The Role of Assistive Technology in Special Education
Assistive technology (AT) refers to devices, software and equipment that helps students to work around any learning challenges they may have. This type of technology has been carefully designed to help with a variety of learning differences and disabilities, such as autism, dyslexia and physical disabilities.
What Are the Benefits of Using Assistive Technology in Schools?
AT in the classroom usually involves an element of play and is often of a hands-on nature; this makes it particularly engaging for children, helping them to strengthen their skills and build their confidence. When introduced into the classroom, AT has the potential to support children with additional needs to feel included in lessons and assist them in getting the most out of their studies.
Education experts such as Sir Peter Birkett understand that, as it can be used by all learners, deploying AT in the classroom is an effective way of creating a more inclusive learning environment.
Examples of How Assistive Technology Can Be Used in the Classroom
There are many different forms of AT. Low-level examples include pencil grips and highlighter pens, while mid-tech AT refers to things such as audio books and calculators. Examples of high-tech AT are adaptive computers and speech software.
AT alternatives to standard keyboards could include ergonomic keyboards, compact keyboards, keyboards that incorporate larger keys and high-visibility keyboards, which feature highly contrasting colours to make the keys easier to locate. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools could also be deployed, such as speech-generating devices (which turn typed messages into speech and vice versa), voice output communication aids (VOCAs), screen readers and text-to-speech tools. The latter turn the written word into the spoken word.
Visual timers, virtual reality headsets and interactive whiteboards are all other types of AT that can be introduced into the classroom. The latter are now widely used to ensure that all students are able to see clearly; similar to an extra-large interactive tablet-type device, images and text are digitalized, making the information easier to both see and use.
Other Tech-Based Learning Tools
As well as AT, other forms of technology-based learning tools are available that are designed to assist all students, including those with learning disabilities. Examples include instructional software which can be deployed to teach specific skills, such as reading and writing, or the content of a specific subject matter, like history and science.