Discovering Assistive Technology: Module 2, Accommodations

One possible accommodation is to utilize a modified keyboard for students who struggle using a standard keyboard.  This could be easily implemented in a special education setting but also could be available to classrooms and computer labs.  Having keyboard overlays, such as the ones available through IntelliKeys, allows for many different students to benefit from one product.

Although I did not discover this through the module today, there are many simple ways to use technology to support students who have difficulty reading.  Having directions, study materials, and even text available in audio format will help students who struggle with reading get the necessary information in their content area courses.  In fact, this is an accommodation that could benefit all learners.  Using GarageBand, a teacher could record summaries of his/her lectures, a five minute review session or even an audio version of a portion of text.  These audio materials could assist all students in their learning.

Within our district, I have also observed teachers use the program Tumble Readables to support reading.  This audio book player, is available through subscription and provides text along with the audio.  I have recently had students just sit at my desk and read, using headphones and my computer.  Because our district had made this service available, it took no advance planning and was an easy way to engage a student in reading who was struggling by himself.