Week #2: Advantages of Using Assistive Tech in Special Education

Technology in Education is expanding and users of ALL abilities need/deserve access to “user-friendly” applications. In the Education field, students have varying abilities—it is up to us, as educators, to direct students to technology that will help them not only in their education, but also when developing much needed life-skills.

              A great source for user friendly applications online are found through Google Chrome. Applications such as:

*Speech-to-text, the user is able to talk into a device (tablet, phone, computer, etc.) and the application produces the written words into sentences.

*Text-to-speech, this application allows the user to hear the words on the screen (of any website) through the speakers of their device.

*Dyslexia Friendly Chrome Extension Link, this application is for learners who have difficulties reading, or interpreting words/letters/symbols. The font is written in what’s called: “Open Dyslexic font.” This font is believed to help learners with Dyslexia read.

*Vimium, this application provides shortcuts on the keyboard for users who have difficulties navigating a mouse.

              The above assistive tech applications are important to learners of ALL abilities. I have worked predominately with Special Education Students; during my time working with students in the education setting. These students have shown not only interest, but success when using technology. It is incredible what students can do with technology when they are able to explore devices on their own. When educators incorporate learning technology into their daily lessons, it strengthens and increases the odds that the assistive tech is working.

              It is not uncommon for a child with reading deficits to show difficulty in their writing skills. When an educator gives that child access to assistive tech such as, “speech-to-text,” they give that child a tool for creating written assignments. The child’s creativity comes to life—it isn’t hindered by their reading difficulties.

              It is important for every child to know that they can succeed, and master a skill. Teaching/utilizing assistive tech gives children the tools they need for an advancing technological society.