The Best Assistive Technology Tools in Special Education

The use of assistive technology in special education is on the rise as the world transforms learning both from home and in schools. In this case, we have emerging calls for functional and accessible models of distance learning as the nature of education transforms. The first part of the solution, particularly for special ed environments, is the application of blended learning.

In this post, we will learn how assistive technology in special education can assist you in modifying and adapting the learning environment for children with special needs. 

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is defined as any instrument, apparatus, equipment, material or software used to facilitate functional capabilities that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to accomplish because of the disability. The purpose of assistive technology is to provide students with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) a way of living a normal life, working effectively, as well as improving their quality of life. This can encompass several technologies including, for example, voice recognition for the visually impaired, communication aids for the speech impaired, keyboards and mice for the motor impaired and learning software for those with learning disabilities.

The field of assistive technology still grows with the help of such trends as robotics, artificial intelligence, and possibilities of application on mobile devices with the availability of special applications. The general aim is to remove restrictions and ensure that people with disabilities have equal rights to receive information and communicate, gain education and get a job.

The Best Assistive Technology Tools in Special Education

Below you can continue reading to find out some of the most frequently used assistive technologies in special education. However, as an education provider, it is always possible to consider as many tools as can be before trying to meet the needs of each special needs student in their care.

Alternative Keyboards

Alternative keyboards take the central stage as far as increasing accessibility for students with special education needs is concerned, promoting diversity, and achievement. These keyboards are developed with different learning and physical disability to meet the needs of all the people. We also see such elements as adjustable positions of keys, the size of the buttons, and the presence of haptic feedback allowing students with motor skills problems to interact with technology without fear of making a mistake.

Besides, most of the extra keyboards contain graphics such as coloured keys or contrasting graphics to help the visually impaired. As a result, providing students with individual customized keyboards can help them to completely participate in digital learning environments.

Grammar Tools

Children with such disorders as dyslexia, for instance, find it difficult to come up with correct sentences in terms of grammar. The use of assistive technology tools for instance; proofreading programs and grammar checkers can be the solution. They can be employed when composing a document to review each word and sentence or as a tool for reviewing a whole document to identify certain grammatical mistakes. This gives the student the confidence that no matter the work they do and submit, it will be written in good grammar.

Other items like predictive text can also be useful because it will assist the student in the right direction when attempting to develop more complicated words or form sentences. Those that forecast during the writing process can also offer more mental support, as a rule. Unlike grammar tools where problems are highlighted, in a situation where a student completes a large paper or writing and looks at the list of ‘mishaps’.

Audiobooks & Screen Readers

Audiobooks and screen readers help students with SEND to remove barriers associated with traditional learning environments. These high-tech learning aids help students learn in a variety of ways, and provide an auditory form of text.

Audiobooks make learning interesting for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia or visual impairment in a way that is effective for them. Text-to-speech capable screen readers enable students to access digital content with relative freedom.

When combined, the technologies make the education of students with learning disabilities more integrated, independent, comprehending, and achieving. Audiobooks and screen readers bring auditory learning into education to make sure no learner is left behind.

Organisation & Reminder Management Systems

Organisation and Reminder Management Systems have the most significant role in the process of facilitating students with special needs. Such systems help students with learning disabilities to have a framework for time management and tasks as well as reminders.

Innovations like adjustable notifications and icons are preferred by students because of their differences. Integrating well with other assistive technologies like this one can go a long way toward making the learning process of a classroom more accessible. In these systems, students acquire independence, good executive skills, and direction while handling their academic work.

Speech-to-Text Software

The use of speech-to-text is a great boost in the classroom especially for special needs students as it turns spoken words into text. This technology allows students with speech or communication difficulties to type what they are saying as they speak. That can be beneficial for students especially those who have problems with focusing or writing. This makes the learning environment welcoming for all and it improves student’s performance as well as self-esteem for those with communication difficulties. 

Calculators

As for math problems using a calculator as an assistive tool is one of the most common and effective solutions for children with special needs. This can prove useful in solving a simple or complex mathematical problem in class. One of the learning difficulties is dyslexia, most of which encounter some difficulties when it comes to solving arithmetical problems. Therefore, the calculator can help in supporting the process of eradicating the mental computation part.

Students and special education providers may also wish to assess the feasibility of talking calculators as well. These tools are slightly more advanced and more specific to students who are low vision, motor impaired or those with similar disability. The calculator will be able to read the numbers for the student, creating an auditory feedback pathway.