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Assistive technology (AT) can be a big help for people who struggle with math.

Some AT math tools are very common, like calculators.

Others, like digital graphing tools, are lesser known, but can be just as helpful.

When kids and adults have trouble with math, assistive technology (AT) can offer a lot of support. Many math AT tools - like calculators - are common, inexpensive, and easy to get. Others are lesser known, but can be just as useful.

Use this guide to learn about what tools are available, and where to get them.

Types of assistive technology tools for math

Here are some of the most helpful AT tools for math.

Calculators can help solve math problems, both simple and complex. Most people know about basic electronic calculators. But kids who struggle with math may prefer calculators that have buttons with large numbers and symbols. There are many kinds of calculators, from graphing calculators to computer apps. Some can even solve equations with variables.

Math notation tools let you write or type out the special symbols and numbers used for math equations. For example, the symbols in x = − b ± √( b ² − 4 ac)/2 a. Writing out these equations by hand can be challenging for people who have trouble writing numbers and symbols. And most traditional word processors aren't great at handling math symbols.

Graph paper has a grid that makes it easier to line up numbers and symbols in math problems. That's important when keeping track of things like place value. Students often write on traditional graph paper with a pencil. Some may prefer graph paper that has large squares. There's also digital graph paper.

Graphing tools help with graphing the path created by an equation. For example, y = x ² would be graphed as a parabola. Students who take algebra or calculus can use these tools to solve graphing problems.

Drawing tools help with drawing lines, shapes, angles, and other geometric features. Traditional classroom tools like rulers, stencils, and protractors can help with drawing. There also are specific computer programs for drawing. Students who study geometry or trigonometry may find them helpful.

Equation-solving tools are digital tools that help students work with equations. Unlike calculators, equation-solving tools don't solve a problem. They help students figure out how to solve a problem. For example, an equation-solving tool can help them figure out how to solve for x in 3 + x = 11.

Manipulatives are objects that let you solve math problems in alternative ways. They can also illustrate math concepts. A classic example is the number line. You can use a number line to add or subtract numbers without having to write down any numbers or symbols. Another example is an abacus, which lets you do calculations by moving beads. Manipulatives can also be virtual objects on a computer.

Graphic organizers help break down and lay out the steps for solving math problems. For instance, a graphic organizer for a word problem may have spaces for writing and keeping track of important numbers. Graphic organizers can be digital or pen and paper.

Text-to-speech (TTS) reads aloud numbers and calculations. When used for math, TTS is often combined with other tools, like a talking calculator.

Dictation lets you write out math problems by speaking. Like TTS, dictation can be combined with other AT tools for math. For instance, math notation tools sometimes allow for dictating equations.

Where to get assistive technology for math

There are many ways to get AT tools for math. You can find traditional "low-tech" classroom tools, like rulers, basic calculators, and graph paper at a school supply store. These stores may also sell calculators with large numbers and symbols, and graph paper with large squares. The school might provide these tools, too.

The school may also provide tools like number lines and blocks. But you can also buy them online.

Desktop and laptop computers: Most computers have built-in AT options like calculators. You can try out software programs to help kids with math .

Mobile devices (like tablets and smartphones): Mobile devices also have built-in AT. And you can add math tools to mobile devices with apps.

Chromebooks (and Chrome browsers on any device): Chromebooks have some built-in AT, too. You can add Chrome apps and extensions to find specific tools to help with math.

Some AT math tools are "low-tech," like graph paper and rulers.

Manipulatives are real or virtual objects that allow you to solve math problems in alternative ways.

Many digital math tools are available for free.

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

Jules Csillag, MS is a licensed speech-language pathologist who has worked in a variety of settings throughout New York City.

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Assistive technology (AT) can be a big help for people who struggle with math. Some AT math tools are very common, like calculators. Others, like digital graphing tools, are lesser known, but can be just as helpful. When kids and adults have trouble with math, assistive technology (AT) can offer a lot of support.

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There are lots of assistive technology (AT) tools that can help people who have trouble reading, like people with dyslexia. Learn what tools are available.

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Technology can be a great support for kids and adults who struggle with writing.

Handwriting tools help with the physical act of writing.

There's also technology that can help with organizing and expressing thoughts in writing.

Technology can be a huge boost for adults and kids who struggle with writing. A keyboard, for example, can help people who have trouble using a pen or pencil. Assistive technology (AT) tools like this can make the physical act of writing easier. AT can also help with spelling and grammar, and with organizing and expressing thoughts in writing.

To understand the options, here's a guide to AT tools for writing, and where to find them.

Types of Assistive Technology Tools for Writing

There's a wide range of AT tools for writing. Here are some of the most helpful ones.

Handwriting tools can help people who have trouble with motor skills. For example, a pencil grip makes it easier to hold a pencil properly. A slant board raises the writing surface to give more leverage for handwriting. And lined or graph paper can help with writing in straight lines.

Keyboards and touchscreens can also help people who struggle with handwriting. Keyboards and touchscreens let you input letters and words through typing or touching the screen, rather than by using a pen or pencil.

Dictation (speech-to-text)allows you to write by using your voice. As you speak, the words appear on the screen. Keep in mind that to use dictation, you have to be able to speak clearly. You also need to learn verbal commands for things like punctuation. Some dictation software can also be used to convert audio recordings into digital text.

Word prediction suggests correct spellings of words after only a few letters are typed. Word prediction sometimes uses "word banks" (commonly used words in a topic area) to help writers come up with words and complete their sentences. Keep in mind that unlike dictation, word prediction requires using a keyboard.

Spellcheck and grammar check are available on most word processors. Some AT tools for writing take spellcheck and grammar check to the next level by checking for incorrect words that sound alike or that don't make sense in context.

Text-to-speech (TTS)is typically thought of as a reading tool. But TTS can also help with writing. That's because it can read aloud what's written, so you can check for mistakes. Some TTS tools can also read words aloud as they're typed.

Graphic organizers are visual tools that help break down ideas and projects into smaller parts. You can use these tools to brainstorm and plan what you want to write. Graphic organizers come in many forms, from mind maps to diagrams to flow charts. They can be digital or pen and paper.

Dictionaries and thesauri (print or digital) let you define a word or find the right one. There are different types of dictionaries and thesauri, too. For example, a picture dictionary uses images to define words.

Where to Get Assistive Technology for Writing

Many writing tools are "low-tech." This is especially true of handwriting tools. You can find pencil grips and graph paper, for instance, in most school supply stores. The school may also offer these tools.

When you're selecting a handwriting tool, an occupational therapist can give helpful advice. They can tell you which tools are the best fit, and they have access to a bigger selection of tools than a typical store. They can also talk you through the options for keyboarding or touchscreens. Special education teachers may be able to help you choose AT tools, too.

Desktop and laptop computers: Computers often have built-in AT tools, like TTS and dictation. You can also download software for writing to add more AT tools.

Mobile devices (like tablets and smartphones): Mobile devices also have built-in AT. You can add more writing tools to mobile devices with apps.

Chromebooks (and Chrome browsers on any device): These have built-in AT options, too. You can add Chrome apps and extensions for more ways to help with writing.

Desktops and laptops, as well as Chrome, usually use keyboards for typing, but many computers now have touchscreens. And while the main way to use a mobile device is with a touchscreen, people who prefer typing can use an external keyboard.

Dictation technology allows you to write by speaking.

An occupational therapist or a special education teacher can help choose AT tools.

Many writing tools are available on computers and mobile devices.

About the Author

About the Author

The Understood Team is made up of passionate writers, editors, and community moderators. Many of them learn and think differently, or have kids who do.

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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Technology can be a great support for kids and adults who struggle with writing. Handwriting tools help with the physical act of writing. There's also technology that can help with organizing and expressing thoughts in writing. Technology can be a huge boost for adults and kids who struggle with writing.

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If you know someone who has trouble understanding what people say, you may have heard the term auditory processing disorder (APD). It's one name for problems recognizing the sounds in speech.

The challenges aren't related to hearing. People hear the sounds others make when speaking. But they have trouble processing and making sense of those sounds in the brain.

APD also isn't related to intelligence. People who have it are as smart as anyone else. They just struggle with a specific group of skills.

Learn more about APD, and the effect it has on understanding sounds and words.

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?

APD refers to challenges in how the brain understands speech. The sounds may be loud and clear. But people with APD don't pick up on the subtle differences between them.

For example, people with APD may not recognize the difference between cat, that, and bat. The words seventy and seventeen may sound the same. Words can also get scrambled, so the question "how are the chair and couch alike" might sound like "how a cow and hair are like."

There are four auditory processing skills that people with APD may struggle with:

Auditory discrimination: noticing, comparing, and distinguishing between separate sounds

Auditory figure-ground discrimination: focusing on the important sounds in a noisy setting

Auditory memory: recalling what you've heard, either immediately or in the future

Auditory sequencing: understanding and recalling the order of sounds and words

It's not clear what causes APD. But the difficulties impact people of all ages, and in different ways. Here are some common signs of auditory processing disorder:

Trouble following spoken directions, especially multi-step ones

Often asking people to repeat themselves or saying "Huh?" or "What?"

Trouble following a conversation, especially if there are multiple speakers or lots of background noise

Being easily distracted by background noise or sudden, loud noises

Trouble remembering details of things that are read or spoken

Trouble with reading or spelling, which require processing sounds

Taking longer to respond when someone speaks

Trouble knowing where sounds/speech is coming from

Conversations can be difficult in general for people with APD. They're often slow to respond to what others say. And if they don't understand, they may respond in ways that don't make sense.

How Auditory Processing Disorder Is Diagnosed

APD is controversial. Experts don't agree that it's a disorder on its own, and there are multiple definitions of it. But the term is still used to describe these challenges.

The first step in identifying APD is to rule out hearing loss. Health care professionals can usually do that. But testing for APD is done by audiologists. These specialists do a series of advanced listening tests where patients listen and respond to different sounds.

APD often shows up in childhood. But kids aren't usually tested until the age of 7 because their auditory skills are still developing. Adults can also be tested and identified with these difficulties.

APD isn't the only thing that makes it hard to follow what people are saying. Problems with working memory can cause similar challenges. And the difficulties with focus that come with ADHD can make it hard to pay attention when others talk.

Another condition that makes it difficult to understand what people say is receptive language disorder. But the problem there is with understanding the meaning of language, not sounds.

What Can Help With Auditory Processing Disorder

There are many ways to support people with APD and make it easier for them to manage the challenges. These include:

Using simple, one-step directions

Speaking at a slower rate or slightly higher volume

Providing a quiet spot for doing work

Being patient and repeating things people miss

Schools may give students extra support in class under a special education plan called an IEP . For example, kids might be seated at the front of the room, away from distractions. Or they might get written instructions instead of spoken ones. These types of supports can also be helpful at work. Learn more about accommodations for APD, and technology that can help.

The main treatment for APD is speech therapy. Schools might provide therapy for free under an IEP, if the child has a language disorder. But there are also speech-language pathologists who work in clinics or in private practice. The earlier treatment starts, the better.

APD can create challenges at school, at work, and in everyday life. But with the right help and support, people who have it can thrive.

People with auditory processing disorder have trouble recognizing sounds in words.

The main treatment for APD is speech therapy.

To find out if someone has APD, you need to rule out hearing problems first.

About the Author

About the Author

The Understood Team is made up of passionate writers, editors, and community moderators. Many of them learn and think differently, or have kids who do.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Kelli Johnson, MA is an educational speech-language pathologist, working with students from early childhood through 12th grade.

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Auditory Processing Disorder: What You Need to Know

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If you know someone who has trouble understanding what people say, you may have heard the term auditory processing disorder (APD). It's one name for problems recognizing the sounds in speech. The challenges aren't related to hearing. People hear the sounds others make when speaking.

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Assistive technology is any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. This can be high-tech like text to speech and speech to text programs, or low tech things like pencil grips and eraser caps.

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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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How to modify your content

Have objectives presented in visual and auditory means.

Use small groups to re-teach problem areas.

Use vocabulary lists with synonyms that may be easier to grasp as alternates for less advanced readers.

How to Modify your processes

Use tiered activities that all students need to work through but with varying levels of complexity, assistance, support, or challenges.

Provide interest centers for students to explore topics further during their downtime.

Offer manipulatives to students who would benefit from them, such as fidget cubes or counting squares.

How to modify products

Give students an option as to how they are present the required material.

Encourage students to come up with their own ideas for final assignments.

How to modify your learning environment

Have outlets for students to work off anxieties and frustrations in a healthy way.

Set up your classroom in a way that minimizes distractions but encourages collaboration

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Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1997). Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life. New York: Basic Books.

Danielson, C. (1996). Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. ED 403 245.

Sternberg, R. J., Torff, B., & Grigorenko, E. L. (1998). Teaching triarchically improves student achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 90(3), 374-384. EJ 576 492.

Tomlinson, C. (1995). How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-ability Classrooms. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. ED 386 301.

Tomlinson, C. (1999). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of all Learners. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. ED 429 944.

Vygotsky, L. (1986). Thought and Language. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Winebrenner, S. (1992). Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit.

Winebrenner, S. (1996). Teaching kids with Learning Difficulties in the Regular Classroom. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit. ED 396 502.

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Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Whether teachers differentiate content, process, products, or the learning environment, the use of ongoing assessment and flexible grouping makes this a successful approach to instruction.

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When developing an inclusive classroom, consider modifying the following;

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When developing an inclusive classroom, consider modifying the following;

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Content

What the end goal of your lesson. What do your students need to learn by the end of a class, unit, etc.?

Process

What activities do your students have to do to understand and apply the content?

Product

These activities are culminating assignments that assess what the students have learned and challenge them to expand on it.

Learning environment

This is the way your classroom operates and feels.

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So What? What do different learning styles have to do with me?

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So What? What do different learning styles have to do with me?

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When developing lesson plans, traditionally, teachers were to plan to have students learn a specific topic by the end of the instructional period. Now a more effective way to go about lesson planning is to create learning targets that are adjusted by student needs,  to help students achieve grade-level performance and beyond.

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Every student, regardless of sex, gender, race, religion, ability, or disability, is entitled to an education. In order to make sure all students receive the best possible learning experience, a teacher first must understand that every student learns differently.

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Differentiated Instruction or DI is the modifying of classroom and or lesson operations to compliment the abilities, needs, and readiness of the learners.