Assistive Technology (also called adaptive technology,) has many definitions and come in a variety of tools. Assistive technology is designed to help people that have different needs to meet their goals and encounter success! If you wonder why Assistive Technology is housed under the Instructional Design category, it’s because instructional designers design learning content for all learners.
Assistive Technology Devices are designed to help people with academic, professional and personal aspects of their lives. Assistive technology ranges from low-tech pencil grips to high-tech smart technologies.
The range of assistive technology is broad. Hardware and devices to software and mobile app. As an example of a mobile app that is a resource to someone with memory or attention challenges would be a visual calendar. The calendar has both text and images to help a person facing cognitive issues to schedule their day. They can refer to their calendar for memory triggers also. Visual calendars provide structure and are helpful for individuals with Alzheimer’s, autism spectrum, communication difficulties, developmental delays, and Down’s Syndrome. Visual calendars are available for iPhones, iPads and Android systems.
The law provides protection for people that need assistive devices. The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 defines an assistive technology device in the following way:
…any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2).
Below is a list of resources:
http://www.resnaprojects.org/allcontacts/statewidecontacts.html
http://www.abledata.com/resources?resource_name=&resource_type=70288
Classroom and Teacher resource:
http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/iris-resource-locator/#content
Please share any resources that you find outstanding.