Implementation of Assistive Technology in Transition Planning

     My blog has discussed many aspects of assistive technology and how it helps break down barriers in their lives. As students matriculate through their academic career there will come a time when they transition from school to their adult lives or college. Assistive technology can continue to help assist students even after they have left grade school. 

Assistive Technology Accomodations in College 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act colleges are required to provide programs that are accessible to students with disabilities. Colleges and universities are required to provide services but they are not required to provide the savvy technology. Colleges have the flexibility to choose the services they provide as long as they provide services to the student. 

Below you will find a list of accommodations from the textbook Assistive Technology in the Classroom.  The task is listed first followed by nontechnology based accommodations and lastly technology based accommodations (NTA: nontechnology accommodations, TBA: technology based accommodations). 

Task: Note taking---- NTA: student note taker uses carbonless paper---- TBA: portable note taker, whiteboard capturing device 

Task: Taking test----NTA: extended time and distraction- free environment for testing----TBA: spell check, use of a calculator, and text-to-speech software for reading support 

Task: Reading----NTA: providing readers----TBA: audio books, text-to-speech, scan/ read systems with highlighting  

Task: Registering for classes----NTA: priority or early registration----TBA: web based registration systems 

Apps for iPhone, iPod Touch, and Handheld Devices for Visual Supports

 iPrompts provides students with picture based prompts to stay on task and transitions between activities. The app has a library of pictures and users can add their own pictures using their camera. 


First- Then is an application that allows users to create visual schedules using pictures. Messages can also be recorded to prompt students or serve as reminders linked to each picture. 


iCommunicate is used as a digital Boardmaker for handheld devices. Students use pictures from Boardmaker or their own personal pictures to communicate. Various voice options are available through the application. 

Even though assistive technology is available to help students at school I was unaware of how much technology can be used in the home and community. It's a great way for students to become familiar with it and have the support of teachers and staff, then follow them home and in their environments. 

References: Dell, Amy G., Deborah A. Newton, and Jerry G. Petroff. Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall, 2012. Print.