Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology?

For most people, technology makes things easier. For people with Specific Learning Disabilities, technology makes things possible!

Assistive Technology (AT) is technology that improves, increases or maintains the functional capabilities of students with disabilities. Assistive Technologies also referred to as Inclusive or Adaptive technologies, exist to enhance people’s lives and to create opportunities that might not otherwise be realised. Assistive Technologies have proven to assist learners with specific learning disabilities to negotiate and complete academic tasks with greater efficiency, confidence and increased levels of competence. The range of AT is diverse and caters to individuals who require intervention, support and tools to assist with writing, reading, research, planning, organization, problem solving, mathematical reasoning and calculations and time management. Assistive technologies are considered an important ingredient in the education of people with specific learning disabilities, without AT, it is difficult, and for some, almost impossible to become an independent learner and to reach full academic potential.

Videos

Working Together: The video below was developed by DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) and provides a brief overview of students and workers with learning disabilities demonstrating mainstream computer-based tools and strategies that promote their academic and career success. This video is also available in Transcript and MP4 Download

Text-to-Speech: Meet Randy who is passionate about studying Social Sciences because it looks at the patterns and social structures within society. Text-to-speech and voice dictation technology has enabled Randy to excel in her degree. Using this technology, she has overcome the challenges with reading and writing.