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AT refers to any tool, device, software, or system that supports individuals with disabilities by enhancing, maintaining, or improving their ability to perform daily tasks and participate fully in learning, communication, and life activities. Essentially, AT includes a wide range of tools designed to help people with and without disabilities function more independently. It can be low-tech, like a simple communication board made of cardboard, or high-tech, such as a specialized computer or software program. It can involve hardware (like wheelchairs, braces, or adaptive keyboards), software (like screen readers or communication apps), or learning supports (such as modified materials or programs).

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AT helps those who have difficulty:

Reading

Speaking

Typing

Writing

Remembering

Pointing

Seeing

Hearing

Learning

Walking

And more.

Every students’ needs are unique, which means the type of assistive technology used will vary depending on the specific disability.

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Benefits:

Enhanced Communication

Improved Numeracy Skills

Improved Academic Engagement

Increased Independence and Confidence

Better Social Inclusion

Challenges:

Funding

Evaluation and Training

Universal Design

Diverse Solutions for Diverse Needs

Lack of Advocacy

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https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/what-is-at/

https://alsoweb.org/nonprofit-blog/unlocking-potential-how-assistive-technology-empowers-students-with-intellectual-disabilities/

https://www.asha.org/practice/assistive-technology-in-schools/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcijIqTvzyCXNRP3lJz2gOkfjdsvRU4rwR-9pSG4mTW_FmtAe_

https://www.edutopia.org/article/assistive-technology-resources/

Dr. Summer Whitmore, Teaching and Learning Strategies for Differentiated Instruction, [PowerPoint Slides]

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Watch the video to learn more about what makes up assistive technology.

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What is Differentiated Instruction (DI)?

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What is Differentiated Instruction (DI)?

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Differentiated instruction operates on the idea that students have varied learning styles, needs, strengths, and abilities, and that teaching methods and classroom activities should be adjusted to accommodate these differences.

DI is also:

Instruction that adapts to the learner’s preferred learning style, interests, and current level of understanding.

A structured approach to instruction and learning

Addresses students’ needs by offering a mix of collaborative, supported, and self-directed teaching methods.

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The video above helps students understand that innovators are constantly developing technology to support individuals with disabilities in managing daily tasks and achieving greater independence. The video examines how one woman advocated for AT during her school years.

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Assistive Technologies in the Classroom | Move to Include | PBS LearningMedia

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To help students recognize that technology exists and continues to be created by innovators that make it possible for those with disabilities to more easily deal with daily living tasks and pursue greater independence, we explore how one woman advocated for assistive technology during her time in school.

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Importance of Assistive Technology in the Classroom and Education 

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Importance of Assistive Technology in the Classroom and Education 

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AT helps remove barriers by giving students with disabilities equal access to lessons, activities, and assessments. For example, text-to-speech tools can help students who struggle with reading, while communication devices support students with speech difficulties in expressing their ideas.

Incorporating AT allows teachers to meet diverse learning needs, promote independence, and support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles—offering multiple ways for students to engage, represent ideas, and show what they know.

Ultimately, assistive technology empowers every learner to reach their full potential.

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Watch this video to learn more about Differentiated Instruction!

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Differentiated Instruction: Why, How, and Examples

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Temporary, adaptable groupings that let students collaborate with peers who may share or differ in strengths and interests.

A manageable selection of well-designed options that target students’ specific needs and strengths.

Established routines, procedure, and shared classroom expectations are implemented.

Stimulating and appealing activities that cater to diverse learning styles, interests, and readiness levels.

Students develop self-awareness to support thoughtful and informed decision-making.

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Differentiated Instruction Does Not Mean...

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Differentiated Instruction Does Not Mean...

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Identifying students by skill level or organizing them based on their abilities.

Students working toward different goals, each with their own success criteria or assessment guidelines (such as distinct rubrics).

A disorganized and disorderly classroom setting.

Restricting some students to simple, repetitive tasks while others are challenged with more complex, higher-level thinking activities.

Teachers taking full control over all decisions related to student choices.

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How the Content can be Differentiated in the Classroom

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How the Content can be Differentiated in the Classroom

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Content:

Texts available in different levels of reading difficulty.

Presenting ideas using both visual and auditory methods.

Audio recordings of written texts.

Spelling and vocabulary lists tailored to students’ readiness levels.

Small group sessions designed to reteach concepts or skills for learners who are struggling, or to enhance the thinking and abilities of advanced learners.

Reading buddies.

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How the Process can be Differentiated in the Classroom

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How the Process can be Differentiated in the Classroom

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Process:

Activities designed with varying levels of assistance, difficulty, or complexity.

Hands-on tools provided for students who require them.

Allowing students different amounts of time to finish a task—giving struggling learners more time and advanced learners the opportunity to explore topics more deeply.

Learning centers that allow students to investigate specific parts of the class topic that interest them most.

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How the Product can be Differentiated in the Classroom

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How the Product can be Differentiated in the Classroom

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Product:

Offering students different ways to demonstrate their learning, such as putting on a puppet show, writing a letter, or creating a labeled mural.

Implementing rubrics that align with and challenge students based on their individual skill levels.

Allowing students to design their own project assignments, as long as they include the required components.

Giving students the choice to work independently or with a small group on their assignments or projects.

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How the Learning Environment can be Differentiated in the Classroom

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How the Learning Environment can be Differentiated in the Classroom

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Learning Environment:

Designated areas in the classroom for quiet, focused work and spaces that encourage collaboration among students.

Resources that represent diverse cultural backgrounds.

Instructions for independent tasks tailored to each student’s specific needs.

Established procedures that enable students to seek assistance even when the teacher is working with others.

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Why is Differentiated Instruction Important?

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Why is Differentiated Instruction Important?

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DI is important because it ensures that every student's needs are being met in the classroom. Doing so creates a positive learning environment for both the students and teacher!

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For Educators:

https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/

This resource reviews the fundamentals of AT with a helpful overview designed for classroom teachers

https://aem.cast.org/get-started/defining-accessibility

This resource is about learning different AT and accessible education materials, including key federal laws that support their use.

https://aem.cast.org/acquire/decision-making-accessible-formats#.VifxQaQ7TrY

This resource is an interactive decision-making tool created for IEP teams to help identify, choose, obtain, and effectively use accessible educational materials.

https://aem.cast.org/get-started/resources

This is an extensive directory of national organizations, conferences, state programs, and transition tools.

For Parents:

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/assistive-technology

This resource explores a range of parent-friendly resources that explain different types of assistive tools and offer guidance for collaborating with schools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI-bigV2bPc

This video is from the National Center for Learning Disabilities for practical tips and insights to support families.

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Understanding Assistive Technology: Simply Said