A S S I S T I V E

T E C H N O L O G Y
"The world of education is currently
undergoing a massive transformation
as a result of the digital revolution"
(Collins & Halverson, 2009, p. 1).
W H AT I S A S S I S T I V E T E C H N O L O G Y ?
Alnahdi et al (2014) states that assistive technology is defined as an item or piece of equipment or
product system either acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified, or customized and used to
increase, maintain, or improve functional capability for individual with disabilities.”

Assistive Technology in the classroom is the use of devices and software to improve the experience
of learning or going about daily life. Teachers can help students by teaching them how to use
assistive technology. These tools can help students to live and behave more independently (Alnahdi
2014).
VOICE RECOGNITION
This assistive technology tool can help people who struggle with writing. You may hear it referred
to as “speech-to-text,” “voice-to-text,” “voice recognition,” or “speech recognition” technology. It
allows users to write with their voices, instead of writing by hand or with a keyboard.

This tool can help students who cannot use a mouse, keyboard, pen or pencil. This tool can also
help with students who have learning and cognitive disabilities and have trouble with writing and
spelling.
VOICE
RECOGNITION

These devices can range from $50-$500

depending on what specific tool your student
needs.

You can purchase voice recognition devices from

a bunch of places online, including:
• Amazon

• Boundless

• The Low Vision Store

TIMERS
Wristwatches, hourglass timers, and apps can help kids who have trouble with pacing. If kids have
a hard time transitioning from task to task, timers can help them mentally prepare to make the
switch. Timers can be used as visual aids to show how much time is left to complete an activity
(Morin 2020).

Timers will help students in the classroom to stay engaged in assignments because they know how
much time left, they have. Having a visual or audio timer when working on a specific task helps
students develop time management skills and focuses their Attention on completing the
assignment.
TIMERS
Timers can range from $5-$20 depending on how
many are in the pack and what kind you purchase.

You can purchase Timers online and in store. You

can find them at the following places:
• Amazon

• Walmart

• Lakeshore Learning

• Target
A U D I O P L AY E R S A N D R E C O R D E R S
Morin (2020) states students may find it helpful to listen to the words while reading them on the
page. Smartphones and tablet computers come with text-to-speech software that can read aloud
anything on the screen. And many e-books have audio files.

If a student has trouble with writing or taking notes, an audio recorder can capture what the teacher
says in class. Then the student can listen to it again at home. Devices like laptops, tablets, and
smartphones also have a recording feature.

These devices can help students that have trouble writing. Students can use these devices to record
the teacher talking instead of having to writing all the notes down.
 A U D I O P L AY E R S
AND RECORDERS

Audio players and recorders can range from $25-

$200 depending on what version and year you get.

You can purchase audio players and recorders

online from the following places:
• School Outfitters

• Amazon

• Ecarts

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Assistive technology is one of the core strategies to help with learning and thinking differences in
the classroom. Some adaptive tools are low-tech, and some are fancy. Depending on where you buy
them and what version you buy.

Here are some common examples that are used in the classroom, that I did not include in my
presentation: reading guides, seat cushions, FM listening systems, writing supports, graphic
organizers, screen reader, etc. The list goes on, there is so many devices and tools to support and
help your students with learning disabilities.
REFERENCES
• Alnahdi, G. (2014). Assistive technology in special education and the universal design for
learning. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology-TOJET, 13(2), 18-23.
• Morin, A. (2020, June 15). Examples of assistive technology and adaptive tools in the classroom.
Understood.org.
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/examples-of-assistive-technology-adaptive-tools
• Smith, R. O. (2000). Measuring assistive technology outcomes in
education. Diagnostique, 25(4), 273-290.