The Role of Technology in Special Education
Research has shown that technology, including specialized hardware and software, can support students with physical, sensory, cognitive, or emotional disabilities
Assistive technologies include both devices and services. Assistive technologies can be applied to:

• positioning and mobility
• augmentative and alternative communication
• assistive listening devices
• visual aids
• computer access
• environmental control
• self-care
• physical education
• recreation, leisure, and play

The application of assistive technology can facilitate learning, independence, inclusion, productivity, and overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Competencies

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - International Standards for the Preparation and Licensure of Special Educators

Preparing Teachers to Use Technology in Special Education

Framework for Assistive Technology Devices

Type of Disability	Task	Device Category	Examples of Products
Cognitive/Learning	Reading	Electronic reading machines	WYNN L&H Kurzweil 3000
	Reading	Portable Reading Pens	Quicktionary ReadingPen Scan-a-Word
	Reading	Portable hand-held dictionaries	Speaking Language Master The American Heritage Dictionary with Organizer, Alarm, and Spell Checker
	Reading	Instructional Software	My Reading Coach Reading Who? Reading You! Something Phonics, Something New
	Language Arts	Instructional Software	Simon Sounds It Out The Sentence Master
	Writing	Word Cuing and prediction programs	Co-Writer textHELP! Read & Write
	Writing	Speech synthesis software	Write:Outloud Intellitalk II
	Writing	Speech recognition software	DragonDictate ViaVoice
	Writing	Spelling, grammar, and style checkers	Write This Way
	Notetaking	Portable keyboards	Alphasmart 2000 DreamWriter
	Mathematics	Instructional Software	Math for Everyday Living Math Sequences
	Mathematics	Talking calculators	Radio Shack Talking Calculator
	Auditory memory	Portable prompting devices	Mobile Digital Recorder StepPAD
Visual	Reading	Video magnifiers	Aladdin Pro+ Magni-Cam
	Reading	Scanner/OCR systems	L&H Kurzweil 3000 Reading Edge
	Reading	Braille translation software	Duxbury Braille Translator MegaDots
	Reading	Speech output hardware and software	Braille 'n Speak 2000 Jaws for Windows
	Computer access	Screen magnification software	Vista PC1 ZoomText Xtra MAGic
	Mobility	Low-tech aids	Long cane
	Mobility	Electronic aids	Mowat Sensor Sonic Pathfinder
Hearing	Listening	Assistive listening devices	Hearing aids Personal FM Educational System Easy Listener
Communication	Augmentative communication	Dedicated AAC	DynaVox 3100 Liberator II Lighthawk
Hearing/communication	Speech	Speech training software	Speech Viewer III
Physical	Seating and positioning	Forms and cushions	TumbleForms PinDot ComfortMate Cushion
	Mobility	Powered wheelchairs	Action Storm Series Power Chairs Bruno Power Chair
	Environmental control	Environmental control units	PowerLink 3 Control Unit Relax II
	Activities of daily living	Low-tech devices	Various reachers and grippers
	Computer access	Keyboard modifications	Accessibility Options (Windows) Easy Access (Apple)
	Computer access	Alternative pointing devices	Headmaster 2000 NoHands Mouse CrossScanner
	Computer access	Alternative keyboards	Intellikeys BAT Personal Keyboard
	Computer access	Alternative input method - switch with scanning	WinScan 2.0 WiVik2 with Scanning Switch Clicker Plus
	Computer access	Alternative input method - speech recognition	DragonDictate ViaVoice