Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) is "any device, piece of equipment or product system that helps people with disabilities fully participate in the workforce and in the communities," as defined by Disability.gov, a federal Web site that contains disability-related resources. The Alliance for Technology Access may also offer some guidance through the maze as a way of promoting use of AT among children and adults.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities, LD.org, offers thorough explanations, information, and links (such as the E-ssential Parents Guide to AT) to a slew of topics that LD students and their families will find useful.

Great Schools is a national nonprofit aimed to "guide parents to become effective champions of their children's education." There are many informational articles about AT, check out AT Tools for Reading. You can also browse by grade level, and look for AT tools for math, writing and listening.

An overlooked benefit of AT is its help in reducing the stress often experienced by students with LD explains LD.org in their Overview of AT. Make technology part of your back to school planning. Learn about AT possibilities, familiarize yourself with AT laws and services that can benefit your child.