Assistive Technology in

the Classroom

Presented By: Stephanie Beran, Patricia Brown, Brian Grant, Thelma Rodriguez,
Annemarie Ruggiero.

Introduction
Assistive Technology(AT): Any item or

piece of equipment that is used to

improve or maintain functional
capabilities of individuals with disability.
AT

in the classroom opens new

doors for students with disabilities.
Enables students with all abilities to

achieve highest function in the

classroom
Creates an inclusive environment
Fosters growth and limits barriers
(Ludlow, Foshay 2009)

Arizona Technology Access

Program
AzTAP
Created in 1994
Provides funding

for AT in the
classroom
Committed to
making AT
available for
individuals with
disability

iPads

Used as an assistive
technology for special
needs in the classroom
Many standard features
to assist with vision,
hearing, physical and
sensory needs

Apps

Over 80,000 educational apps on

iTunes app store
Choosing the best app for your
client
Apps for the therapist
Apps for the student/client
Some great apps for the classroom

Low Vision Aids

Video

Magnifiers

Benefits children with

low vision
Makes it easier
reading text, graphs,
class work, and
taking tests
Computer screen with
built in camera with
zoom lends to project
text or pictures onto
the screen

Personal FM Listening
Systems
Easy

Listener

Used for children with low

auditory, and also struggle

with listening or attention
Used with hearing aids for
clear speech and through
a speaker
Also good for blocking out
background noise and
distance for understanding
speech

Sound Amplification
The

SMART Audio
classroom amplification
system
Cost: $950-$1500 per
room
Problems that would
cause a school to invest
Resolutions from
purchasing the device
(Arnold, Channing 1999)

Closed Captioning
Brief

history
Research/Benefits
Potential uses in the
classroom
Other technology
(Jensema 1998)

Livescribe Pen
Smart

Pen

Captures every word you

hear, write, and draw and

transfers all your notes to
MAC or PC
Assists students with
learning disabilities
Cost Effective : $169
Transitions with students
from school to workplace
(Stephen 2015)

Smart
Boardoar

Digital ink, pen tray

Touch system, touch recognition

Smart notebook software

Save function

Durable surface

Wall-mount bracket or floor

stand

Alternative
Keyboards
Ergonomic
Split keyboards

One-Handed
keyboards

Key guards

Smaller keyboards

Bigger letters
Colored Keys

Conclusion
AT

increases function in
the classroom
Occupational Therapists

collaborate with
teachers, school staff,
and AT vendors to
provide students with the
most effective devices
Technology will continue
to grow and emerge in
the classroom

References

Alternative Keyboards. (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015. http://www.enableireland.ie/productstechnology

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2010). Specialized knowledge and skills in technology
and environmental interventions for occupational therapy practice. American Journal of
Occupational Therapy, 64, S44S56. doi:10.5014/ajot.2010.64S44

Apple Inc. (2015). Special Education. Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/education/specialeducation/

Apple Inc. (2015). iPad in Education. Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/

Apple Inc. (2013). Apps in the Classroom-Using iOS Apps for Teaching and Learning.
Retrieved from http://www apple.com/educationL523172A_EDU_App_Guide_062013-1.pdf

Arnold, P., & Channing, D. (1999). Does classroom amplification aid comprehension? British Journal
of Audiology, 33(3), 171

Ludlow, B. L., & Foshay, J. D. (2009). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school
experiences of students with disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 24(1), 65-67.
Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/228480035?accountid=89121

Jensema, C. (1998). Viewer reaction to different television captioning speeds. American Annals of
the
Deaf, 143(4), 318-24.

References Continued
Smart

boards. (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015.

http://www.smartboards.com

Stephen,

J. (2015). How to use technology to get ahead. Wisconsin

Law Journal, Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1652315728?accountid=89121

STUDENT

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES CLEARS ROADBLOCKS ON THE

PATH TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS. (2015, Jun 15). US Fed News Service,
Including US State News Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1687933917?accountid=89121

Wendt,

O. (2011). Assistive technology principles and applications for

communication disorders and special education. (1 st ed., p. 547).
Bingley: Emerald Group Pub.