The Family Center on Technology and Disability
Assistive Technology Works
Assistive Technology and Affective Mediation
‘Affective communicating’ is the ability of an individual to express and interpret emotions between communication partners. ‘Affective mediation’ refers to computer based systems that enable users to communicate emotions back and forth. This article describes the main impairments and disorders that may involve affective communication deficits. Also presented are several affective mediation technologies that are being applied or may be integrated in assistive technologies in order to improve affective communication ...
Published: 2006 by N. Garay, I. Cearreta, J. Lopez, I. Fajardo , Reviewed: June 26, 2006
General Education Teachers‘ Attitude Regarding the Use in Their Classes of ...
This article researched a sampling of teachers’ attitudes in regards to assistive technology. Technology devices are a growing feature in today‘s classrooms and this research project used a scale to query teachers in regards to improving achievement and attitudes with students who currently use AT. The general hypothesis was that overall, teachers felt that AT had a positive impact in their classroom and supported those with learning differences. The findings ...
Published: 2005 by Kimberly D. Garcia , Reviewed: August 19, 2007
Assistive Technology Services for Students: What Are These?
This is a paper developed to assist schools in complying with the requirements in the 1997 IDEA. It is a series of questions that should be addressed when considering assistive technology for individual students.
Published: 2004 by Margolis, L. & Goodman, S. , Reviewed: March 09, 2009
Best Practices: Merging Developmentally Appropriate Practices with Early ...
This paper gives some (1) strategies that facilitate inclusion of special education students into regular classrooms; (2) ideas using activity-based interaction; and (3) suggestions of physical arrangement of classrooms to aid in student learning. It appears that what is shared in this paper could be used in any classroom environment.
Published: 2004 by Norris, D. , Reviewed: March 09, 2009
Educating Students with Visual Impairments for Inclusion in Society
This three-part paper addresses some of the unique needs of students that are visually impaired. It identifies concerns that the current approach for education provides for an inclusive setting which does not always meet a student‘s unique needs appropriately. The first part addresses the need for a team approach including professional, parents and students, and specialized services and equipment to meet these needs. The second part looks at the full ...
Published: 2004 by Education Work Group Participants , Reviewed: December 05, 2008
Dictation and Speech Recognition Technology as Test Accommodations
This research paper investigates and compares the potential of dictation to a scribe with dictation using speech recognition software as a test accommodation for students with learning disabilities. The first question investigated is the issue of using handwritten composition versus dictation with speech recognition software. It was found that high school students with and without disabilities could learn to use speech recognition software with acceptable accuracy. In essays written with ...
Published: 2004 by Charles A Macarthur and Albert R. Cavalier , Reviewed: March 09, 2009
New technological options for people with physical disabilities, through the ...
This research paper by Rob Garrett describes the results of a 2003 telecommunications clinical trial conducted by Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering (RPRE), Research and Development department. RPRE "trialed and evaluated new configurable ‘off-the-shelf‘ telecommunication options such as car kits, voice recognition and hands-free technology (eg speakerphone), and network features such as voice mail that can improve the lifestyle, independence, security and social interaction of people with physical disabilities." Strong focus ...
Published: 2004 by Rob Garrett , Reviewed: August 05, 2005
Medicaid Reimbursement for Assistive Technology in Nursing Facilities
This is a comprehensive outline of Medicaid legislation and how nursing facilities are covered.
Published: 2003 by Elliott, S. , Reviewed: March 10, 2009
Preparing Teachers For Assistive Technology Using Online Learning: A ...
In a remarkable discussion of Virtual Assistive Technology University (VATU)and the effectiveness of online learning for educators seeking professional development in assistive technology, Kuech and Kimball dissected the impact of social learning and the interactive components of successful online courses. The authors took time to evaluate several of the VATU online courses, particularly idea exchange strategies and project completion, as they investigated the nature of effective learning in a world ...
Published: 2003 by Robert K. Kuech, Walter H. Kimball , Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Enhancing Independent Internet Access for Individuals with Mental Retardation ...
In this study, a prototype Web browser, called Web Trek, which provides access for individuals with cognitive disabilities was developed and pilot-tested with 12 adults with mental retardation. Web Trek is a picture based Internet browser which has been specially designed for people with an intellectual disability or limited literacy. It can be used as an alternative to Windows Explorer or Netscape. The Web Trek browser provided greater independence in ...
Published: 2001 by Davies, Daniel K.; Stock, Steven E.; Wehmeyer, Michael L. , Reviewed: March 09, 2009
Points to Consider for an Assistive Technology Evaluation
This report guides the reader through the steps a school system, teacher or IEP team would use in attaining an assistive technology evaluation. The author discusses the reasons one should consider an AT evaluation. She offers suggestions on how to find an evaluator and what qualifications the evaluator should have. Then she follows up with a discussion of the actual process of the evaluation and reporting and follow-up. There is ...
Published: 2000 by Cormier, Ms, CCC-SLP, ATP , Reviewed: June 30, 2006
Factors Associated with AT Discontinuance Among Individuals with Disabilities
The hypothesis of this study developed from variables of Rogers‘ theory of diffusion and two additional factors related to the discontinuance of AT--the degree of consumer involvement and changes in the consumer‘s needs. The researchers developed a survey to pinpoint common reasons for abandonment, interviewed a small sample population (115 people with a variety of AT needs), and formed the hypothesis that "there is a relationship between assistive technology discontinuance ...
Published: 2000 by Marti L. Riemer-Reiss, Robbyn R. Wacker , Reviewed: August 16, 2007
Success for All Students
This paper is a discussion of the issues and suggestions covered in a national meeting of educators, assistive technology providers and assistive technology specialists. The meeting was intended to promote awareness on the part of the regular education community of the expanded learning potential and increased academic performance attainable by students with special needs, through the use of technology and sound education practices in the regular education classroom.
Published: 1999 by Glass, B. , Reviewed: April 10, 2004