Assistive Technology
Technology
can play an important role in making the curriculum accessible for students with
cognitive, physical, sensory, and communication disabilities (Roybler &
Hughes, 2019). Assistive technology (AT) differs from instructional technology,
the purpose of which is the design and delivery of instruction (Atanga et al,
2019). The purpose of AT is to help students access information or participate in class which would be more difficult without the technology. Assistive
devices and services, such as providing all instructional texts in digital
format so students may use text-to-speech products, utilizing digital
calculators, online games, and tutorial apps, and providing alternative
keyboards and assistive FM amplification system help students with disabilities
engage with content in a way that is otherwise not possible (Roybler &
Hughes, 2019).
While
I do not have much experience helping students learn in my classroom with AT, I
see that the benefits are evident, and just as assistive technologies assist
student learning inside of the classroom, they must be considered and provided
in blended and online learning environments. Carefully planning digital
learning activities, considering principles of Universal Design for Learning, and
using resources from website that are designed using web accessibility standards
are some ways teachers can ensure their online students with disabilities can
be successful (Flanagan & Morgan, 2021; Roybler & Hughes, 2019).
References
Atanga,
C., Jones, B. A., Krueger, L. E., & Lu, S. (2019). Teachers of students with
learning disabilities: Assistive technology knowledge, perceptions, interests,
and barriers. Journal of Special Education Technology, 35(4), 236–248. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643419864858
Flanagan, S., & Morgan, J. J. (2021). Ensuring access to online for all students through universal design for learning. Teaching Exceptional Children, 53(6), 459-462. https://doi.org/10.1177/00400599211010174
Roblyer,
M. & Hughes, J. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching
(8th ed.). Pearson.
