Assistive Technology for Students with Physical Disabilities

Instructional activities for the physically disabled students are based on a stringent and standard curriculum. Educators, administrators, and families must work together to ensure their success in the general education curriculum and state mandate accountability assessments.

Available Assistive Technology Devices

Disabled students use a variety of technology tools for their success in academic and organizational skills. For example, students who cannot comprehend printed instructional materials and have difficulty physically manipulating textbooks can use of alternative format, like an audio book. Students with writing difficulties may use pencil grips and adapted paper to write legible and timely assignments. A portable word processor or a computer-based word processor is used to enhance the input.

Students with physical disabilities also require technology to access the classroom curriculum. For example, students who cannot use standard classroom desks need adaptive seating systems. Those who are immobile may require mobility equipments like wheelchairs or walkers. Students who cannot manipulate classroom instructional materials require adaptive devices to stabilize the materials. They should have individual access to computers for completing their assignments and also can make use of the keyboard adaptations, and on-screen keyboards.

Standards as A Guide For Good Instruction

Most classroom instructional programs are based on national, state and district standards that are the foundation for instructional activities to provide all students in the class with opportunities for mastering the skills addressed in the standards. Lesson plans are written to guide the standards-based instructional activities and individual learning outcomes.

Developing Technology Enhanced Lesson Plans

Many teachers have started developing technology enhanced lesson plans that use instructional and assistive technology. Unfortunately, the educators have limited experience in developing lesson plans that include technology lack information on how technology is used in the lesson to maximize student performance and achievement.

Planning for technology integration

Once the instructional activities are identified and lesson plans have been developed, integration of the technology into naturally occurring activities are planned. The teachers’ lesson plans and students’ IEPs provide information to guide the integration of technology into the curriculum. For students using assistive technology, it is necessary to develop more detailed assistive technology implementation plans.

Assistive technology implementation plan has proved to be useful for integrating assistive technology in the general education setting which provides a “road map.” The integration plan includes a listing of the instructional activities by academic area, the tasks required within the various areas, specific assistive technology devices, and strategies and supports needed to ensure successful use of the device. The integration plan is a team effort that needs the support of all concerned with education.

Integrating Assistive Technology

After the technology-enhanced lesson plans, are developed, the focus shifts to the students using the technology. Strategies and supports identified should maximize student success. Educational teams should realize that using the technology to provide the support is very crucial than just having the technology.  For example, even when provided with access to technology, some students will require accommodation.

All team members working with the students should be trained in the operational issues such as programming or customizing the devices and troubleshooting technical problems.

Monitoring Student Performance

A variety of data collection methods is adopted to scrutinize the effect of assistive technology. Irrespective of the method used for data collection, the information should be used to modify the student’s programs making specific adaptations.

Benefits Of Technology

Although the time and energy demands related to technology integration are more, the benefits outweigh the demands. When assistive technology is effectively integrated into the classroom curriculum, students become productive, independent, and successful.