Assistive Technology and Special Education

While there are more and more children everyday with cognitive impairments  or disabilities, there are also more devices and software to help these children learn the basic fundamentals of life. Special education teachers are now using advanced programs to teach, evaluate, and track the progress made by each student.

Since children with cognitive impairments, or the difficulty or inability to learn functioning tasks, have trouble with language skills, computer programs specifically targeted to these children are becoming very popular among special education classes.

They generally consist of computerized flash cards and a special monitor that  can easily be used by anyone. A few of these monitors are now even controlled by eye movement. The user must follow a dot for ten seconds, which then allows them to control everything on the screen.

These monitors are ideal for special education students with little to no mobility due to disease or injury such as Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or high-level spinal injuries.

Another assistive technology used in special education classes is software that converts voice commands to writing. For students that are not able to physically type anything into a document, this software gives them the freedom of being able to dictate and produce their own writings.

It is also beneficial for children that can process complete thoughts and sentences, but have difficulty writing them on paper. This software gives special education students the satisfaction of being able to complete their own work.

For children that are blind, or have very low vision, some special education classes are now using Braille printers. With these devices, children with little or no vision are now able to read their own work. By using the software that converts voice to text, a child can write their own story, then print it with a Braille printer, and be able to read their story over and over.

They are also able to read lessons and stories from class that they would otherwise need help with.

Some special education teachers use progression software to track the progress of their students over a period of time. They generally give a detailed report of the progress made and the stages of therapy completed.

This allows the teacher to see where the student has improved, or in what areas they need attention. By periodically evaluating the progress made by each student, teachers ensure that everyone is making strides and achieving goals.

Without the ability to evaluate and determine the appropriate course of action, every student in special education would not get the proper attention in the areas needed. Assessment software and programs are used to evaluate the level of ability and knowledge of a special education student.

This information gives the teacher a general idea of what therapy and learning programs are best suited for each student.

The idea of disabled or impaired students not getting the attention and education that they need and deserve is one that has propelled the field of technology to take action. The advancements made in this area are of great importance, especially for those that would otherwise do without.

The assistive technologies being used by special education instructors are ensuring that everyone, even those with disorders and disabilities, are learning the skills that it takes to survive and succeed in life.