Assistive/Adaptive Technology
This page demonstrates some of the exciting advances in technology that can help students with special needs (my Learning Log details accessibility features on my iMac). I have geared these lessons for my mom who teaches K-6 Special Education students. However, most of these resources can easily be adapted to help students of all ages and abilities. That is what makes technology so wonderful! If teachers and parents spend the time to familiarize themselves with what is available, they will be able to leverage powerful integration strategies to help their children. I have mostly chosen resources that focus on reading and math skills. Enjoy!
[Note: All logos, app badges, and images were taken directly from the site linked to by clicking on each one]
[Note: All logos, app badges, and images were taken directly from the site linked to by clicking on each one]
Students with Cognitive Difficulties
iPad apps
Math Bumpies – Adventure on Math Island: Addition & Subtraction is a great app that is an engaging and entertaining -- and sneaky! -- way to practice basic math facts. Students who struggle in math will find this educational game fun and motivating. Math fact skills will be strengthened.
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What it is: This new software by ExploreLearning takes math facts to the next level. Based on solid research-proven methods, it provides students with a game-based opportunity to master math fact fluency. It is entirely online-based and costs $35 per student for one year. Teachers can monitor through powerful reporting features.
Integration Strategy: After setting up student accounts in Reflex, teachers can give students adequate time daily to practice their math facts using Reflex. The software is fully customizable and adaptive to each child's skills and proficiency, so each student can practice at his/her own level. How it will help: Student motivation will increase and students of all levels will improve instant recall of math facts. This fluency will help build math confidence and improve overall attitude toward learning math facts. |
This short video highlights how students and teachers are using this new
software to practice and improve their math facts. |
Math Bingo is a fun and engaging app that encourages students to get five bugs in a row by solving math facts. It helps improve math fact proficiency and student motivation. User profiles can be created and immediate feedback and encouragement is built in.
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What it is: Starfall is loaded with reading and math helps for K-2 students of all abilities. The math activities reinforce basic math facts and number concepts through games, songs, and online activities. Membership is required and pricing is based on the number of students. The interface is still compatible with older operating systems, which may be useful in some classrooms.
Integration Strategy: Teachers can direct students to the activities that will help reinforce the concepts they need to practice. Encourage students to spend time as often as possible practicing and trying different activities. How it will help: Students will like the flexibility to choose various activities and games that reinforce the math concepts they are struggling with. Students will have fun while practicing their math, which will lead to increased motivation and retention. |
These are screenshots from an addition and multiplication activity.
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Students with Physical Difficulties
iPad apps
Abilipad makes writing easier by utilizing word prediction, text-to-speech, and a fully customizable keyboard. Allows users to creating lesson plans, taking notes, import photos, design keyboard skins, and organize folders and notebooks. The word predictor reduces the number of keystrokes needed. Powerful functionality makes this app a likely choice for teachers, parents, and students with special needs.
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What it is: IntelliKeys USB is an adaptable keyboard for anyone who has difficulty using a standard keyboard. The keys and functions are fully customizable for individualized support by using overlays. Additional tools and support are available with this keyboard.
Integration Strategy: Teachers can use this keyboard to support any student who has difficulty using a regular keyboard. While especially helpful for students with have limited physical mobility, it can also benefit young, ELL, and struggling students. Teachers and students must become familiar with the overlays and customizable settings to maximize its advantage. How it will help: This keyboard allows computer input and interactivity that students miss if they can't use a standard keyboard. Students will be more responsive, attentive, and engaged if they are able to interact more with their lessons. |
This inspiring video by the George Lucas Foundation shows the difference assistive technology makes in the lives of students.
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Dragon Dictation is a voice-recognition app that converts speech to text. It claims to be five times faster than typing on the keyboard. Speech-to-text functionality can be very useful for students with limited mobility who are not able to type efficiently. It can also be used by anyone who wants to save keystroke effort, and is customizable for various dialects.
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What it is: TrackerPro takes the place of a mouse for people with little or no hand movement. The cursor follows a person's subtle head movements.
Integration Strategy: This input device helps students who are not able to use a mouse due to limited mobility. It allows them to control computer movements in the same way a mouse does, including clicking, dragging, and scrolling. How it will help: If your mouse battery has ever died, you know it is nearly impossible to do anything on a computer without a mouse. This device restores full computer functionality to students who are normally unable to use a mouse, thus allowing them to have a more productive and enjoyable computer experience. |
This video gives a short overview of what this device does and how it can
help. |
Students with Sensory Difficulties
iPad apps
FaceTime is a built-in app on the iPad and Mac computers. Users can video call another iPad or Mac user anywhere in the world through the Internet. This technology is especially helpful for those with hearing impairments because it enables the user to see the person they are speaking or signing with as if they are together.
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What it is: FM amplification systems such as this one from Audio Enhancement amplify the teacher's voice so that all students can hear better.
Integration Strategy: A teacher speaks into a wireless microphone that amplifies his/her voice throughout the classroom. Different models are available and some have receivers for students with hearing impairments. However, research shows that all students can benefit from more focused attention on what the teacher is saying. How it will help: Students stay more focused on the content when they are not straining to hear the teacher and are less distracted by a noisy classroom environment. |
This video shows how FM amplification systems can help students of all
abilities succeed in the classroom. |
The iPad has many built-in accessibility features including Zoom and VoiceOver. By enabling these and other features, students of all abilities can customize their learning experience.
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What it is: iZoom USB is a portable screen magnification device. It enables the user to magnify and clarify everything on the screen for better readability.
Integration Strategy: Students can configure their own iZoon USB with their preferred magnification settings. The device can be used at home and at school simply by plugging it into a USB 2.0 port (Windows XP/Vista only. For Mac options, visit Apple's accessibility page for options). How it will help: Magnifying the screen allows partially sighted students to interact more effectively with the content. Students will be more engaged with the material if they can see it clearly. |
This video highlights some of the benefits of using a screen magnification
tool |
At-Risk Students
iPad apps
Reading Raven is a fully customizable app geared for young or struggling readers. It features educational games and self-paced activities to strengthen reading skills in all students. The variety and high-quality graphics will keep students engaged.
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What it is: Bookstream is an Ebook cloud storage system from Don Johnston. It allows a teacher to share an eBook collection with students, who can then view them on any device that is connected to the Internet.
Integration Strategy: Teachers can easily share their Ebook collections with students through this tool, and it is fully customizable for each student. This gives students access from anywhere and from any device, allowing them more accessibility to their textbooks. It is 508-compliant and is compatible with various assistive devices. How it will help: This tool will engage at-risk students by having text read out loud to them and giving them easy and convenient access to Ebooks. |
Click on this image to watch a brief video of this product overview
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Motion Math is an exciting app that helps students with fractions and decimals. The interface is especially motivating for students who struggle with these concepts and need additional support and encouragement.
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What it is: BrainPOP is a unique website that merges animation and education. It is packed with educational games and activities across all content areas. Membership is required.
Integration Strategy: Teachers can guide students to explore certain topics for additional support. There is a large variety of activities so students should always find something interesting. There are also many free resources for educators. How it will help: This website takes content area topics and turns them into colorful, engaging, and animated adventures. Students who need some additional support or encouragement will have fun learning through these tools. |
This video gives an overview of what BrainPOP is all about
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Gifted and Talented Students
iPad apps
The new Khan Academy iPad app is wonderful -- and free! With over 2,700 high-quality videos, users can track their progress. Exercises coming soon. This app is an incredible tool that can help motivate and educate.
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What it is: A brilliant powerhouse of high-quality, free educational videos. For use by students, teachers, coaches, parents, or anyone else interested in learning, these videos present manageable chunks of information. The website keeps track of videos viewed and all sorts of other helpful stats for teachers.
Integration Strategy: Have students create an account and assign them to watch certain videos. Allow them time to explore and watch other videos of interest. Have them share some of their favorites and complete some of the practice activities. How it will help: Students will be challenged to learn what they want at their own pace. The lessons range from simple to complex, so there is something for everyone. Students will be motivated to earn various badges and mark their progress. |
This is one of 3,100 videos about math, science, finance and economics,
humanities, test prep, brain teasers, and interviews. All are 10-minutes or less. |
Mathemagics Mental Math Tricks is a unique app that helps users practice mental math techniques. Students who excel in math will find it challenging yet engaging and it can help them strengthen their mental math skills.
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What it is: This simple website is "dedicated to the puzzling world of mathematics" and is loaded with challenging problems.
Integration Strategy: Have students find a couple of problems like these examples and work through them. All are leveled by difficulty level and include a detailed solution. How it will help: Gifted students thrive when challenged at their own pace and with problems they have chosen. These problems are challenging and include solutions to check answers. Students will also boost self-directed learning and research skills. |
Additional Resources
OATS: Open source assistive technology software
AbleData: resource for assistive technology information
OCAD University: Inclusive Design Research Centre
CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology
Apple: Accessibility features on a Mac
Microsoft: Accessibility features on Windows
NICHCY: Offers a wealth of information on disabilities
DO-IT Center: promotes the success of individuals with disabilities in postsecondary education and careers, using technology as an empowering tool
WebAIM: Web accessibility evaluation tool
Building Accessible Websites: free online book
AbleData: resource for assistive technology information
OCAD University: Inclusive Design Research Centre
CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology
Apple: Accessibility features on a Mac
Microsoft: Accessibility features on Windows
NICHCY: Offers a wealth of information on disabilities
DO-IT Center: promotes the success of individuals with disabilities in postsecondary education and careers, using technology as an empowering tool
WebAIM: Web accessibility evaluation tool
Building Accessible Websites: free online book