edapps-and-sites) recommended by educators and experts working with children with special needs
and learning differences.
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Tips and Tools

Apps to Support Diverse Learners in the Classroom (http://www.edutopia.org/blog/apps-supportdiverse-learners-classroom-chester-goad) , by Chester Goad (2015)
Apps can help diverse learners by gamifying their tasks, coaching them on social cues, prioritizing their
time, strengthening their math skills, and sharpening their language abilities.
Hands-On Apps for Diverse Learners (http://www.edutopia.org/blog/hands-on-apps-diverse-learnersmatthew-farber) , by Matthew Farber (2015)
Diverse learners demonstrate engagement and creativity when introduced to interactive, tech-based
learning tools through the game jam model of exploration.
It's a Snap! 4 Ways to Use Music With Special Needs Students (http://www.edutopia.org/blog/musicwith-special-needs-students-michelle-lazar) , by Michelle Lazar, MA, MT-BC (2014)
Special education teachers should consider music in their classrooms to supplement visuals, teach
through students' favorite songs, emphasize rhythm, and generalize lessons into non-musical settings.
Michelle Lazar discusses some of the musical tools available to improve student comprehension.
Creating a "Least Restrictive Environment" with Mobile Devices (http://www.edutopia.org/blog/leastrestrictive-environment-mobile-devices-beth-holland) , by Beth Holland (2013)
Holland of EdTechTeacher looks at how mobile devices can help create a "least restrictive
environment," not only for students with disabilities, but for everyone else as well.

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Dictation Technology Will Change Writing Instruction (http://www.edutopia.org/blog/dictationtechnology-changing-writing-instruction-robert-rosenberger) , by Robert Rosenberger (2013)
Rosenberger, assistant professor of philosophy at Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Public
Policy, offers a thoughtful examination of how dictation technology is likely to change the future of
writing instruction.
Assistive Technology: Enhanced Learning for All (http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technologyenhances-learning-all) , by Lisa Wahl (2003)
Assistive technology can help students with a range of disabilities to excel. In this article, Wahl provides
several examples of how technology can be used to support the learning experiences of students with
unique challenges.
Edutopias community is another great source of tips and tools. "The Ultimate Guide to Assistive
Technology for Students With Special Needs (http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/ultimate-guideassistive-technology-students-special-needs) ," a post by Rebecca Dean, is a good place to start.
Dean describes some of the many resources available to help support children experiencing challenges
with reading, writing, math, listening, memory, and organization.

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Need-Specic Resources
Learning Dierences
Dyslexia in the General Education Classroom (http://www.edutopia.org/h/blog/dyslexia-in-general-edclassroom-kelli-sandman-hurley) , by Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. (2014)
In order to accommodate students with dyslexia, general education teachers must understand what the
condition is and what alternate means work best for accessing information. Sandman-Hurley has
prepared a list of common and helpful accommodations, including assistive-technology tools.
Technology-Rich Literacy Experience for Students With Reading Disabilities
(http://www.edutopia.org/blog/udio-tech-platform-reading-disabilities-ted-hasselbring) , by Ted
Hasselbring (2014)
Hasselbring, a research professor of special education at Vanderbilt University, introduces Udio
(https://udio.cast.org) , an online environment designed to engage and support middle school students
who face literacy challenges.

Physical Challenges
School-as-Studio Immerses Students in Creative Problem Solving
(http://www.edutopia.org/blog/school-studio-immerses-students-creative-problem-solving-suzie-boss)
, by Suzie Boss (2015)

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Launched in 2010 by a trio of bold thinkers from MIT, NuVu Studio is a secondary school that boasts
recent student projects focused on everything from futuristic fashion to biotechnology. Boss describes
a "hack your wheelchair" studio whereby a student worked together with teammates to make his
wheelchair easier to propel and better equipped for wet weather.
Design Challenge: DIY Assistive Game Controllers (http://www.edutopia.org/blog/design-diy-assistivegame-controllers-matthew-farber) , by Matthew Farber (2014)
Here are four of many possible ways for transforming standard video games into assistive-technology
tools that students of any ability can enjoy.

Sensory Impairments
Assistive Technology and the 1:1 Student (http://www.edutopia.org/blog/assistive-technology-one-toone-andrew-marcinek) , by Andrew Marcinek (2012)
Marcinek, in a story about Burlington High's 1:1 program, describes one student's easy use of the iPad
to assist with her visual impairment.

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

For information on the basics of universal design for learning (UDL), take a look at What is UDL?
(http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl) from the National Center on Universal Design for
Learning (http://www.udlcenter.org) . The role of technology in UDL is explored on their UDL and
Technology (http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udltechnology) page. UDL strategies do not replace the
need for AT, but UDL and AT can be complementary. For a concise illustration of the relationship
between UDL and AT, check out this handy chart, AT and UDL in Partnership
(http://marylandlearninglinks.org/3385) , from Maryland Learning Links. Written with a parent audience
in mind, "Universal Design for Learning: What It Is and How It Works
(https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologiesbasics/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works) " from Understood.org is another
great resource.
Digital Diversity: Engaging All Students in Education (http://www.edutopia.org/digital-diversityengaging-all-students-in-education) , by Grace Rubenstein (2006)
In this article, Rubenstein discusses how access-enhancing technology tools are not only useful for
those with identified special needs; these tools can be a means of personalizing instruction for all
learners.
We All Have Special Needs: Using Technology to Break Down Barriers (http://www.edutopia.org/weall-have-special-needs) , by George Lucas (2001)

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Lucas discusses how technology can transform lives and help all people to overcome barriers and
reach their full potential.

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Additional Resources on the Web

Articles and Blogs
"Tech Tools That Have Transformed Learning With Dyslexia
(http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/11/03/tech-tools-that-transformed-learning-with-dyslexia/) "
by Holly Korbey, KQED's MindShift (2015)
"iPads in Special Ed: What Does the Research Say?
(http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/06/13/321058641/ipads-in-special-ed-what-does-theresearch-say) " by Anya Kamenetz, nprEd (2014)
"For Dyslexic Students, Are Smart Phones Easier to Read Than Books?
(http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/smart-phones-beat-paper-best-device-reading/) " by
Ruth Tam, PBS News Hour (2014)
"Captioned Media: Literacy Support for Diverse Learners
(http://www.readingrockets.org/article/35793/) ," by Alise Brann, Reading Rockets (2011)
"Free Audio Books and Why You Should Try Them
(http://www.scholastic.com/parents/blogs/scholastic-parents-raise-reader/free-audio-booksand-why-you-should-try-them?
utm_source=September+2013+newsletter&utm_campaign=SeptOct2013&utm_medium=email) ,"
by Amy Mascott, Scholastic Parents (2013)
"iPads Help Late-Speaking Children with Autism Develop Language
(http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2013/11/ipads-autism-language/) ," by Joan Brasher, Research News
@Vanderbilt (2013)
"Matching Assistive Technology Tools to Individual Needs (http://www.greatschools.org/specialeducation/legal-rights/968-matching-assistive-technology-tools-to-individual-needs.gs?page=all)
," by Marshall Raskind, GreatSchools (Reviewed 2010)
"The New Common Core State Standards Assessments: Building Awareness for Assistive
Technology Specialists
(http://www.closingthegap.com/media/solutions/articles/2013/12/1992/1992.pdf) ," by Dave L.
Edyburn, Closing the Gap (2013)

Organizations and Other Resources

Twitter: #atchat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/atchat) , and #assistivetechnology
(https://twitter.com/hashtag/assistivetechnology)
AT specialist Brian Wojcik curates resources shared on #atchat in #ATchat Weekly

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(http://paper.li/bwwojci/1361415475) .
Accessibility in Education (http://www.microsoft.com/enable/education/) from Microsoft
Accessible Teaching Materials (https://www.disability.gov/?
s=&fq=topics_taxonomy:%22Education^^Accessible+Teaching+Materials^^%22) from
Disability.gov
Assistive Technology Center (http://www.ocali.org/center/at) from OCALI
Assistive Technology Interface for Art From Makey Makey
(http://makeymakey.com/guides/assistive.php)
Center on Technology and Disability (http://www.ctdinstitute.org/)
Google Accessibility: All Products and Features (https://www.google.com/accessibility/allproducts-features.html)
Hearing Assistive Technology (http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/assist_tech.htm)
from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Special Education (http://www.apple.com/education/special-education/) from Apple
Technology and Media Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (http://www.tamcec.org/)
Simon Technology Center (http://www.pacer.org/stc/) from the PACER Center
Technology (http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Technology.html) from the Yale Center for Dyslexia &
Creativity
Technology Resource List (https://nfb.org/technology-resource-list) from National Federation of
the Blind (NFB)
Web Accessibility Tips (http://ataporg.org/webtips.html) from the Association of Assistive
Technology Act Programs

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