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Assistive Technology for Different Disabilities

Autism

Low: Fidgets like stress balls or popits- Allows students to get out
energy without disrupting others. Can allow students to distract
or settle themselves at any time during the day.
Pro- Used for anxiety or behaviors without being distracting.
Con- Can be objects that could end up becoming used negatively,
or become harmful if thrown or used negatively in other ways.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Sensory-Children-Assortment-Stuffers-Classroom/dp/
B094QCH1SC/ref=asc_df_B094QCH1SC/?tag=hyprod-
20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642173818718&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14082730197580822224&
hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007225&hvtargid=pla-
1748213703735&psc=1&mcid=1ae47cd8831b3d73bc94113472a41d68

Medium: Timer- Allows students to see a set time for activities to

help with transitions. Timers may be a video on the smartboard, a
simple kitchen timer, a timer with a light or music, etc.
Pro- Can help with transitions and behaviors.
Con- Can be too loud or abrupt.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Timer-Digital-Countdown-Stopwatch/dp/B07D3BFY6R/
ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=timer&qid=1700419686&sr=8-1-
spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
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High: Augmentative communication device – Allows a nonverbal

child to communicate and participate with limited restrictions.
May be an Ipad with an app downloaded or a communication
specific device.
Pro- Provides way of communication for students.
Con- Technology can have its own problems like being dead,
malfunctioning, needing to have the latest updates, etc.
Link- https://usaspeechtablets.com/products/10a?
variant=39467374379263&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm
_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=googleads&vt_keyword=&utm_t
erm=&utm_campaign=PMax:
+SmartShoppingCampaign&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=8562356183&hsa
_cam=17453141234&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adw
ords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAgeeqBhBAEiwAoDDhnyHJ7QLjemaPrX-PsCfW-
D6bcLaE-NvkBqayk0SXAKbt2GTWoiMeXhoCuZQQAvD_BwE

Deaf-Blindness

Low: Walking stick/Cane- Helps a students walk around with out

running into things. Sweeps the ground and feels for objects in
direct line of walking.
Pro- Helps blind students navigate an environment.
Con- many users use hearing to help them when they hear the
stick hit something or echo location, Deaf-blind students do not
have this opportunity.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Baitaihem-Folding-Reflective-Walking-Impaired/dp/
B07CNM85NV/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?
crid=1K17EPSGJZHUQ&keywords=blind+walking+stick&qid=1700419805&sprefix=blind+walking+sti
ck%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
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Medium: braille or raised letters on paper- Helps blind students

read what is on paper by feeling the words. Can help deaf
students to know what is being said or done by different means.
Pro- Provides information or readings through different ways for
students to be able to understand.
Con- Teacher will have to get every handout, lesson, or activity in
this special paper for student. Will take longer for the student to
read.

High: deaf-blind communicator like HaptiBraille- it is a compact

device that provides and supports communication for deaf-blind
people. Allows user to speak in a synthesized voice and hear the
speech of the interlocuter.
Pro- Can be taken anywhere.
Con- expensive, needs to be charged or have batteries, could
break.
Link- https://4blind.com/solutions-en/haptibraille-en
Developmental Delay

Low: Fidgets- Allows students to get out energy without

disrupting others. Can allow students to distract or settle
themselves at any time during the day. Children with
developmental delay may have trouble regulating emotions and
behaviors so fidgets can help them.
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Pro- Can provide behavior support without being distracting to

others.
Con- Student may rely on fidgets for self-regulating.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Sensory-Children-Assortment-Stuffers-Classroom/dp/
B094QCH1SC/ref=asc_df_B094QCH1SC/?tag=hyprod-
20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642173818718&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14082730197580822224&
hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007225&hvtargid=pla-
1748213703735&psc=1&mcid=1ae47cd8831b3d73bc94113472a41d68

Medium: Obstacle courses- Can be customizable and help

students gross motor skills.
Pro- helps gross motor skills through play.
Con- requires ample spacing.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/American-Ninja-Warrior-Competition-Obstacle/dp/
B07DQQQY6G/ref=sr_1_8?
crid=2XDFOFFMR6TEG&keywords=childrens+obstacle+course&qid=1700420812&sprefix=childrens
+obstacle+course%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-8

High: Tablet with educational games- can help advance

knowledge and bring students up to speed with peers.
Pro- Can download many different games or apps for educational
help.
Con- May be hard to limit what the students are going on.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-LeapPad-Academy-Learning-Tablet/dp/B07PLG93NS/
ref=sr_1_3?crid=337QRJX95WARS&keywords=kids%2Beducational
%2Btablet&qid=1700420926&sprefix=tablet%2Bwith%2Beducation%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-
3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.17d9e15d-4e43-4581-b373-0e5c1a776d5d&th=1

Emotional Disturbance
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Low: Stress ball- usually small, soft object for squeezing to relieve
stress or anger.
Pro- students can relieve anger without hurting anyone or
breaking things.
Con- May be used inappropriately, like if thrown.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Stress-Balls-Kids-Squishy-Changing/dp/B09V766GKJ/
ref=sr_1_1_sspa?
crid=1EF9VBBV45N5C&keywords=stress+ball&qid=1700421073&sprefix=stress+ball%2Caps
%2C97&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Medium: Goal Tracker- a chart that keeps track of positive

behavior of student, motivates them to act positively to reach
their goal and get rewards.
Pro- Gives intrinsic motivation for positive behavior.
Con- Student may only work for reward or goal.
Link- https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/ca/p/GG280/?
utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=performancemax&gad_source=1&gclid=C
jwKCAiAgeeqBhBAEiwAoDDhnwBJlY7J2DMk5A7X8GdRvUKJH5DejpaZ9MWwCSEVVTAEhOzrfp8aqB
oCayQQAvD_BwE

High: Music player- small device that plays music with

headphones for personal use.
Pro- Allows student to engage in a self-calming activity when
allowed.
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Con- Can be distracting or used inappropriately or too much.

Link- https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-MUSICROSS-Speaker-Recorder-Supports/dp/
B0C1MSZWT1/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?
crid=2Q8LSY7RL7Q7&keywords=music+player&qid=1700421306&sprefix=music+playe%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-
2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Hearing Impairment

Low: subtitles- subtitles on videos allow students who struggle to

hear to read what is being said.
Pro- hearing impaired students are able to understand the video
and get information still.
Con- may have to read quickly as text goes on screen fast.

Medium: alerting device- a device that will alert students by using

lights instead of sound since they are not able to hear the alerting
sounds.
Pro- Helps students know when transitions are happening or
when students attention needs to be received.

Con- Student needs to be facing the alerting device to see the

light.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Tracker-Visual-Timer/dp/B0007DHU0S/
ref=sr_1_1?
crid=2QGNZ5TKVD9Z1&keywords=time+tracker+lights&qid=1700421462&sprefix=time+tracker+lig
hts+%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1
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High: personal amplified system- personal sound amplifier that

can be at students desk and connected to the board or teacher’s
mic so student can hear the sound from wherever they are sitting.
Pro- easier to hear from anywhere in the room.
Con- has to be connected to a mic or other device.
Link- https://www.diglo.com/personal-amplification;d=1;c=12

Specific Learning Disability

Low: Worksheets on electronic device- Allows student to be given

the same worksheets on the computer or tablet to complete
easier and look back on and edit.
Pro- Student can organize, align, and edit work easier, come back
to it as needed.
Con- teacher will need to upload every paper to the device, need
to ensure to device is working.

Medium: graph paper- paper with grids used for various things,
like math.
Pro- Can help students line up numbers or equations so It’s easier
to read and write.
Con- may need to print larger grid paper.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Punched-Loose-Leaf-Binders-62360/dp/B07QQTRNJR/
ref=sr_1_2_sspa?
crid=3TGU9V69AYZYQ&keywords=graph+paper&qid=1700421616&sprefix=graph+pape%2Caps
%2C94&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
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High: math notation tool- Online tool or app that helps students
write math equations and symbols.
Pro- Allows students that struggle with writing in math to write
equations and symbols independently.
Con- Cannot save equations that are written.
Link- http://www.imatheq.com/corpsite/index.html

Intellectual Disability

Low: labels- labeling everything around the room so the student

can see the object as well as see the word of the object.
Pro- allows students to see the word and object.
Con- If students cannot read you will need to include pictures.
Link-
https://www.earlychildhood.com/labelmaker/label_maker.aspx

Medium: Adapted keyboard- keyboard with larger keys or

multicolored keys to make it easier to see letters and click the
buttons.
Pro- easier to use.
Con- may need to switch or move between rooms or devices.
Link- https://www.adaptivetechsolutions.com/kinderboard-keyboard/?
gclid=CjwKCAiAgeeqBhBAEiwAoDDhnyx7Ldl9xzjgHkhctNrKmDCcVpJAcdspI0NTsQMamAr-
6rbTwiiprxoCQfcQAvD_BwE
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High: Augmentative communication device – Allows a nonverbal

child to communicate and participate with limited restrictions.
May be an Ipad with an app downloaded or a communication
specific device.
Pro- Provides way of communication for students.
Con- Technology can have its own problems like being dead,
malfunctioning, needing to have the latest updates, etc.
Link- https://usaspeechtablets.com/products/10a?
variant=39467374379263&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm
_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=googleads&vt_keyword=&utm_t
erm=&utm_campaign=PMax:
+SmartShoppingCampaign&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=8562356183&hsa
_cam=17453141234&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adw
ords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAgeeqBhBAEiwAoDDhnyHJ7QLjemaPrX-PsCfW-
D6bcLaE-NvkBqayk0SXAKbt2GTWoiMeXhoCuZQQAvD_BwE

Multiple Disabilities

Low: Velcro- used at a fidget sensory tool, help students attach

things, or put on a students device or chair. Is used to attached
things.
Pro- cheap and used for many things.
Con- some students may not like the feel.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Art3d-Sticky-Double-Sided-Command-Adhesive/dp/
B0B58FGF8H/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?
crid=30K5GM7M1QXJC&keywords=velcro&qid=1700422413&sprefix=velcro%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-2-
spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
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Medium: Communication board- allows students to communicate

through pictures on paper.
Pro- source of communication.
Con- may not have everything on the board on pages.
Link- https://lingraphica.com/free-communication-boards/

High: Power steered wheelchair- a wheelchair that is steered by a

joystick or buttons and the child can direct and move around the
wheelchair themselves.
Pro- independent moving.
Con- may have difficulties with the chair or occasional hiccups.
Link- https://www.numotion.com/products-services/pediatrics/power

Orthopedic Impairment

Low: tilted keyboard- adjusting height or angle of keyboard.

Pro- adjustable for each student, easier to access.
Con- having to adjust it often, or if it shifts.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Richboom-Acrylic-Computer-Keyboard-Ergonomic/dp/
B089XVKKYH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2O87AI1ESN9EL&keywords=tilted
%2Bkeyboard&qid=1700422936&sprefix=tilted%2Bkeyboard%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1-
spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Medium: speech to text- a device or software that types what was

spoken into it.
Pro- nice for students that struggle with typing or spelling, etc.
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Con- may type the wrong thing, spoken words need to be very
precise and pronounced an exact way.

High: Adaptive switches- a button to press in place of a switch or

other motor activated object.
Pro- easier for students to turn things on and off.
Con- having to switch between objects, extra cords.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/AbleNet-Jelly-Bean-Switch-Accessibility/dp/B07BKLF9XT/
ref=sr_1_11?
crid=KVU5JEBLRJ22&keywords=adaptive+switches&qid=1700423713&sprefix=adaptive+switche
%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.17d9e15d-4e43-4581-b373-0e5c1a776d5d

Other Health Impairment

Low: Fidgets- Allows students to get out energy without

disrupting others. Can allow students to distract or settle
themselves at any time during the day. This can help children with
ADHD.
Pro- Can provide behavior support without being distracting to
others.
Con- Student may rely on fidgets for self-regulating.
Link- - https://www.amazon.com/Sensory-Children-Assortment-Stuffers-Classroom/dp/
B094QCH1SC/ref=asc_df_B094QCH1SC/?tag=hyprod-
20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642173818718&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14082730197580822224&
hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007225&hvtargid=pla-
1748213703735&psc=1&mcid=1ae47cd8831b3d73bc94113472a41d68
12

Medium: Seat cushion/pillow/wedge- something soft placed on

the student’s chair for them to sit on for more comfort.
Pro- more comfortable for children with fragile bodies.
Con- other children may try to take it or wonder why they don’t
get one, it may fall off the chair a lot.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Fun-Function-Dynamic-Wedge-Cushion/dp/B001TZI4OO/
ref=sr_1_4_sspa?
crid=1RUSI80RO2XWQ&keywords=seat+wedge&qid=1700423796&sprefix=seat+wedge%2Caps
%2C85&sr=8-4-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

High: Mobile aid- any device that helps a child get around with
limited restrictions like a wheelchair, scooter, crutches,
prosthetics, or other orthotic devices.
Pro- helps children move independently.
Con- Can malfunction or break.
Link- https://www.especialneeds.com/shop/mobility.html

Speech and Language Impairment

Low: Communication board- allows students to communicate

through pictures on paper.
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Pro- source of communication.

Con- may not have everything on the board on pages.
Link- https://lingraphica.com/free-communication-boards/

Medium: alerting device- a device that will alert students by using

lights instead of sound since they are not able to hear the alerting
sounds.
Pro- Helps students know when transitions are happening or
when students attention needs to be received.
Con- Student needs to be facing the alerting device to see the
light.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Tracker-Visual-Timer/dp/B0007DHU0S/
ref=sr_1_1?
crid=2QGNZ5TKVD9Z1&keywords=time+tracker+lights&qid=1700421462&sprefix=time+tracker+lig
hts+%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

High: speech generating device- a device that will produce a

digitalized speech when a message is typed into it.
Pro- can allow the student a way to talk.
Con- if it malfunctions or needs to be charged/have batteries.
Link- https://ttsreader.com

Traumatic Brain Injury

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Low: Checklist- used to remember a list of things, tasks, etc.

Pro- Those with TBI can be more forgetful, so a checklist for
various things can e helpful for them to look at to help remember.
Con- They may forget to look at the checklist.
Link- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse?
search=editable%20student%20checklist

Medium: digital clock- Displays the time in numbers instead of

requiring the student to read the hands and figure out the time.
Pro- children with TBI may find it harder to read a normal clock, so
a digital clock is easier to read.
Con- If they cannot read numbers they will struggle to understand
the digital time.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/SSYA-Digital-Calendar-Alarm-Clock/dp/B07Y3F84PP/
ref=sr_1_23?
crid=2SLBRGENLU4C0&keywords=digital+clock&qid=1700424216&sprefix=digital+clock%2Caps
%2C97&sr=8-23

High: writing assistance program- Co:Writer is a word prediction

program and word processing application that helps users expand
their vocabulary and easily express their thoughts through writing
by predicting what word they will write next and giving options.
Pro- can help students write easier and faster.
Con- May not always predict correctly.
Link- https://cowriter.com

Visual Impairment
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Low: magnifying glass- enlarges objects or text when held up to it.

Pro- can enlarge text to help student see it better.
Con- student has to hold it up to the thing they want to see and
move it.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-Illuminated-Magnifier-Degeneration-Inspection/
dp/B07G55FSPX/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?
crid=2RRKMCD7CHX3U&keywords=Magnifying+glass&qid=1700424319&sprefix=magnifying+glass
%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Medium: braille notetaker- Can be used by the blind or visually

impaired, they are electronic devices used for reading, taking
notes, etc. through the use of braille.
Pro- easy to use by feel.
Con- Need to take with them places, may forget to bring it.
Link- https://store.humanware.com/hus/brailliant-bi-20x-braille-display.html?
CAGPSPN=pla&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAgeeqBhBAEiwAoDDhnyrPqRQtQlq7BUgStN7b1isxts2
fNKFjftiaJFD3SOLj7Ps7frVTbhoCOmoQAvD_BwE

High: E-book reader- a device that stores books and can read
aloud to user through headphones or aloud.
Pro- easy for someone who struggles to see be able to read a
book or access materials in class.
Con- May be dead or malfunction.
Link- https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-adjustable-Ad-Supported/dp/B08KTZ8249/
ref=sr_1_3?crid=1H9YOQB215XF7&keywords=e-
book+reader&qid=1700424414&sprefix=ebook+reader%2Caps%2C291&sr=8-3
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https://techable.enablingvillage.sg/quick/category/6/devices?parent=1&text=Intellectual
%20disability&depth=1