How Can Assistive Technology Benefit Preschool Special...

How Can Assistive Technology Benefit Preschool Special Education Students? The inclusion of special needs children with typically developing peers has become a key service option in preschool special education classrooms (Odom, 2000). Benefits abound, yet inclusion does not present without challenges. Young children with disabilities find it complicated to interact with objects and peers due to obstacles that their disabilities present. A child unable to speak too often goes unheard. Students with limited movement are frequently unable to participate in activities with peers. How can young children with disabilities achieve some degree of independence so that they may interact in their environments without reliance on others?†¦show more content†¦Assistive technology is both a device and a service that helps those with disabilities do things more quickly, easily or independently (South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, 2010). AT may involve; no technology, low technology or high technology (Prater, 2007). Some examples of low-tech AT devices beneficial for young children are oversized crayons, slant boards, adapted eating utensils, pillows, picture boards, and switch activated toys. Computers, software, augmentative and alternative communication [AAC] devices, and motorized wheelchairs are considered hi-tech devices. Whether low-tech or high-tech, assistive technology opens doors of possibilities, making it possible for children with disabilities to do more for themselves than ever thought possible (Willis, 2009). The ability to communicate, and express thoughts, desires, and needs with others is essential in our daily lives. But for the child with a communication disorder, being able to express wants, needs, and ideas in the preschool classroom is not a reality. Communication skills for young children are particularly important given that much of what a preschooler learns is through interacting with others (Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers, 2006). Young children need communication supports to make the most of their experiences inShow MoreRelatedPlanning And Implementing Curriculum Accommodation842 Words   |  4 Pagescontent areas Many students with LD experience trouble with reading abilities that are significantly below grade level. Consequently, the high school text book in history and other social studies classes will represent a problem. If students have problems with interpreting what is seen, they may have difficulties with timelines, graphs, maps, charts and other visual display that frequently used to explain information in social studies. Steele (2007) demonstrated that modification can be implemented toRead More Technology Needs in the Special Education Secondary Classroom1370 Words   |  6 Pagesschool settings the use of technology within the special education classroom is lacking. Special education class rooms and resource settings utilize only the basic, out of date technology that has been in use for many years. Typically the only available technology made available to special education or resource settings are the overhead projector, television, and tape recorder. According to the Nation al Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (2009), seventy-five percent of students with disabilities rarelyRead MoreCase Studies for Meeting Students Needs4299 Words   |  18 Pages2012 Michael Horn Throughout this six week course, Meeting Individual Needs with Technology, we have researched the spectrums of Assistive Technology available for the individual and the classroom, and researched the different types of disabilities and how the Assistive Technology can aid students in navigating life and succeeding as individuals. Case Study #1 Emily is a five-year-old female student who is visually impaired. Emily has low vision and has some independence. She isRead MoreAn Evidence Based Practice Report2174 Words   |  9 Pages  Evidence-Based Practice Report Throughout time education and specifically special education has evolved. Laws have changed, acts have been passed, but most importantly research has been conducted on how students with exceptionalities learn best. Through the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) â€Å"require that schools use programs, curricula, and practices based on scientifically-based research to the extent practicable† (â€Å"Evidence-Based†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ,Read More Learning Disabilities Essay3353 Words   |  14 Pagesfrom a learning disorder. Students with learning disorders have brain impairments that make it difficult for them to acquire skills and knowledge accurately and fast enough to keep pace with average academic progress (Encarta, 2003, p.1). The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the causes of learning disorders, various types of disabilities, their causes, and finally how in today’s modern era assistive technology is able to reduce the frustration of students and increase their level ofRead MoreEffectiveness Of Using Technology With A View1554 Words   |  7 PagesThe aim of this study is to find out the effectiveness of using technology with a view to see how it aids and enhance learning ASD pupils. 3.1.1 Reasons for Methodology Communicating with ASD pupils is usually best explored in a known environment and with people they are familiar (Chiang, 2009; Ogletree, et al., 2002) few researches have been done in natural settings (Roos, et al., 2008). The researcher have either interviewed staff or used observation to monitor children’s impulsive communicationRead More Teaching Techniques in Special Education Essay2317 Words   |  10 PagesTeaching Techniques in Special Education In the past two decades many changes have been made in education. Many of these changes have occurred in the special education area. There has been an increase in the number of students who need services in many different areas. Due to the vast array of ability levels and disabilities among students with special needs the teaching techniques and methods used in the classroom must also vary greatly. This is important to effectively facilitate a child’s needsRead MoreFdt4 Task 12234 Words   |  9 PagesA.  Ã‚  Summarize the  six  key components of the 1975 PL 94-142, Education for All Handicapped Children Act (now known as IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).    1. FAPE Stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. There shall be a zero reject philosophy meaning that all children, regardless of their disability and the severity of the disability, will be provided with a free education that is tailored to their individual needs. Children will receive the necessary therapy needed atRead More The Montessori Method Essay2399 Words   |  10 Pagessuccessful with these children that she began to apply her understanding of learning to study the potential of normally functioning children (Oalf, 2001). Dr. Montessoris approach to education stresses the importance of learning styles, independence and responsibility. According to Maria Montessori, In the special environment prepared?in our schools, the children themselves found a sentence that expresses their inner need, Help me to help myself. ? (Standing, 1957). The ?prepared environmentRead Morepreschool Essay46149 Words   |  185 PagesCalifornia Preschool Learning Foundations Volume 2 CALIFORNIA DEPAR TMENT OF EDUCATION †¢ SACRAMENTO, 2010 California Preschool Learning Foundations Volume 2 Visual and Performing Arts Physical Development Health Publishing Information The California Preschool Learning Foundations (Volume 2) was developed by the Child Development Division, California Department of Education. This publication was edited by Faye Ong, working in cooperation with Laura Bridges and Desiree