Assistive technology for educational use
Below you will find an outline representing a continuum of assistive technology for educational use in several major curricular areas. Depending on the task, students will likely use a variety of technological tools. In general, the outline is organized from low to high assistive technology; students may require tools across the continuum to complete different types of tasks. Proper implementation of assistive technology is key to student success.
- Computer Access
- Color Scheme
- Large operating system features
- Built-in magnification
- Fully featured magnification
- Magnification with screen reader
- Screen reader
- Screen reader with Braille device
- Technology for Academic Areas
- Reading
- Glasses
- Color filter
- Slantboard
- Large print
- Optical magnifier
- Electronic magnifier
- CCTV
- Monocular
- CCTV with distance camera
- Audio text
- Computer based reading software
- Electronic Braille notetaker
- Writing
- High contrast pen
- Portable word processing device
- Typing with audio support
- Braillewriter
- Typing with Braille support
- Electronic Braille notetaker
- Voice recognition
- Math
- Large print measuring tools (rulers, protractors)
- Large key calculator
- Tactile measuring devices
- Abacus
- Talking calculator
- Models or 2D & 3D geometric shapes
- Tiger embossed, PIAF Tactile representation
- Reading
- Expanded Core Curriculum
- Pictorial Information
- Enlarged format
- CCTV
- Models or objects
- Tactile graphics
- Tactile-audio graphics
- Note-Taking
- Slate and stylus
- Tape or digital recording device
- Computer-based recording software
- Electronic Braille notetaker
- Mobility
- Cane
- Monocular
- Braille/talking compass
- Electronic Travel Device
- GPS Device
- Pictorial Information
Excerpted and adapted from the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative’s “Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology” online publication.
