Assistive Technology
IDEA defines assistive technology as follows: "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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability."
Assistive Technology Trials
Please check out the following videos for examples of how assistive technology can be used in your classroom. Many of these devices can be obtained for a trial period to see if the technology will work for your students before making a purchase. Trial periods are offered to Indiana public schools by the PATINS Project and Easter Seals Crossroads.
Assistive Technology Videos
Communication Videos
1. The Importance of Visual Supports
Example: First Then Visual Schedule
2. Aided Language Stimulation Explained
3. Video Modeling
4. Using a Communication Board
5. AAC in the Classroom
Bluffton-Harrison Elementary success story
6. Indiana Inclusive Education Matters: Your I AM Questions Answered
Indiana Department of Education's Stephanie Thompson and Karen Davies answer questions regarding Indiana's Alternative Assessment, I AM and student with No Mode of Communication. Hosted by Indiana Inclusive Communication Matters and PATINS Project's Daniel McNulty, David Jackson, and Jessica Conrad.
YouTube Videos Created by AWSSC
1. Echo Smart Pen
The Echo Smart Pen allows you to record audio while taking notes. The pen has the ability to match the recorded audio with what you are writing.
Website: www.livescribe.com
Price (as of 8/21/17): $179.99
2. C-Pen Reader
The C-Pen reader can verbalize printed text as well as display it on the LCD screen. Great device for students who struggle with reading.
Website: www.readerpen.com
Price (as of 11/9/21): $275.00
3. LightAide*
The LightAide is a device for low-vision and cognitively disabled students. There are many activities available to help young, struggling learners.
Website: www.lightaide.com
Price (as of 8/21/17): $1,599 (all activity sets included)
4. Claro ScanPen App*
The Claro ScanPen app is designed to help students who struggle with reading by highlighting and vocalizing printed text.
Website: www.claro-apps.com
Price (as of 8/31/17): Free (in-app purchases offered)
5. Autism Apps*
The Autism Apps app is designed to help teachers search for special needs apps for their students.
Website: www.touchautism.com/app/autism-apps/
Price (as of 9/1/17): Free
6. First Then Visual Schedule*
The First Then Visual Schedules app is ideal for students who struggle with following a daily routine.
Website: www.goodkarmaapplications.com/first-then-visual-schedule.html
Price (as of 9/1/17): $9.99/$14.99
7. Bookshare and iBooks*
The Bookshare program is designed to give students with a print disability access to books for free.
Website: www.bookshare.org
Price (as of 10/11/17): Free
8. Read and Write for Google Chrome Extension*
The Read and Write for Google Chrome extension allows students to read web pages, documents, books, etc. as well as have word prediction when typing.
Website: Read and Write for Google Chrome
Price (as of 1/4/18): Subscription based, either per student or school/district. Free, if needing only the reading feature.
9. SnapType App*
The SnapType app can be used by students who struggle with handwriting. This app allows them to take a picture of a worksheet and complete it on a tablet device..
Website: SnapType
Price (as of 11/9/21): $4.99 for the app. Free, for up to 3 documents.