5 Misunderstandings about AT

5 COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS

Read and take the quiz after to see how much you have learned!

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Source: https://www.edutopia.org/article/rethinking-assistive-technology

1. Using assistive technology is cheating:

Glasses are an assistive technology, however, students are not considered to be cheating when they are wearing them. Glasses allow people with poor eyesight to see better. Similarly, assistive technology allows those with challenges in reading, writing, communication, seeing, hearing, and mobility to improve their functioning in the classroom.

"For many people, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible."

Mary Pat Radabaugh

2. Assistive technology is expensive:

It is true that some assistive technology costs a lot. But some are inexpensive or even free! No tech and low tech devices are usually tried first as some of them are adequate to meet the needs of the student.

For example, a teacher can make a slant board from a large binder to address writing challenges--an AT device that costs $1. Other ideas include pencil grips, guided reading strips, highlighters, sticky notes, visual schedules, and paper core boards.

Software for computers and tablets ranges from free apps to expensive programs. To help offset the cost of potentially expensive AT, many provinces have AT device loan programs that allow students, families, and teachers to try out devices for free for a period of time so that they can find the right AT before making a purchase. For example, BC has device loan programs through organizations such as Sunny Hill, SET-BC, and ATBC. Teachers and families should check with their province to find out more about options like this.

3. Assistive technology is more work for the teacher:

Another way is to create centres where students have the option of listening to audiobooks while others are doing silent reading. Other AT ideas include using concept maps, making graphic organizers, and adding closed captions to videos. These can assist all students, and for students with disabilities, they are AT tools.

Assistive technology can be incorporated into lessons without creating more work for the teacher. Assistive technology is really just a tool that teachers can use to deliver instruction and manage the classroom. For example, using a class visual schedule to prepare students for what to expect during their day at school.

4. Assistive technology is primarily for students with severe disabilities:

Assistive technology can benefit all students with disabilities, not only those who have challenges with walking, talking, seeing, and/or speaking. "Students with learning disabilities are the fastest growing group to utilize technology tools" (Sullivan, 2019).

Here are some questions to guide discussions when considering assistive technology for a student with any type of disability: What difficulty is the student experiencing that the AT is intended to address (in school and at home)? What AT has been tried already? What new AT could be tried? How will we determine if a technology tool is effective or not?

5. Assistive technology can only be used in the classroom:

Assistive technology can be used at home, in the community, and at school. The more a person uses an assistive technology, their proficiency with it along with their confidence will increase. For example, a student with speech impairment who uses a speech generating device (SGD) in school can also practice using it at home when talking with their family or communicating their thoughts with people in their community.

"AT is used in academics and learning, recreation, daily living activities, communication, mobility, and more."

Jennifer Sullivan

QUIZ

Let's see how much you have learned!Instructions: Read each question and choose the best answer.

START

QUESTION 1/5

A student with mobility challenges is allowed to ride an adapted bike to complete laps for gym class instead of running. Is this cheating?

Yes

No

RIGHT!

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QUESTION 2/5

Are all assistive technology products expensive?

C) Maybe. It depends on the specialist.

A) No. Some assistive technology products can be inexpensive or free.

B) Yes. All assistive technology products are expensive.

RIGHT!

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QUESTION 3/5

Does incorporating assistive technology into lessons create more work for the teacher?

C) No. Assistive technology creates more work for the student.

B) Yes. Assistive technology often creates more work for the teacher.

A) No. It can be done without creating more work. Assistive technology is a tool for teachers to use.

RIGHT!

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QUESTION 4/5

My student has a writing disability, but it's not a severe one. Would he benefit from using assistive technology?

B) Yes. Assistive technology can benefit all students with disabilities.

A) No. Assistive technology is only for students with severe disabilities.

C) No. Assistive technology is only for tech savvy professionals.

RIGHT!

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QUESTION 5/5

Where can assistive technology tools be used?

A) At school and at home, but not in the community.

B) At school, at home, and in the community.

C) In the community and at school, but not at home.

RIGHT!

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Congratulations!

You have completed this learning activity and gained a better understanding about assistive technology in schools.