How assistive technology can help disabled students by Melisa Marzett

Assistive technology for students with disabilities.

Assistive technologies include devices, software and other means, the use of which makes it possible to expand the capabilities of students with disabilities and / or long-term health conditions when it comes to studying, receiving information, adaptive living conditions and social integration.

In fact, any tools that help in learning are called assistive technologies. A tool or device that a student with a disability uses to complete a term paper or any other task that they could not complete without that tool/device, or that allows them to complete the task easier, faster or better, can be called assistive technology. It can be both a commercial product and something made with your own hands. It can be as simple as a rubber tip for a pencil, or as complex as a computer.

Assistive technology supports two main tasks:

• Increasing the accessibility of the educational and learning environment
• Inclusion of all students in university life

How does assistive technology help students with disabilities?

There are technologies that help to read, write, remember, walk, sit, see, hear, communicate. Anyone who needs these types of adjustments can benefit from the use of assistive technology:

• Supporting the study process eg recording lectures, screen writers, screen readers
• Facilitate communication and make it easier
• Supporting those with hearing or sight impairments

There are several categories of assistive technology. Each of these categories is aimed at developing the functional abilities of students with disabilities. Some of them are listed below:

• Tools that aid learning: electronic and non-electronic devices such as calculators, proofreaders, handheld word processors, and computer programs.
• Tools that support daily routines: professional appliances and devices that help you eat, wash, cook, dress, clean and maintain living on your own.
• Assistive hearing aids and environmental monitoring devices: Electronic and non-electronic aids such as amplification devices, closed captioning systems, warning systems designed for deaf or hearing-impaired students.
• Additional communication tools: electronic and non-electronic devices and programs.
• Computer access and learning: input and output devices, alternative access devices, modified or alternative keyboards, switches, special software, and other devices and software solutions that enable a student with a disability to use a computer.
• Environmental Control Tools: electronic and non-electronic tools such as switches, environmental controls and other tools that provide a student with a disability with maximum independence in the learning process.
• Mobility: electronic and non-electronic devices such as wheelchairs (manual or electric), walkers, scooters designed for personal mobility.
• Tools to help students acquire early work and vocational skills: electronic and non-electronic tools, such as problem solving in pictures, adapted holders and watches.
• Sitting or Posture Assistance Tools: adapted systems for maintaining a seated or posture position to enable students to engage in learning.
• Sensory Aids: weighted blankets, weighted vests, hand puzzles, massage cushions.

About the author:

Melisa Marzett is a former reporter who is currently working as a freelance custom writer providing term paper writing help. She is very purposeful throughout life and fond of many things apart from writing such as reading, physical activities, both indoors and outdoors and handmade. She believes that people should help others and animals because kindness is what matters the most.