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This story was printed from Medina County Schools' ESC.
Site URL: http://www.medina-esc.org.

Assistive Technology

by N'ecole Ast
February 08, 2010

Assistive technology devices enable some students with or without disabilities to participate more effectively in classroom activities. The classroom experience is more meaningful to students when they have the opportunity to access the curriculum through different modes. An assistive technology device enables students to take ownership of their learning by adding to discussions and expressing knowledge about content that they have learned. Below is a list of low tech assistive technology items and uses for them in the classroom.

Assistive Technology Item	Use
Erasers/tabs	Use to turn pages in books
Highlighters, Markers, colored pencils	Two column addition, subtraction, multiplication
Index Cards	Use to guide reading instead of finger
Magnetic letters and numbers, alphabet and number stamps	Use instead of writing to make numbers Choose or stamp the numbers or letters
Desktop schedule	Print or use pictures for student’s schedule. Have student remove item and put in an “all done” pocket upon completion.
Ginger Software www.gingersoftware.com	Contextual grammar and spell checker Creates corrections for grammatical errors, misused words and severe spelling mistakes using the context of the sentence Provides alternative corrections for ambiguous corrections that are paired with a sample expression so that the writer can make an informed choice
BookWorm www.ablenetinc.com	This device can turn virtually any book into a “talking book”

Did you know that the IPod Touch has several applications that may be helpful for students with disabilities? Below is a list of applications and the cost per application.

Application	Price
iPromts: This is a program that was created by parents of a student with autism. It is a customizable, visual, prompting tool for students who need visual cuing throughout their day.	$49.99
Air Mouse: This application turns the device into a wireless mouse.	$5.99
Proloquo2Go: Use the iPhone as an AAC device	$189.99
iprocrastinate Mobile: Scheduling, organization, reminders	Free
uHear: hearing amplifier	$9.99
iCommunicate: storyboards and schedules	$4.99
iconverse: AAC device, customizable	$9.99
Look2Learn: AAC device, customizable	$24.99
Step Stones: Visual schedule, can have sound	$29.99
Halo Talk: Teach opposites visually	$29.99

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