Assistive technology tools for students with disabilities are some of the least known but most important tools in K12 education today. According to research, there are students with disabilities in every grade of secondary school across the country, three out of every four students with disabilities are enrolled during the school day in a general education class. Assistive technology is a tool that helps students with disabilities even in the face of a shortage of special education teachers.
Today, assistive technology tools can help students with disabilities learn more effectively. Ranging in spreadsheets for “high” technologies, including the latest software and applications for smartphones, assistive technology is a dynamic field. Below are some useful basic assistive technologies for students with disabilities.
DraftBuilder
This is a writing tool that combines drawing, note-taking, and draft functions to divide the writing process into three steps. Using a graphic organizer, the program helps students visualize the project and insert information in the appropriate place without having to conceptualize the entire process, and then automate the creation process where students can drag and drop what is written in each. Take notes on drafts. Other features include a spell checker using TTS technology, bibliographic tools, dictionaries, and the ability for teachers to add locked text to the program for further learning.
Assistive Listening System
A range of assistive learning systems or hearing aids can help students who are deaf or hard of hearing, or other students with hearing or learning disabilities. According to the research, it can be used to improve the range of hearing aids and cochlear implants and their performance, or by children who do not need these devices but still need hearing aids. These systems use a microphone, transmission technology, and a device to capture and transmit sound to the ear.
Sound Field System
Sound Field System is an effective choice for classrooms that require all children to hear in the classroom. These systems benefit not only children with hearing loss but also children with other hearing and learning problems, such as delayed speech, auditory processing disorders, joint disorders, and developmental delay.
In addition, the sound school system can be used for English as a second language learner. The sound field system uses a microphone that transmits sound through speakers installed in the classroom.
Math Tools
A number of technologies and tools can help students who have math difficulties, most often with a learning disability known as calculus disorder. Dyscalculia makes numbers difficult to understand and is characterized by a general lack of understanding in mathematics. Assistive technology in math isn’t just for people with computing disabilities, it can also help students with blindness, fine motor skills, or other disabilities that make tasks difficult.
Math Talk
Math Talk is a math speech recognition program that can help students with various disabilities. From pre-algebra to PhD. Math level, students can solve math by speaking into their computer’s microphone. This software works with Dragon NaturalSpeak’s text-to-speech software, ideal for students with fine motor skills.
In addition, MathTalk also attracts students with computing disabilities. The program acts as an electronic calculating board, allowing children to arrange, align and solve problems on the screen, which is very useful for students who have difficulty solving math problems. on the paper.
With the rapid development of assistive technology, students, parents, and teachers have a seemingly limitless number of tools at their disposal. As these tools begin to appear at home and in the classroom, parents and teachers can use them for their students personal and academic development, but technology alone is not enough, to successfully use these tools, it is important to develop a plan for their use and conduct regular reviews to ensure that students receive as much value as possible and do not rely too much on them as tools.
