What types of learning problems does assistive technology address? AT can address many types of learning difficulties. A student who has difficulty writing can compose a school report by dictating it and having it converted to text by special software. A child who struggles with math can use a hand-held calculator to keep score while playing a game with a friend. And a teenager with dyslexia may benefit from AT that will read aloud his employer's online training manual. There are AT tools to help students who struggle with: Listening Certain assistive technology (AT) tools can help people who have difficulty processing and remembering spoken language. Such devices can be used in various settings (e.g., a class lecture, or a meeting with multiple speakers). Math Assistive technology (AT) tools for math are designed to help people who struggle with computing, organizing, aligning, and copying math problems down on paper. With the help of visual and/or audio support, users can better set up and calculate basic math problems. Organization and memory Assistive technology (AT) tools can help a person plan, organize, and keep track of his calendar, schedule, task list, contact information, and miscellaneous notes. These tools allow him to manage, store, and retrieve such information with the help of special software and hand-held devices. Reading There is a wide range of assistive technology (AT) tools available to help individuals who struggle with reading. While each type of tool works a little differently, all of these tools help by presenting text as speech. These tools help facilitate decoding, reading fluency, and comprehension. Writing There is a wide range of assistive technology (AT) tools available to help students who struggle with writing. Some of these tools help students circumvent the actual physical task of writing, while others facilitate proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, word usage, and organization. ==What kinds of assistive technology tools are available?== The term "assistive technology" has usually been applied to computer hardware and software and electronic devices. However, many AT tools are now available on the Internet. AT tools that support students with LD include: Abbreviation expanders Used with word processing, these software programs allow a user to create, store, and re-use abbreviations for frequently-used words or phrases. This can save the user keystrokes and ensure proper spelling of words and phrases he has coded as abbreviations. Alternative keyboards These programmable keyboards have special overlays that customize the appearance and function of a standard keyboard. Students who have LD or have trouble typing may benefit from customization that reduces input choices, groups keys by color/location, and adds graphics to aid comprehension. Audio books and publications Recorded books allow users to listen to text and are available in a variety of formats, such as audiocassettes, CDs, and MP3 downloads. Special playback units allow users to and search and bookmark pages and chapters. Subscription services offer extensive electronic library collections. Electronic math work sheets Electronic math worksheets are software programs that can help a user organize, align, and work through math problems on a computer screen. Numbers that appear onscreen can also be read aloud via a speech synthesizer. This may be helpful to people who have trouble aligning math problems with pencil and paper. |
Helpful information about learning disabilities—such as our checklists, guides, videos, podcasts, and more—are right at your fingertips. Explore these resources, in addition to our list of FAQs and “Ask the Experts” section....from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
Learning About Disabilities- Help with Learning Disabilities ASK THE EXPERTS Get in-depth information on learning disabilities and related issues from certified NCLD experts. More > About Learning Disabilities - Students with DisabilitiesPODCASTS Our audio interviews cover a wide range of topics of interest to parents, educators, and students and adults with LD. More > Learning About Disabilities - National Learning DisabilitiesSUCCESS STORIES You're not alone on your LD journey. Countless people have faced learning disabilities...and succeeded! More > Special Needs Stories - Special Education StoriesLD Talks LD Talks are live, online discussions featuring recognized researchers and parent leaders. Join in! More > LD Guide - LD QuestionsFAQSHave a specific question about learning disabilities? There's a good chance others have wondered the same thing. More > Videos Learning DisabilitesVIDEOSGet plugged into the world of LD through our informative videos, featuring experts and individuals with LD alike. More > Guides for Parents - Education AdvocacyGUIDESOur free, downloadable publications and guides will provide you with in-depth information on key topics that impact your child's education. More > What Are Learning Disabilities - Disability ResourceRESOURCE LOCATORFind local testing facilities, chapters of the Learning Disabilities Association of America, private LD schools, and more. More > Our free newsletters will keep you up-to-date with timely information, resources, and legislative news that affect those with learning disabilities. |