Assistive Technology (AT)
Recent advancements in technology and the introduction of new devices (such as personal data assistances like Palm pilots, reading pens, screen-reader software and more) offer people with disabilities new opportunities for better education and greater control over their day-to-day activities. Browse this page to learn more about some of the latest assistive technologies designed to help individuals with LD live fuller, more productive lives.
Introduction and Background Information
Research
Additional Resources on the Web
Introduction
and Background Information
Making Technology Part of Your Back-To-School Planning
Dr. Dave Edyburn discusses the role of technology in the classroom and provides tips for parents, students, teachers and administrators for making the most of assistive technology in the upcoming school year.
LD Talk: Making Technology Part of Your
Back-to-School Planning
Featured expert Dave L. Edyburn, Ph.D. discusses how to make the
most of Assistive Technology (AT) for students with learning
disabilities in this August 17, 2005, LD Chat.
Read more about Dr. Edyburn's
work and a comprehensive history of AT.
Family Center on Technology and
Disability Assistive Technology Fact Sheets
Fact sheets on Assistive Technology, glossary defintions,
Assistive Technology and IEPs and Assistive
Technology laws available from the Family
Center on Technology and Disability.
Assistive Technology - For Educators
A brief outline of uses and descriptions of benefits with core
questions every educator should ask when deciding which
application is best for a student.
LDNews: Assistive Technologies Issue
(October 2004 issue)
This issue of NCLD’s free monthly e-news publication highlights
key developments in AT from the experts at the Center for
Applied Special Technology, discusses methods for monitoring the
progress of a child with LD, and offers links to helpful
resources on the web.
In His Own Words: Dr. Marshall Raskind
on Choosing an Assistive Technology
This page features a review of AT tools for
individuals with learning disabilities and advice from Dr.
Raskind, a renowned researcher in the areas of assistive
technology and learning disabilities with special interest
across the lifespan.
Research
Assistive Technology (AT): Making Good
Decisions
NCLD Director of Professional Services, Dr. Sheldon Horowitz,
explores recent advancements in the area of AT and offers tips
on deciding which technology is right for you in this August
2005 Research Roundup.
Click here for a full list of
his columns in LD News.
Additional
Resources on the Web
General Information:
Assistive Technology Planner: From IEP
Consideration to Classroom Implementation
(National Assistive Technology Research Institute)
Online Discussion on a variety of topics
related to Assistive Technology & Disabilities with panels of
experts
(Family Center on Technology and Disability)
South Carolina Assistive Technology
Project:
A Web site that provides information about the newest
assistive technology devices, as well as online resources to
acquire such technology and recommendations for consumers.
Edutopia: the truth about AT
This Web site provides real-life success stories on
assistive technology, tips for successful technology
integration, and a forum for students and instructors to share
their experiences with assistive technology.
Infosheet about Assistive Technology
(The Council for Learning Disabilities)
Learning Disabilities and Assistive
Technologies
(Tools for Life, Georgia Assistive Technology Project)
Resources for Students/Adults with LD:
Tech-based Resources for Students with
Disabilities (TechLEARNING)
Janet Hopkins, the author of an assistive technology guide
for K-12 media specialists, shares a sampling of tools on the
market providing support to students with communication,
mobility, literacy, visual and hearing challenges. (Free
registration required)
Assistive Technology for Students with
Learning Disabilities (Family Village
School)
This Web site is particularly useful for parents,
students, and teachers seeking information about assistive
technology devices geared towards students with learning
disabilities. It provides helpful links to articles that discuss
topics such as federal legislation and funding as well as
offering tips and advice for potential consumers.
Working Together: Computers and
Learning Disabilities (University of
Washington)
This site outlines and recommends appropriate assistive
technology computer devices and product brands for those with
learning disabilities.
The Alliance for Technology Access
Connects children and adults with learning disabilities to
technology tools.
Resources for Educators:
Implementing Technology in the
Classroom (Star Tech Program)
Provides a substantial number of links that are
dedicated to the integration, upgrade, and maintenance of
technology in the classroom. Also provides links to articles
detailing how technology can improve the classroom environment
for students with learning disabilities.
Technology Supporting Curriculum
(CAST-Universal Design for Learning)
Provides those responsible for educating children with
disabilities critical information for maintaining technology
supports in the classroom. Also offers links to websites
specializing in the design, implementation and use of assistive
technology.
Integrating Technology in the Classroom
(4Teachers.org)
This site helps teachers locate and create ready-to-use
Web lessons, quizzes, rubrics and classroom calendars, and
offers valuable professional development resources on topics
such as ELL, technology planning, and at-risk students.
Good Models for Teaching with Technology (The Knowledge Loom, The Education Alliance at Brown University)