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Emily Klemme
Instructor: Al Lindau
Norda 10Sped
609 #1
September 11, 2015

Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication

Assistive Technology is used to improve functional capabilities of individuals with

disabilities. It allows students to complete tasks that they may not be able to complete without

the assistance of these devices. Augmentative Communication are methods that assist students

with communication needs both inside the classroom and out in the community. They are

designed to support the overall learning of students academically, while also assisting students

with their daily activities in other environments such as at home and in their community.

Assistive Technology can be classified as low-tech or high-tech. Something as

simple as a pencil-grip to help a student write would be considered low-tech, while a computer

can serve as a high-tech device for a student with a disability. Other assistive technology devices

that are considered critical for a student with a disability are wheelchairs, scooters, walkers,

ramps and hearing aids.

Teachers are continuously providing alternative ways of learning for their students. The

use of computers in the classroom are becoming more common than ever before. These devices

have been assisting schools with literacy, numeracy and instruction, while creating a more

independent approach for students with a disability. Technology can adapt any lesson to meet the

need of the student. For example, it can enlarge the text for students that have a visual

impairment and provides talking software for students that have a reading disability. The text can

also be translated for students with language barriers. The use of computers in the classroom can

reduce the anxiety of students that are performing at a lower grade level than their peers. These
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students are able to complete their work without frequent one-on-one assistance from teachers

and family members. It allows students to individually access various tools on the device that

meets their individual needs. Other technology devices such as audio books, screen readers,

closed-captioned television and hearing aids are effective tools to engage students that have

different learning style needs or disabilities.

Augmentative Communication are methods of communicating that supplements speech.

With these methods, students are able to express their wants, needs, thoughts and ideas. Students

with physical, cognitive and communication needs benefit from the use of gestures, sign

language, objects, facial expressions, photographs/symbols and communication boards/aids.

Students are often looking for the quickest way possible to address their needs, so a variety of

strategies are used to assist them when speech is a barrier. Teachers utilize yes/no questions and

provide picture cards to promote and encourage learning for students with disabilities. Primary

and special education teachers along with the school-based speech and language pathologists,

work with students to increase their social-interaction and school performance. Software is

available for teachers that allows them to generate picture boards to support students in the

classroom. These picture boards provide ways for students to ask and answer questions by

pointing. Speech-generating devices are also used to support communication. Students are able

to use their eyes to control the device and will often use a keyboard or screen to communicate

with others.

Students with disabilities can very much benefit from the use of Assistive Technology

and Augmentative Communication. It allows students to keep up with their peers academically,

while remaining actively engaged in a regular classroom setting. It also reduces the amount of

special one-on-one services otherwise needed for that individual. These methods and devices
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used in the classroom are an essential component to a students success and will ultimately

provide the individual with an increased amount of participation, self-worth and independence.