Types of Low-Tech Assistive Technology Show Highlighter Switches Calendar Amplified phone or TTY Magnifying glass Other Examples of Low-Tech Assistive Technology
Previous | Next Assistive Technology Menu © 2007-2008. Center on Disability Studies. All rights reserved. Last week, along with my classmates Channing and Haiming, I researched the topic of assistive technology and presented our findings to the EC&I 833 class. While gathering information, Channing came across great literature on the concept of assistive technology being no tech, low tech and high tech. During our presentation, Channing presented the following information on the different levels of assistive technology: No Tech
Low Tech
High Tech
Based on these lists, I identify as having most personal and teaching experience using the “no tech” and “low tech” assistive technology tools. As a learning resource teacher, it is part of my role to assist teachers in implementing tier 1 and 2 strategies. These include but are not limited to those listed in the “no tech” category. Using things like visual schedules in classrooms, post-it notes during literacy instruction, or a number line during numeracy instruction can all be categorized as “no tech.” As a result, it appears that “no tech” assistive technology tools can fall into a category that many of us could describe as good teaching practices for all students, regardless of their needs. As I review the “low tech” category, these assistive tools also fall into the tier 1 and 2 supports for students. In addition to them being helpful for students, I can also attest to using such assistive technology tools such as calculators and spell check to perform daily tasks and schoolwork. In fact, the EC&I 833 presentation on Web 1.0 & Web 2.0 by Jana, Katie, Brooke and Kyla introduced me to the app “Grammarly.” As it’s website states, “(Grammarly) Will help you communicate more effectively. As you type, Grammarly flags mistakes and helps you make sure your messages, documents, and social media posts are clear, mistake-free, and impactful.” The night of this group’s presentation, I was assigned to explore this app and as such, downloaded it onto my computer and have been using it ever since. It has been such a great tool when writing blogs or other documents as it ensures that my writing is effectively written and free of grammatical errors. As I review the tools in the “high tech” list, I associate those as being tier 3 supports for students in today’s schools. Hearing and communication devices are often used for students who are diagnosed and as such, have an individualized program plan. Tools like scooters or wheelchairs can be assumed as recommended and implemented by outside agencies (ie. health regions). I have not had as much first-hand experience with tier 3 supports, however, I continue to learn about “high tech” assistive technology tools from teachers like Brittany Thies, who was interviewed for our presentation on assistive technology. Brittany reviewed “high tech” assistive technology tools such as communication devices (Proloquo2Go) as a means to allow her students independence in her classroom. This tool served as a powerful way to give each student a voice. As stated in our presentation last week, there are many challenges and limitations to assistive technology. Based on research conducted for the purposes of our assignment and the interview with Brittany Thies, professionals who implement and work with assistive technology tools can be faced with the following challenges/limitations:
Despite the challenges that we may face when using “no tech,” “low tech,” and “high tech” tools, teachers must continue to implement assistive technology in classrooms so that each student is supported, regardless of their needs. What are 3 types of assistive tech that could help students with low incidence disabilities?8 examples of assistive technology and adaptive tools. Audio players and recorders. It may help your child to be able to listen to the words while reading them on the page. ... . Timers. ... . Reading guides. ... . Seat cushions. ... . FM listening systems. ... . Calculators. ... . Writing supports. ... . Graphic organizers.. What are some examples of highExamples include:. power wheelchairs and scooters.. digital hearing aids.. computers with specialized software such as voice recognition or magnification software.. electronic aids to daily living.. digital hands-free headsets.. voice activated telephones.. communication devices with voices.. bluetooth integration.. What are the examples of low technology?Examples of low technology. weaving produced on non-automated looms, and basketry.. hand wood-working, joinery, coopering, and carpentry.. the trade of the ship-wright.. the trade of the wheel-wright.. the trade of the wainwright: making wagons.. What are examples of lowLow Tech Examples:. Graphic Organizer.. Visual Schedules.. Adapted Pencil (weighted, fat, skinny, triangular, golf etc.). Adaptive Paper (graph, special spacing or texture, HWT etc.). Pencil Grip.. adapted eraser.. Slant board.. post-it's.. |