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= **Welcome to our SIG project on Assistive Technology (AT)! ** =

**At this point you may be asking.......what exactly is Assistive Technology? Well, according to the US government website (http://standards.gov), AT "can be defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2))."**

** A few examples of AT include: **


 * **Showers, bathtubs & toilets equipped with grab bars for persons who require support or may fall easily**
 * ** Computers that can be programmed to talk for individuals who cannot speak **
 * ** Wheelchairs for individuals who cannot walk due to paralysis or weakness in their legs **
 * ** For individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids and other amplification devices **
 * ** Computers with large screens for individuals with visual problems **
 * ** Devices that operate lamps, radios and other appliances through a remote control switching device, that might be attached to a person's wheelchair **

** This short video will give you a good overview of some examples of Assistive Technology. **

media type="youtube" key="HXchQnJ6PoE" height="385" width="480" align="center"

**As you can see, Assistive Technology is a very broad area. Many educational reforms now include the application of technology to support and expand classroom curriculum so we can better meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities. A variety of assistive technology can provide both routine and customized access to the general curriculum for these students. Although AT increases independent participation in home, school and community environments, we will focus on its impact in the classroom. ** **Assistive technology has the potential to augment abilities and, bypass or compensate for barriers that disabilities create (Lewis, 1994). For children with disabilities in public school classrooms, assistive technologies are their tools to extend their physical, social and communicative abilities. They also provide the means for academic and cooperative inclusion.** **([|**http://atto.buffalo.edu**]) **

**Our group has decided to create a site that presents resources and literature on Assistive Technology for educators. The aim in mind is that educators can utilize this information to support the learning of those with disabilities. We have decided to concentrate on 4 areas of AT that directly relate to our profession. These areas** **include:**
 * ** Reading and Writing Tools **
 * ** Tools for the Visually Impaired **
 * ** Creating Talking Books **
 * ** Tools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing **

** Within each area of Assistive Technology, educators will be able to find general information on the different technologies available, purchasing information on the different technologies, and reviews of specific technologies **.

__**How can teachers help parents to understand what Assistive Technology is?**__

**An overview of current technologies to help parents select the right tools for their children with learning problems.** []

**A 21 page downloadable guide with the following:**
 * ** An overview of assistive technology — what it is and how it can help kids with learning disabilities bypass areas of difficulty.  **
 * ** A summary of how AT tools address various types of learning disabilities: listening, math, memory, organization, reading, and writing.  **
 * ** An article describing a research-based method for finding the right tools based on a child's needs, the tasks she struggles with, and the settings where she will use the technology.  **
 * ** A practical worksheet to guide you through the steps of matching AT tools to your child's learning issues.  **
 * ** Consumer tips for evaluating assistive technology products.  **
 * ** Recommended resources: Books, articles, and websites.  **