Learning Disabilities: Computer Literacy Class
Individuals have unique strengths, needs, talents, and interests. Learning Disabilities (LD) often affect the ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. Individuals live, learn, and function in many settings - home, school, work, social, and recreational. An individual needs to explore and try out a tool or device first.
Assistive Technology (AT) doesn't necessarily fix or eliminate particular learning difficulties, but it can be used to make the most of strengths and bypass areas of difficulty. However, choosing the appropriate technology requires time and patience. The right tool depends on the individual need, the setting in which it will be used, and the task(s) to be accomplished. The more information and support during this process of discovery, the greater the chance for success.
Assistive technology is not the same as instructional software that develops specific academic skills. Instructional software is more often used to develop or improve weaker skills in specific academic and or subject areas. It's different from assistive technology (AT) that is more about tools used to work around, or bypass, areas of difficulty. However, some instructional software can be customized with assistive features, adjustable skill levels - to meet an individuals needs.
Assistive Technology Decision Tree
Technology permits materials to be presented in various modes depending on the student's needs. Assistive technology is defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (Center for Technology and Disability Studies, 2003, ¶ 3). Assistive technology such as word-prediction, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text programs provide learning and communication alternatives for those who have disabilities. (as cited in Gardner, 2003).
UnumProvident’s Assistive Technology Decision Tree, shown in Figure 3-3, leads you through questions based on the type of impairment to identify assistive technology products that you might consider. By asking questions regarding the extent and type of impairment (including range of motion, quadriplegia, back impairment, vision impairment, hearing/auditory impairment, speech impairment, and psychological impairment), the decision tree narrows down technology that might be helpful for an individual taking a computer class.
Assistive Technology (AT) doesn't necessarily fix or eliminate particular learning difficulties, but it can be used to make the most of strengths and bypass areas of difficulty. However, choosing the appropriate technology requires time and patience. The right tool depends on the individual need, the setting in which it will be used, and the task(s) to be accomplished. The more information and support during this process of discovery, the greater the chance for success.
Assistive technology is not the same as instructional software that develops specific academic skills. Instructional software is more often used to develop or improve weaker skills in specific academic and or subject areas. It's different from assistive technology (AT) that is more about tools used to work around, or bypass, areas of difficulty. However, some instructional software can be customized with assistive features, adjustable skill levels - to meet an individuals needs.
Assistive Technology Decision Tree
Technology permits materials to be presented in various modes depending on the student's needs. Assistive technology is defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (Center for Technology and Disability Studies, 2003, ¶ 3). Assistive technology such as word-prediction, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text programs provide learning and communication alternatives for those who have disabilities. (as cited in Gardner, 2003).
UnumProvident’s Assistive Technology Decision Tree, shown in Figure 3-3, leads you through questions based on the type of impairment to identify assistive technology products that you might consider. By asking questions regarding the extent and type of impairment (including range of motion, quadriplegia, back impairment, vision impairment, hearing/auditory impairment, speech impairment, and psychological impairment), the decision tree narrows down technology that might be helpful for an individual taking a computer class.