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Article Description:
"Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability."  This article does a great job of dissecting the term assistive technology. It also addresses personal observations that highlight issues relative to the current way assistive technology is being used in schools. Insufficient numbers of AT leadership personnel, IEP members having little to no training in assistive technology, and confusion of how assistive technology should look are all topics the article addresses. Overall, I really think this article is beneficial because it not only addresses issues with AT in the classroom, but also provides recommendations for improvement.

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The Right to Assistive Technology: for whom, for what, and by whom

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The Right to Assistive Technology: for whom, for what, and by whom

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Article Description:
This article addresses the limited access to assistive technology in other countries. The Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) addresses this issue within the article. The article includes a study that analyzes the assistive technology content area within the CRPD viewing it as a basic human right. I think this article is important reminder of how lucky Americans are to be able to help those with disabilities through the use of assistive technology. As a future educator, this article does a great job of putting things into perspective. It's important that if we are able/ lucky enough to implement the use of assistive technology we do!

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Article Description:
This article provides a framework for implementing assessments when choosing assistive technology devices. The article is divided into 3 sections. The first sets the context of the article for the reader. The second section includes a collection of perspectives taken from those who work in the teaching profession. The third section focuses on different assistive technology devices and the benefits of each. I think this article does a great job at outlining the assessment process when choosing appropriate AT devices.

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Empowering Individuals With Do-It Yourself Assistive Technology

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Empowering Individuals With Do-It Yourself Assistive Technology

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Article Description:
"Assistive Technologies empower individuals to accomplish tasks they might not be able to do otherwise."  This article I found very interesting because its highlights the importance of helping more people gain access to assistive technology they need. This is done by empowering people who are not engineers to create, modify, or build new assistive technology. The article sheds light on the possibility of custom building assistive technology and argues that encouraging users to create their own assistive technology can improve the adoption of AT devices into the classroom. I really liked the way this article empowered educators, people with disabilities, and those working in an AT profession to be creative and think outside the box when it comes to pre-existing assistive technology and newly thought of assistive devices.

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Who is Using Assistive Technology in Schools?

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Who is Using Assistive Technology in Schools?

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Article Description:
"All students receiving special education services are entitled to the consideration of assistive technology (AT) devices and services; however, little research is available on who uses AT in schools." This article article analyzes data related to students using AT within schools. I thought it was interesting that when conducting the study, it's listed that the majority of students were recorded as having "multiple disabilities." The lack of specificity of the type of disability leads me to believe that in most scenarios students are not using a device that is proficient enough to meet their unique/specific needs. This article does a good job at referencing different disabilities and who assistive technology is/isn't used to assist students.

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Podcast Description:
The main goal of this podcast is to share weekly news on the newest assistive technology devices. It keeps listeners up to date on the latest technology used to assist those with disabilities.

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Podcast Description:
The AT Banter podcast puts out new episodes weekly. The episodes are not only entertaining, but also address the important of AT in peoples lives. The podcast includes real life accounts of people who currently use assistive technology and how it has positively impacted their lives.

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Podcast Description:
This podcast provides monthly episodes to its listeners. The episodes include frequently asked questions about assistive technology and offers potential solutions to those problems. I think this podcast is a great resources to use in times when an educator may encounter obstacles while using assistive technology devices.

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Podcast Description:
This podcast puts out weekly episodes that include information on blind/low vision technology devices, iPhone demonstrations for AT use, success stories of those using AT, and job insights. I think this podcast is an especially good resource for those looking for more information about potential jobs and career pathways for those with disabilities or special needs.

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Mystic Access Podcast: Where the Magic is in Learning

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Mystic Access Podcast: Where the Magic is in Learning

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Podcast Description:
This podcast releases new episodes weekly that include information on different assistive technology devices and products or services that relate to the AT field. A lot of the tools discussed are those used by individuals with vision impairments. I think this podcast is a good resource. for anyone with a vision impairment or any educator or parent looking to help empower a child with vision impurities.

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AT Tool Description:
The text to speech software (TTS) is designed to help students who may have difficulty reading standard text print. Dyslexia, blindness, vision impairments, and learning disabilities are just some examples of disabilities that would benefit from the use of a text to speech tool. The tool scans and then reads the words to the user.

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AT Tool Description:
Graphic organizers are good at helping students organize their thoughts. This tool can greatly benefit all students not just those with a disability. Graphic organizers are very beneficial to students with dysgraphia.

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AT Tool Description:
Students who have limited mobility are greatly impacted by the use of a sip and puff system. Students can control a computer or mobile device by the use of only their mouth. Using either a sip or puff motion with their mouths, a student can use navigational tools to navigate the computer. A keyboard appears onscreen that also allows the individual to use the same sip and puff motions to type.

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AT Tool Description:
Alternative keyboards come in many shapes and sizes. They are designed specifically to meet the needs individual users. For example, if a student has a vision impairment the keyboard is designed with large and colorful keys to promote use.

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AT Tool Description:
This device is a tablet that is designed to help individuals with speech or language impairments. The tablet includes a variety of built in actives, videos, and quizzes that improve speech and comprehension. This device can be customized to cater to one specific individual or disability as well.

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Software Description:
Co:Writer is a software that is compatible with GoogleChrome and iOS. The software is designed to help students struggling with writing. The program uses grammar smart word prediction, translation support, and speech recognition to jumpstart an individuals writing process. This program helps ease the process of writing.

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Software Description:
MathTalk is a speech recognittion software designed specifically for mathematics. Students can perform math equations by speaking into a microphone on their computer or tablet. This software is ideal for students with fine motor skill disabilities but also can be used to help students with vision impairments with its integrated Braille translator.

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Application Description:
The Ghotit application is designed specifically to improve the lives of those with dyslexia and dysgraphia. The Ghotit iPhone and iPad keyboard helps individuals to read and write freely. The keyboard predicts words, corrects text, corrects punctuation, offers speak as you write feedback, reading assistance, and dictation.

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Software Description:
Ginger is a proofreading software that is geared toward individuals with Dyslexia. However, it can also be used to benefit any student with a reading or writing disability. Ginger includes the following features: grammar checker, word prediction and sentence rephrasing tools, text to speech functionality, and personal trainers that provide practice sessions that are based on previous made student errors. Ginger is compatible with Windows, Macintosh, Android, and iOS.

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Software Description:
The Kurzweil 3000 is a text to speech software designed to help individuals struggling with literacy. The software offers the following features: multiple text to speech voices, 18 different language options, a talking spell-checker, picture dictionary graphics, text magnification, and tools for test taking and essay writing. This software is available for both Macintosh and Windows.

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Students who may benefit: Any student with sensory or attention difficulties.
Environment: This mat could be used in a general or special education classroom as floor seating or even cut to fit on top of a chair. The texture and thickness of the mat could make a great cushion for a student with sensory difficulties.
Tasks it encourages:
This mat would encourage students with attention or sensory difficulties to pay attention as well as provide stimulation.

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Students who may benefit: Any student with a learning disability in which they struggle with organization of ideas or tasks.
Environment: Shower rings may be used in general education settings, special education settings, and home environments.
Tasks it encourages:
Shower rings encourage organization. They can be used bind flashcard sets or cue card notes for a student. They also can be used to secure objects to wheelchairs or walkers.

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Students who may benefit: Students who struggle with fine motor skills and have difficulty picking up small objects can benefit from muffin tins.
Environment: Muffin tins may be used in general education settings, special education settings, and home environments.
Tasks it encourages: Using muffin tins can help students pick up objects individually without disturbing other objects. The trays can also be used for counting objects.

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Students who may benefit: Students who struggle with fine motor skills.
Environment: Gloves may be used in a general or special education setting as well as in a home environment.
Tasks it encourages: Grip gloves can encourage grip strength for many type of tasks including: holding writing utensils and holding objects either large or small.

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Students who may benefit:
Any student with Autism (ASD) or a student with any sensory needs.
Environment: Microfiber floor dusters may be used in general education settings, special education settings, and home environments.
Tasks it encourages: The floor duster could be used as an item to sit on and touch/feel. It can help encourage sensory development.