Assistive Technology

Assistive technology devices are identified in the IDEA 2004 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 the functional capabilities of children with disabilities." 

It is important to know that technology can range from anything to a pencil grip to a hearing aid. It does not have to be high tech and complex. It is anything that assists or helps a child be more independent and complete a task. There is a wide range of assistive technology and the list is getting longer. It is important as a teacher to be up to date on new ways to help make our students day in the classroom successful. 

I have a 6-year-old child in my classroom with Down Syndrome. Every child with DS is different and their needs vary. My student is extremely high functioning and can read, write and count. That being said there are still some things he finds difficult. Right now the assistive technology we use in the classroom is writing with a highlighter because he doesn't have to push down as hard. Standing and writing/painting his words on an easel. Children with DS have low core strength and he is still working on holding his back straight while writing. He tends to lean over his work which makes it hard for him to see what he is doing. We also have a schedule board (visual representation of the daily schedule) because sometimes it is hard for him during transitions. This way he will know before we ring the bell what we are going to be doing next (spanish, music, recess, lunch). These are all great techniques to use with my student without using "technology", but I wanted to see if I could find something we could use together on an Ipad.

I found the app Special Numbers. Special numbers has many activities such as counting, matching, ordering, and comparing. Sometimes my student has trouble with 1 to 1 correspondence and is still working on writing his numbers independently. This app is a fun way for him to practice these skills. 

Another great tool I use is National Association for Down Syndrome to help me find resources on specific skills I am working on with him. 

My main goal for all my students is for them to be independent in the classroom. One of the things I remember learning in my undergrad was, we wouldn't deny a student from wearing glasses in the classroom because they help them see and ultimately that helps them learn. Then why would we not allow or do everything in our power to help a child with their specific needs and in the end learn successfully?