Assistive technology is defined as any device, piece of equipment, or system that helps bypass, work around, or compensate for an individual's specific learning deficits.
Over the last decade, a number of research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of assistive technology for individuals with learning disabilities. 1 AT doesn't cure or eliminate learning difficulties, but it can help you reach your potential because it allows you to capitalize on your strengths and bypass areas of difficulty. For example, a student who struggles with reading but who has good listening skills might benefit from listening to books on tape.
In general, assistive technology compensates for a student's skills deficits or area(s) of challenge. However, utilizing AT does not mean that an individual can't also receive remedial instruction. AT and remedial instruction are not mutually exclusive. In fact, research has shown that AT can serve to improve certain skill deficits (e.g., reading and spelling)
AT can increase self-reliance and sense of independence. Individuals who struggle in school are often overly dependent on parents, siblings, friends, and teachers for help with assignments. By using AT, kids can experience success at working independently.
What Types of Learning Problems Does Assistive Technology Address?
AT can address many types of learning difficulties. A student who has difficulty writing can compose a school report by dictating it and having it converted to text by special computer software. A child who struggles with math can use a hand-held calculator to keep score while playing a game with a friend. And a teenager with dyslexia may benefit from AT that will read aloud his employer's online training manual.
There are AT tools to help students who struggle with:
Listening
Math
Organization and Memory
Reading
Writing
What Kinds of Assistive Technology Tools Are Available?
The term assistive technology usually applies to computer hardware and software, as well as other electronic devices. AT tools that support kids with learning disabilities include:
Abbreviation expanders
Alternative keyboards
Audio books and publications
Electronic math worksheets
Free-form database software
Graphic organizers and outlining
Information/data managers
Optical character recognition
Personal FM Listening Systems
Portable word processors
Proofreading programs
Speech recognition programs
Speech synthesizers/Screen Readers
Talking Calculators
Talking spell-checkers and electronic dictionaries
Variable speed tape recorders
Word prediction programs
There are literally hundreds of assistive technology products. These products have been designed to collectively meet the needs of individuals across a wide-range of disabilities—blindness, learning difficulties, etc. as well as temporary or permanent problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. Typically these products are built to run on specific computer operating systems (e.g. Windows XP) and/or add features to a computer application (e.g. Microsoft Word). In short, assistive technology allows an individual with a disability or functional limitation to independently use his/her personal computer—even if they can't see the monitor, type on the keyboard or move/click the mouse.
