Assistive Technology to Help Students With Disabilities

Introduction

The field of Assistive Technology (AT) over the past three decades has been growing by leaps and bounds from slides, filmstrips, and overhead projectors to current 21^st-century technologies, such as 3D simulations and virtual reality (VR). Both low-tech to high-tech devices are used consistently to assist students with a wide variety of learning challenges. This chapter focuses on some of the recent developments in teaching aids/technology devices in the remediation and assistance of students with disabilities.

Low to high tech devices will be explored to provide insight into creating learning environments for students with disabilities. Future directions in this realm will investigate the rapid change of technology and the implications for students with disabilities. Areas, such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, (VR) and simulated environments will be described. Also, the continual need for quality professional development in training for the general education classroom teacher as well as for the special education is addressed. For example, specialists and classrooms teachers will need to collaborate and consult with each other to maximize the use of assistive technology devices to assist in the student’s growth, development, and in promoting a productive learning environment.

Chapter Outline

• 1.

  What is Assistive Technology?

• 2.

  The History of Assitive Technology Devices

• 3.

  Why Use Assistive Technology Devices?

• 4.

  The Digital Generations and 21^st Century Learning

• 5.

  Teacher Education and Professional Development

• 6.

  Trends and Resources

• 7.

  Assistive Technology Content Areas Mathematics and Reading

• 8.

  Expressive Language and Writing

• 9.

  Future Directions