The Diverse Needs Of Assistive Technology For Special Education Students

The diverse needs of special education students require teachers to make accommodations to ensure all students receive fair and equitable instruction. The degree of special education needs vary and teachers must create an environment in which all students have the opportunity to succeed. Technology can be used to develop independence and encourage classroom participation within the special education population (Alnahdi, 2014). When implemented correctly, the use of technology has the ability to improve the instructional outcomes for all students. Many misconceptions exist on the topic of technology. Technology is not just computers, but any machine or equipment that is developed to aid in the completion of a task or job. Technology can

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act called for special education teachers to be actively involved in the selection and implementation of technology when writing Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Students with disabilities have the right to technology as an accommodation to help them succeed. The Assistive Technology Act of 1988 ensures that all individuals with disabilities, despite their age, be provided access to assistive technology (AT) services to ensure successful education and employment and to assist with functioning in their daily lives. From birth until death, individuals with disabilities are afforded the right to assistive technology. These technologies are not designated as a means for individuals to be successful in school, but also as a means to improve their daily lives. The value of technology utilization in special education is supported by both research and policy (Edyburn,

For individuals with motor impairments, touch screens, joysticks, and trackerballs can be utilized when doing research on the computer. An eye-gaze tracking cursor control system can also be used for students unable to use their hands, along with “EyeDraw”, a software program that allows individuals to draw with their eyes (Drigas & Ioannidou, 2013). The iPod touch can be used for students with disabilities as a low-cost alternative to the smartboard or laptop. The FLYPen can be used to assist students with disabilities in writing. The FLYPen is accompanied by voice output that provides directions and hints as students produce writing. Write:Outloud is a talking word processor that can be utilized for students that require read-aloud accommodations. The possibilities when choosing assistive technology are endless and change every day as new technologies are developed (Alnahdi,