Assistive technology devices help children with learning or physical disabilities function and participate in education despite their respective limitations. Assistive devices can help students improve reading, hearing or general communication skills. Some devices may require more training or knowledge in order to use or operate, making it important to understand the various options available for helping students with various disabilities.
Vision
Assistive technology devices for vision help children who have vision impairment, such as full or partial blindness. Some computers are programmed to speak the words on the screen to aid children with vision impairment. Children who have trouble reading or seeing computer screens might also benefit from glare-reducing screens or filters. Special keyboards with modified layouts and large or large-print keys may help students who have difficulty typing because of impaired vision.
Hearing
Children with a hearing disability may benefit from a hearing aid that amplifies sound. Other examples of hearing assistive technology include sound field systems, which are essentially a microphone and speaker system set up in a classroom to help the student more easily hear the teacher's instructions. Visual signals such as a bright or flashing light in a classroom can help students with hearing disabilities know when the bell is ringing . TDD/TTY phone systems are connected to a computer, allowing a child to type out a message which is read to the person on the other end of the line by an operator.
Communication
Some children with communication disabilities, such as slowed speech or inability to put their thoughts into words or onto a computer screen may benefit from technology such as voice-to-text software, which recognizes speech and converts it to text on the computer screen. Other devices allow students to type out their words and thoughts, after which the computer will play them back in audio, helping the student to know the sounds of specific words and phrases. Word prediction, abbreviation and expansion programs help students who struggle with typing by reducing the number of keystrokes children need in order to type out words and sentences.
Access
Children with disabilities that prevent them from accessing learning opportunities might benefit from devices such as footpedals or hardware switches that operate the pointer on a computer screen instead of a mouse. Touch keyboards make it easier for children with disabilities to press down on the keys. An alternative mouse with a rolling tracker ball on top to can assist children who have difficulties moving a mouse with their arm or hand.
