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NEW 4.0 Bluebee Pal Pro is an interactive plush learning tool with FREE companion (life skills /educational app) that connects to all iOS and Android Devices and pairs with all apps with a narrative. Our patented technology allows Bluebee’s “mouth and head” to move while reading stories, teaching through educational games, 

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NEW 4.0 Bluebee Pal Pro is an interactive plush learning tool with FREE companion (life skills /educational app) that connects to all iOS and Android Devices and pairs with all apps with a narrative. Our patented technology allows Bluebee’s “mouth and head” to move while reading stories, teaching through educational games, 

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Here is just 5 types of Assistive Technology...including, screen readers, voice recognition,  switch devices, graphic organizers, and reading assistants. 

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Here is just 5 types of Assistive Technology...including, screen readers, voice recognition,  switch devices, graphic organizers, and reading assistants. 

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Assistive technologies include any device, software or equipment used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. With technology advancing by leaps and bounds in the past few years, you may not be aware of the different types of assistive technologies available.

Let's look at some technologies that have made a significant impact on individuals with disabilities.

Screen Readers

There is a wide range of types of assistive technology available to help individuals who struggle with reading. One of those tools is a screen reader, which is a software application that outputs the text displayed onscreen to a user who is blind or visually impaired. As the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) stated:

Electronic text is sent to a speech synthesizer (text-to-speech) or a refreshable braille display. The user is then able to hear the text spoken or read it tactilely with the refreshable braille display.

Voice Recognition

One of the growing advances in assistive technology is dictation or voice recognition, benefiting many people with physical disabilities who cannot use the keyboard or mouse and people with cognitive or learning disabilities such as dyslexia who might struggle with spelling and sentence structure. Whether it's browsing the web, writing emails, or controlling a navigation application, people can use voice recognition to write by speaking aloud, with spoken words converting into digital text. s. Voice recognition may also be useful for anyone who finds typing with a keyboard difficult, painful, or even impossible.

Switch Devices

A switch device is a type of assistive technology that replaces the need to use a keyboard or mouse and is used by people with motor impairments to access and control computers, smartphones, electric wheelchairs, communication devices and more. There are many factors involved when choosing the best switch device, including preference, mobility, and a user's settings. A classic example is a large, round button a user can press with their hand, foot or whatever is most comfortable. On the screen, a focus indicator will automatically cycle through different objects on the site, and the user clicks by activating the switch.

A "Sip and Puff" system is another example of a switch device. This type of assistive technology allows a user to activate the switch by sipping (inhaling) or puffing (exhaling). Sip and Puff devices usually come with a joystick to control the mouse cursor with their mouth, cheek, chin or tongue. Performing cursor movements with a sip and puff joystick are fast and precise when compared to other on-screen keyboards or alternatives, which is excellent for drawing, playing games or any application requiring accurate cursor control.

Examples of barriers for people with physical disabilities using switch devices include:

Website or digital interface does not provide full keyboard support;

Hover-only states, click and drag movements or other advanced gestures; and

Insufficient time limits to respond or to complete tasks such as forms.

Graphic Organizers

A graphic organizer is a visual tool that can help a person organize thoughts and ideas during a writing or problem-solving process. As an assistive technology, graphic organizers can be an excellent choice for students with a learning or cognitive disability. A graphic organizer lets the user "dump" information in an unstructured manner and later helps the user map out a course of action. Depending on the type of work, the graphic organizer can prompt the user to describe an object, chart out a sequence of events or perform some other task that may help in planning the piece. Examples of graphic organizers include:

Venn Diagram - used to compare and contrast two (sometimes three) different sets;

Concept Maps - a diagram that visually represents relations between concepts and ideas. Beginning with the main idea (or thought) and then branching out to smaller specific topics;

Mind Maps - diagram to visually show relationships around a single concept; and

Flow Charts - used to show the sequence of steps and decisions needed to perform a process.

The below image shows an example of a concept map of a software development life cycle.

Reading Assistants

A reading assistant is a type of assistive technology that can help people with visual disabilities, including those with cognitive, learning and neurological disabilities, such as dyslexia. There are many reading assistants available that allow people to change the presentation of web content into forms that are more usable for their particular needs by:

Customizing fonts, colors, and spacing;

Enlarging or reducing text size and images;

Listening text-to-speech synthesizers like a screen reader;

Reading text using refreshable Braille;

Simplified reading modes that hide less relevant parts of the content, such as sidebars and header areas; and

Different ways of navigating websites, such as hierarchical menu and search.

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5 Types of Assistive Technologies That Help with Disabilities | AudioEye

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Assistive technologies include any device, software or equipment used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. With technology advancing by leaps and bounds in the past few years, you may not be aware of the different types of assistive technologies available.

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Assistive Technology in Action - Meet Mason

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This application allows students who struggle with sight/blind problems to be interactive online.

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JAWS can help your students achieve the goal of complete independence in accessing resources on a computer and the internet. For students just getting started, you'll want to pick a very basic subset of commands, such as navigating and listening to a short story that is already on the screen. While students learn, you might consider playing one of JAWS' online audio training options -- include breaks throughout the process to stop and practice.

With so many keystroke combinations to memorize, you'll also want to be very well-versed in the program -- perhaps staying a step ahead of your students. You'll be able to help them pick up new skills without all the frustration of trial and error. It's likely that they'll already be highly motivated to learn the ins and outs of JAWS, but you can continue to encourage students toward fluency, independence, and equity with peers.

Develop a personalized plan to help your students learn the program in steps, centered on accessing high-interest information with increasing depth and complexity over time.

Model out loud for students the process of using a command to achieve a desired result.

As students progress in their fluency with the program's commands, be sure to communicate with parents about their progress -- a simple spreadsheet with milestones could be a useful way to keep track.

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JAWS Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education

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JAWS can help your students achieve the goal of complete independence in accessing resources on a computer and the internet. For students just getting started, you'll want to pick a very basic subset of commands, such as navigating and listening to a short story that is already on the screen.

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It's best to use the program as a way to build students' confidence and independence by supporting them in their own reading, writing, and studying. Teachers should help students customize the toolbars to suit their specific needs.

Use the tracking technology to highlight certain ideas or concepts, and export the selections to another document for your students' studying purposes. In preparation for whole-class instruction, you can also create MP3 or WAV files for whole classes to listen to. On an individual basis, you can set up a reflective activity where students scan their own tests, then use the software to read back their work. When introducing the program, it's probably best to use a favorite or familiar text to help students connect with the program's potential.

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Scan and Read Pro Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education

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It's best to use the program as a way to build students' confidence and independence by supporting them in their own reading, writing, and studying. Teachers should help students customize the toolbars to suit their specific needs. Use the tracking technology to highlight certain ideas or concepts, and export the selections to another document for your students' studying purposes.

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This is the Go-Talk 32+. this allows students with speech problems to communicate easier with others. It also has a quick record feature, volume control, a built-in handle and keyguard, an overlay storage compartment and instructions printed on the back.

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Everything you need to know about AT :)

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Assistive technology is any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges.

Some examples of assistive technology are text-to-speech and word prediction.

Assistive technology includes low-tech tools, too, like pencil grips.

Technology is everywhere these days. But did you know that there are specific tech tools that can help people who learn and think differently? These tools-called assistive technology, or AT-are often inexpensive and easy to use.

What is assistive technology? How can kids and adults benefit from these tools, and where do you start? Read on to learn more.

Assistive technology basics

AT is any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around challenges so they can learn, communicate, and function better. A wheelchair is an example of AT. So is software that reads aloud text from a computer. Or a keyboard for someone struggling with handwriting.

These tools can help people work around their challenges, while also playing to their strengths. This is especially important for kids who struggle with learning-whether in reading, writing, math, or another subject. AT can help these kids thrive in school and in life. And that can help grow their confidence and independence.

There are lots of myths about AT. Some wrongly believe that using AT is "cheating." Others worry that kids who use AT may become too reliant on it.

While AT has many benefits, keep in mind that it can't "cure" things like dyslexia or ADHD. It can't replace good teaching and instruction, either.

Examples of assistive technology tools

Despite the word "technology," not all AT tools are high-tech. AT includes many simple adaptive tools , like highlighters and organizers. A great example of low-tech AT is a pencil grip .

Many AT tools are high-tech, though. And because of advances in technology, tools are now available on a variety of platforms :

Desktop and laptop computers

Mobile devices (includes smartphones and tablets)

Chromebooks (and the Chrome browser used on any device)

How to find the right assistive technology tool

With so many AT tools available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. One good approach is to choose AT that targets a specific struggle . For example, if a child struggles with writing, try dictation technology. As the child speaks, words appear on the screen.

People with access to a mobile device, like a smartphone or a digital tablet, can add AT tools to it with apps. Explore these ideas:

If you don't know what to use first, text-to-speech is a good place to start . Text-to-speech converts electronic text to spoken words, so people can listen to digital text. It can make a big difference for people who have trouble with reading or focus.

There are many free AT tools, and some are built into mobile devices.

A good way to choose an AT tool is to start with a specific learning struggle or need.

Text-to-speech is often a good first AT to try.

About the Author

About the Author

Understood Team is made up of passionate writers and editors. Many of them have kids who learn and think differently.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Jamie Martin is an assistive technology specialist at the New England Assistive Technology Center (NEAT) in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Assistive technology for learning: What you need to know

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Assistive technology is any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. Some examples of assistive technology are text-to-speech and word prediction. Assistive technology includes low-tech tools, too, like pencil grips. Technology is everywhere these days. But did you know that there are specific tech tools that can help people who learn and think differently?

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Here is a video describing some Assistive Technology!

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Here is a video describing some Assistive Technology!

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Top 6 Assistive Technology For People With Disabilities