ADAPTIVE AND
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Instructional Objectives
By the end of today’s lesson, you should be
able to:
- Identify the
categories of people with special needs and
- Discuss technologies
that can help people with special needs (e.g., computer software and
hardware such as voice recognition programs, screen readers, and screen
enlargement applications to help people with mobility and sensory
impairments use computers and mobile devices, etc.).
Adaptive and
Assistive Technology
Adaptive technology refers to any item, piece of equipment, or software used to
increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of individuals with
disabilities. We have adaptive hardware and adaptive software that can
facilitate computer access for people with disabilities.
Adaptive technology also includes what is known as
“assistive technology.” This term refers to any low-, mid-, or
high-tech tool or device that helps people with disabilities perform tasks with
greater ease and/or independence. By the way, how do you think physically
challenged people will be able to use these tools, and also which technology
tools are talking about?
Adaptive and Adaptive Technology Tools Used by People
with Special Needs
1. Audio players and recorders
It may help your child to be able to listen to the
words while reading them on the page. Many e-books have audio files, and
smartphones and tablet computers come with text-to-speech software that can
read aloud anything on your child’s screen. If kids struggle with writing or taking
notes, an audio recorder can capture what the teacher says in class so they can
listen to it again at home.
2. Reading guides
Reading guides are good tools for kids who have
trouble with visual tracking or who need help staying focused on the page. The
plastic strip highlights one line of text while blocking out surrounding words
that might be distracting. The strip is also easy to move down the page as your
child reads.
3. Text-To-Speech Assistive Tools
As an assistive technology, text-to-speech (TTS)
software is designed to help children who have difficulties reading standard
print. Common print disabilities can include blindness, dyslexia or any type of
visual impairment, learning disability, or other physical condition that
impedes the ability to read.
The technology works by scanning and then reading
the words to the student in a synthesized voice, using a large number of speech
sounds that make up words in any given context. With the advances in speech
synthesis, TTS technology is more accurate and lifelike than ever.
4. Assistive Listening Systems
A variety of assistive listening systems, or
hearing assistive technology, can help students who are deaf or hard of
hearing, as well as those with other auditory and learning problems.
According to the National Association for
the Deaf, assistive listening systems can be used to enhance the reach and
effectiveness of hearing aids and cochlear implants, or by children who do not
need those tools but still need help hearing. Assistive listening systems use a
microphone, a type of transmission technology, and a device for capturing and
bringing the sound to the ear. The specific transmission technology used in the
system is typically what contrasts one type of assistive listening system with
another.
Categories of People with Special Needs
People with special needs are individuals who suffer as a result of genetic or
environmental factors acquired by the inability to learn or acquire the
experience, skills, and performance of the work done by the normal healthy
individual Cultural, economic or social background.
Alright we have physically challenged people who
can only
1. See but can’t hear (Visual
impairment)
An impairment in vision, even with correction
(glasses, etc.), adversely affects a child’s educational performance. These
students have difficulties reading and utilizing technology and have a range of
eye conditions.
2. Hear but can’t see (Hearing
impairment
An impairment in hearing, whether permanent or
fluctuating, is not included under the definition of “deafness”. Students like
this have trouble with vocabulary, grammar, listening to lectures, and
participating in class.
Adaptive Hardware: this is equipment to help with dressing, bathing, grooming,
eating, etc.
Examples of adaptive and assistive technology are:
1. screen reader
2. voice recognition
3. screen magnifier
4. voice over
Our next thing to talk about is how to use Adaptive
and Assistive Technology during Word processing...
Next
Post >>>> Lesson Demonstration 1
If
you to ask a question, make a contribution, or comment on today's lesson... do
well to write them in the comment section below
