Home > School and Learning > Learning Differences > Special Education > Special Tools for Special Needs: New Technologies Help LD Kids
|

Special Tools for Special Needs: New Technologies Help LD Kids

by Lindsay Hutton

In This Article:

AT Tools and Considerations

A wide variety of assistive technologies are available for use both in the classroom and at home, including electronic and graphic organizers to help kids structure and communicate their ideas, talking electronic systems to pronounce challenging words for students with a reading disability, and portable keyboards for students who have difficulty writing by hand. Other useful AT tools include:

  • Talking calculators, or calculators with large keys and displays for children with poor eyesight
  • Text-to-voice or voice-to-text software for children with communication problems
  • Word prediction, abbreviation, or expansion options to reduce keystrokes
  • Software that allows communication using pictures and symbols instead of words
  • Audio-voice amplification devices for students who are hard of hearing
  • Software for organizing ideas and studying
  • Word prediction software that assists in spelling and sentence construction
  • Time management and routine checklist devices for children with autism and ADHD

    • The Family Center on Technology and Disability offers suggestions to help parents find comprehensive AT resources.

    It's important to keep in mind your child's specific needs when considering an AT product. The right service should make use of his abilities to help compensate for his disability. For example, if your child is articulate in speaking, but has poor grammar and spelling, a speech-recognition software program that converts spoken words to text will make use of his speaking skills and help him put his thoughts in writing. The National Center for Learning Disabilities offers four components to consider when deciding on AT:

  • The individual who needs the technology, along with his specific strengths, limitations, and interests
  • The tasks or functions the AT is expected to perform
  • Where the AT will be used (school, home, etc.)
  • Ease of operation, reliability, portability, and cost of the AT device

    • An AT assessment may be conducted by your child's school or an independent agency, to help you determine which tools might work best for him.



    |

    you might also like:

    from our community:


    what’s hot

    1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
    2. 10 Gender-Predicting Old Wives' Tales
    3. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
    4. VIEW ALL

    stay connected

    Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

    Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

    Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

    editor’s picks

    highlights

    8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teachers
    As the end of the school year approaches, it's nice to thank your favorite educators for all their hard work. Print any of these free printable teacher appreciation cards to show your gratitude in a cute and simple way.

    Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
    Every dad's first Father's Day is a special one. Honor Daddy's important new role with a fun and heartfelt gift from you and your baby.

    Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
    Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

    11 Succulent Vegetarian Recipes for the Grill
    Barbecue season isn't just for meat-lovers! These vegetarian recipes for the grill are a healthy and delicious alternative to typical barbecue fare.