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While exploring these pages you will find information about using technology to assist students with disabilities in a general education classroom.
Project Introduction:
Technology in the classroom has provided increased learning and access to information for both students and teachers. It has also made data recording easier, word processing both faster and more accurate and improved the ability to communicate around the globe. However, although the advancing technology often creates opportunities for students, challenges have arisen along the way. There are issues related to privacy, confidentiality and safety as well as the need to maintain the devices through repairs and ongoing education. This maintenance can be extremely costly. No where are these benefits and challenges felt more strongly than within the area of special education.
Globe Correspondent / April 21, 2008 http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2008/04/21/technology_puts_more_pupils_in_the_mainstream/
In the area of special education, the devices used are usually referred to as Assistive Technology.
The ongoing development of assistive technology (AT) has resulted in many changes within the area of special education. The introduction of related devices has created opportunities for individuals that in the past have been unattainable. Not only are these individuals able to participate in more activities, both in and out of the educational setting, but many have had a drastic increase in independence as a result. The information that follows will address the AT available for students with various disabilities and will provide some resources for teachers, parents, and students related to purchasing and using the AT. In addition, information is given for teachers to assist in implementing the AT within the general education classroom.
“Technology has been used for special education for decades, but the advent of the federal No Child Left Behind Act and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have spurred more intense efforts to mesh technology with mainstream curriculum. The education act requires educators to consider technology for students with special needs so they can be accommodated in the general classroom.”
- Jennifer Batog (Boston Globe article)
“Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include 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…A formal, legal definition of assistive technology was first published in the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (The Tech Act). This act was amended in 1994; in 1998, it was repealed and replaced with the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 ("AT Act").”
