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Showing results for:"assistive technology basics"

  • What is assistive technology?

    Assistive technology (AT) are tools that let people with differences work around challenges. They make tasks and activities accessible at school, work, and home. Learn how AT apps and software can help with reading, writing, math, and more.

  • 5 tips to learn how to use an assistive technology tool

    - Learning how to use assistive technology (AT) can be intimidating. - The first step is knowing what an AT tool can and cannot do. - Many AT websites include video tutorials and reference guides toAniman help kids and adults learn how to use the tools. Assistive technology (AT) is a big help

  • Assistive technology for math

    - Assistive technology (AT) can be a big help for people who struggle with math. - Some AT math tools are very common, like calculators. - Others, like digital graphing tools, are not as familiar, but can be just as helpful. When kids and adults have trouble with math, assistive technology (AT)

  • 9 examples of assistive technology and adaptive tools in school

    Assistive technology is one of the core strategies to help with learning and thinking differences in the classroom. Some adaptive tools are low-tech and some are pretty fancy. Here are some common examples. 1. Audio players and recorders Kids may find it helpful to listen to the words while reading

  • 5 questions to consider when choosing assistive technology tools

    Are you exploring assistive technology (AT)? Whether youre looking at tools for your child, your student, or yourself, there are many options.But it can be hard to know which ones might help. Here are questions to ask when considering AT tools. 1. Does the tool address the users needs or challenges

  • Assistive technology that’s built into mobile devices

    - Most mobile devices come with assistive technology (AT) that can help with reading, writing, and organization. - Common built-in AT features include text-to-speech, dictation technology, and visual supports that make reading easier. - Built-in assistive technology features vary among mobile bra

  • Assistive technology platforms: The basics

    Learn about different assistive technology (AT) platforms and the pros and cons of each.

  • Assistive technology for reading

    - Technology can help people of all ages work around their reading challenges. - Text-to-speech and audiobooks are two examples of assistive technology for reading. - Many assistive technology tools work on digital devices, but some of the most useful tools are not digital. For people who stru

  • Where to find free assistive technology tools for reading, writing, and math

    - There are many free apps and other assistive technology (AT) that can support people with learning and thinking differences. - Start by exploring the built-in accessibility features on your device or computer. - Try free versions of apps or extensions before buying. Assistive technology (AT)

  • Assistive technology: Questions to ask the school

    Kids who receive special education services and supports may get assistive technology (AT) to help them learn. Find out what to ask the school about your child’s AT supports so you can be a partner in finding the best tools for your child.

  • Video: 5 myths about assistive technology

    Is it cheating to use assistive technology (AT) like dictation and text-to-speech? Does it give kids an unfair advantage? Hear from Jamie Martin, assistive technology consultant, on these and other common myths about AT tools.

  • The first assistive technology I recommend to parents

    Assistive technology. Maybe youve heard that it can be a game-changer for kids with learning and thinking differences. But with all the options and tools available today, you may not know where to start. In my work as a technology consultant, parents often ask me: Whats the first assistive technolog

  • Checklist: What to ask colleges about assistive technology

    Students who use assistive technology (AT) to help with learning and thinking differences may want to ask prospective colleges about what AT services are available on campus. Heres a list of questions to ask colleges about their policies and programs. Assistive technology policies - Whats the name

  • Assistive technology for writing

    - Technology can be a great support for kids and adults who struggle with writing. - Handwriting tools help with the physical act of writing. - Theres also technology that can help with organizing and expressing thoughts in writing. Technology can be a huge boost for people who struggle with wr

  • Who pays for assistive technology? Parents or schools?

    I know school districts have to consider whether a child needs assistive technology. But who covers the cost? Parents or the school? In general, schools must provide and pay for assistive technology(AT) for students who need it. Thats the case under both IDEA and Section 504. These are two laws tha

  • Assistive technology for auditory processing challenges

    - Assistive technology (AT) can help kids with auditory processing challenges better understand what they hear. - AT tools include listening devices, captions, and text-to-speech apps. - AT tools can minimize background noise and amplify speech to make it clearer. Auditory processing challenges

  • 4 ways to tell when an AT tool isn’t the best fit

    AT tools can be helpful for people with learning disabilities. But not every tool is a good fit on the first try. Learn four ways to tell when an AT tool is effective. And what to do when it’s not.

  • How software and apps can help with reading challenges

    Reading is a complex skill, and people can struggle with it in different ways. But no matter what the challenge is, chances are good that there are assistive technology (AT) apps and software that can help with that difficulty. Here are some common challenges: - Sounding out (decoding) or recogniz

  • How software and apps can help with writing challenges

    Many people with learning and thinking differences struggle with writing. The reasons vary. But no matter what the challenge is, there are probably assistive technology (AT) apps and software programs that can help. Here are some common challenges: - Making spelling mistakes or forgetting grammar

  • How software and apps can help with math challenges

    Math can be a lifelong struggle for many people, and they may have trouble with more than one skill. But there are assistive technology (AT) apps and software that can help with different math challenges. Here are some common difficulties people have: - Remembering and being able to use math facts

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    Assistive tech: What it is and how it helps

    What is assistive technology? And is it something your child could benefit from? Heres what you need to know. From the talk-to-text feature on a phone to a lap desk, many people use assistive technology (AT) every day. For kids who learn and think differently, assistive tech can make learning easie

  • How assistive technology can help kids with note-taking

    Its not uncommon for some kids with learning challenges to have trouble taking notes. And to struggle in different ways. Some have a hard time jotting things down while also listening. Some have trouble keeping up with what the teacher is saying, so their notes are incomplete. For others, writing by

  • Dictation (speech-to-text) technology: What it is and how it works

    - Dictation is an assistive technology tool that can help people with writing challenges. - With dictation technology, people can write sentences by speaking them. - Dictation is sometimes called speech-to-text, voice-to-text, or speech recognition technology. Dictation is an assistive technolo

  • Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn: Your Guide to Getting Through the Hard Stuff

    How assistive technology can help with your child’s ADHD

    Some of it might not seem like technology at all, either. Assistive technology can be a bit of a buzzword in parenting and educational circles. Its not always well-defined or well-understood. But assistive technology can be helpful for people with ADHD. Options range from virtual calendars and vo

  • 8 ways to use virtual assistants as assistive technology

    - Virtual assistants are designed to make everyday tasks easier. - They can serve as assistive technology for people who learn and think differently. - Virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant can help with reading, writing, math, and tasks that involve executive functions. Vir

  • What is text-to-speech technology (TTS)?

    - Text-to-speech (TTS) technology reads aloud digital text the words on computers, smartphones, and tablets. - TTS can help people who struggle with reading. - There are TTS tools available for nearly every digital device. Text-to-speech (TTS) is a type of assistive technology that reads digit

  • Terms you may hear from learning specialists

    - Learning specialists might use terms youre not familiar with to talk about how your child learns and thinks differently. - Assistive technology is any kind of tool that helps students work around their issues. - Learning specialists may refer to the DSM-V. This is the guide doctors and speciali

  • Word prediction technology: What it is and how it works

    - Word prediction is an assistive technology tool that suggests words as people type. - Anyone with writing challenges can benefit from this technology. - You may have used word prediction on a smartphone, but more advanced tools also exist. Word prediction is an assistive technology tool for w

  • Understood’s commitment to accessibility and usability

    - Accessibility and usability are often thought of as separate or even vastly different. We can bring them together in a frictionless way. - People dont just need equal access to information. They need information that is easy to understand and use. - In the U.S., around 70 million people learn a

  • The difference between audiobooks and text-to-speech

    Both audiobooks and text-to-speech (TTS) can help people with reading challenges. These types of assistive technology let people listen to a book being read aloud as they look at the words. But audiobooks and TTS are different in important ways. Use this chart to find out the differences. Audio