Blog Post#1
Assistive Technology
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| Assistive Technology |
Assistive technology is 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.
The
term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the
replacement of such device. (Authority 20 U.S.C. 1401(1))
Examples
of Low Tech Devices
Low tech
devices has no electronic components, they are relatively inexpensive, and easy
to care. These include: pencil grips, post its, rug locks, and tactile rulers.
Examples
of Mid Tech Devices
Mid tech
devices are electronic in nature, they are usually fairly inexpensive, easy to
use, and require less training to use. These include: calculators, spell
checks, audio books, and voice recorders.
Examples
of High Tech Devices
High tech devices are based on
computer technology; they require more training to operate and are usually
considerably expensive. These include: Augmentative and alternative communication devices, electric wheelchairs, Screen readers, and
screen magnifiers
Resources
for teachers/parents on Assistive Technology
The following are helpful resources
for parents and teachers on assistive technology:
U.S. Department
of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/edpicks.jhtml)
The Department of Education provides a list of resources pertaining to the needs of children with disabilities.
The Department of Education provides a list of resources pertaining to the needs of children with disabilities.
NICHCY (http://nichcy.org/families-community)
NICHCY serves the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children and youth. You’ll find easy-to-read articles on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education, as well as researched-based information on effective practices, programs and services.
NICHCY serves the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children and youth. You’ll find easy-to-read articles on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education, as well as researched-based information on effective practices, programs and services.
Child Development
Institute (http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/)
Our website is designed to provide the information and tools parents need to understand their unique child/children and to enable them to help each child develop into the successful human being they were meant to be.
Our website is designed to provide the information and tools parents need to understand their unique child/children and to enable them to help each child develop into the successful human being they were meant to be.
Through the Looking
Glass (http://www.lookingglass.org/)
Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally-recognized center that has pioneered research, training and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue. Our mission is “To create, demonstrate and encourage non-pathological and empowering resources and model early intervention services for families with disability issues in parent or child which integrate expertise derived from personal disability experience and disability culture.”
Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally-recognized center that has pioneered research, training and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue. Our mission is “To create, demonstrate and encourage non-pathological and empowering resources and model early intervention services for families with disability issues in parent or child which integrate expertise derived from personal disability experience and disability culture.”
PACER (http://www.pacer.org/)
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. With assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER’s work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation.
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. With assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER’s work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation.
Parents Helping
Parents (http://www.php.com/)
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) strives to improve the quality of life for any child with any special need of any age, through educating, supporting and training their primary caregivers.
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) strives to improve the quality of life for any child with any special need of any age, through educating, supporting and training their primary caregivers.
E-Ready Special
Education Information for Parents(http://www.pta.org/advocacy/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3713)
This page provides parents, as well as teachers, of children with disabilities with information on specific disabilities, a glossary of special education terms, and links to helpful resources.
This page provides parents, as well as teachers, of children with disabilities with information on specific disabilities, a glossary of special education terms, and links to helpful resources.
AllExperts – Special
Education(http://www.allexperts.com/cl2/636/education/Special-Education/)
This website allows parents to ask questions of AllExpert’s volunteer experts regarding all aspects of special education; questions and answers are available for search as well.
This website allows parents to ask questions of AllExpert’s volunteer experts regarding all aspects of special education; questions and answers are available for search as well.
Easter Seals (http://www.easterseals.com)
