Assistive Technology

Stanberry, K. and Raskind, M. H. (2009).  Assistive technology for kids with learning disabilities: an

   overview.  Reading Rockets.  Retrieved from http://readingrockets.org/article/33074/

Summary

Assistive technology (AT) for kids with learning disabilities is any equipment, device, or system that helps the student work around their limitation(s), while allowing them to use their strengths.  AT is not meant to replace remedial methods of working with disabilities, but it is an additional component that can lead to success for students with learning disabilities.  AT can also help students feel more independent, because they can accomplish more in school without help.  Some learning problems that AT can address are listening, math, organization and memory, reading, and writing.

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There are many types of AT tools, usually computer hardware or software.  Some types of assistive technology can be found on the internet.  While I will not be able to list all of them here, I'll describe a few.  Audiobooks allow a user to listen to text instead of read it. These help students who struggle with reading, allowing them to keep up on reading assignments.  Electronic math worksheets help a user organize and work through problems on the computer screen.  This alleviates the need for pencil and paper, which helps students who struggle with aligning math problems.   Graphic organizers and outlining programs help students who struggle with organizing their thoughts and ideas before a writing project.  Also for writing, proofreading programs help those who struggle with spelling, grammar, and word usage.  Speech-recognition programs allow a user to verbally dictate ideas, while their words appear on a computer screen as text.  This is helpful for students whose verbal skills exceed their writing skills.  This is a a small fraction of the tools available to help students with learning disabilities.  A more extensive list can be found at the Reading rockets website.

Reaction

I feel excited about this article because my attitude about students is that everyone has something they are good at, and if you can find it, you can build them up.  Students with learning disabilities likely spend a lot of time focusing on what they are not good at.  Assistive technology is a way to help them use their abilities and skills to take the focus off of their struggles.  Every student deserves a chance to shine, and I am glad to know there are so many tools available to help work around disabilities.  As a future teacher, I have spent time worrying about how I'll be able to help students who struggle because of their shortcomings.  This article gives me hope that it won't be as hard as I have envisioned, and that most, if not all, disabilities can be overcome.  Additionally, many of these technologies can also assist students who don't have learning disabilities, but who may just need a little extra effort to do well in particular areas.