Assistive Technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
- Mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies.
- People with limited hand function – keyboard with large keys or a special mouse to operate a computer,
- People who are blind – software that reads text on the screen in a computer-generated voice,
- People with low vision may use software that enlarges screen content, people who are deaf may use a TTY (text telephone),
- People with speech impairments may use a device that speaks out loud as they enter text via a keyboard.
- Read an article describing the use of iPod as a communication tool:
http://learningtools.us/presentations/files/ipod_use_for_work.pdf
http://www.resnaprojects.org/nattap/RESNA.html
Assistive Technology Ning that focuses on assistive technology for PreK- 12 grade educators. Included in the Ning is a page dedicated to iPad and iPod in Special Education
Using Arms & Hands in Activities & Routines: This issue of Tots-n-Tech (TnT) newsletter discusses various ways to adapt materials using low-tech solutions so that children can participate in activities and routines that require use of arms and hands. TnT’s mission is to provide up-to-date information and resources about adaptations, including assistive technology, to use with infants and toddlers for states, Early Intervention providers and families across the country. This link opens a PDF document.