Assistive Technologies - Essay Example

It is a technology that enables a disabled person to confront an area of challenge. Although it does not treat the disabling condition, it considerably helps in the independent accomplishment of a goal and simplifies a task that may otherwise be complicated or unworkable. Assistive technologies compatible with the users eliminate or lessen difficulties to learning due to immobilizing situations (Hopkins, 2004). This paper discusses the use of assistive technology to support special needs students, to expand classroom curricula, and to promote independent participation in the classroom.

Assistive Technology Assistive Technology is widely used in the description of any object, product, piece of apparatus, or system that augments, sustains or develops the functional ability of an individual with disability (IDEIA, 2004). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act further identifies that assistive technology is a significant device that meets the special needs of students with disabilities in education and general development (Smith, Murphy-Herd, Alvarado, & Glennon, 2005).

Assistive technology mechanisms can be electronic or non-electronic, “low-tech”, “mid-tech” or “high-tech”. Low technology approaches are non-electronic or non-battery-controlled, inexpensive and practical tools such as communication books and boards, dry-erase boards, coated or non-coated pictures, photo albums, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or other paper-based visual supports. Medium technology tools are battery-operated or simple electronic devices such as tape recorders, simple voice output devices, timers, calculators or other simple computer attachments or software.

High technology devices are compound, expensive technological supports, such as computers and adaptive hardware (touch screen display, software, and trackballs), additional computer attachments (digital cameras and scanners), video cameras, and complex voice output gadgets (Target: Texas Guide for Effective Teaching Assistive Technology, 2012). Cautious instruction of teachers and students on the employment of assistive technologies is vital to guarantee proper and effective application. Integrated on a daily basis, assistive technology could facilitate and maximize the development of the functional capacities of children with special needs.

And because every child is unique and special, these devices whether low-tech, mid-tech or high-tech should be individualized according to the exceptional needs of students. Assistive technology targets the students’ independent functioning abilities through the reduction of necessary direct support from another individual for task completion (Target: Texas Guide for Effective Teaching Assistive Technology, 2012). Autism and its Effect on a Student’s Ability in Classroom Performance Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), is a neuro-developmental disorder that presents a delay in an individual’s speech and language development and impairment in communication skills.

The disorder which is more prevalent in boys than in girls may be seen before the age of