What is assistive technology and what are the assistive technology devices that are used in the classroom? Assistive technology, in the simplest of terms, are those tools, devices, and strategies that help lower and break down the barriers that can be created by disabilities. The use of assistive technology in the classroom can help liberate students with disabilities and compensate for their learning problems. In most public schools, assistive technology is used in order to better physical, social, and communicative abilities of the student. Educational reforms have brought about a change in the way classrooms function. In order to make the classroom more inclusive, it is important that children who are challenged physically be provided with assistance to make the learning process simpler.

Assistive Technology in Classrooms

This is one of those technologies that are known by several different names which include rehabilitation devices, adaptive materials, assistive devices, and adaptive technologies. As mentioned earlier, assistive technology is used to help children with disabilities cope with the technologies and materials that are an integral part of the classroom today. Assistive technologies are used for different purposes. There are specific devices that are designed for students who are either visually impaired or have a vision problem. There are also assistive technology devices for the hearing impaired and for those children who have learning disabilities and find it difficult to learn things. For such students, assistive technologies help by improving their learning, behavioral, and cognitive abilities. There are some students who may have a problem in communication or in understanding the information that is being supplied. There are specific assistive technology devices for such students as well. Read the rest of this entry »