How Assistive Technology Can Help Your Complex Learner

Becca Olivo, MS, OTR/L

Assistive technology is a hot topic in the education world today, especially in the realm of Complex Learners! Assistive technology (AT) is a broad term that describes a wide range of adaptive devices, services, programs and tools that increase participation, achievement, and/or independence for people of all ages. 

AT can be thought of in three categories:

• “Low tech” – devices or equipment that don’t require much training, are typically inexpensive, and do not have complex features, including increasing font size for worksheets, use of a pencil grip to improve grasp, or color-coding information with highlighters to support organization. 
• “Mid Tech” – devices or equipment that may have complex features, may be electronic or battery operated, and may require some training, such as a screen magnifier, word prediction software, or a calculator.
• “High Tech” – the most complex devices or equipment that have digital or electronic components, and may be computerized, such as a vibrating alarm clock, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, or augmentative and alternative communication devices. 

Implementing Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can be considered and implemented by a variety of professionals, including regular and special education teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, family doctors, and other specialists. As an occupational therapist, AT is used to reduce barriers (such as dysgraphia, poor ocular motor skills, or decreased strength) to participation in meaningful activities, which could include a child’s role as a student, interactions with friends, or working in the community. A speech therapist may utilize AT to provide access to communication tools that help a child read, write, express or comprehend language, and a teacher might use AT to support a student’s academic success across curricular areas. However, regardless of the professional leading the charge, successful implementation of assistive technology tools, equipment and programs requires a team approach comprised of professionals, clients, and families all working together. It is imperative that a collaborative approach be used to share both what is going well and what can be improved upon in order to maximize the effectiveness, use, and success of the tools being recommended.

At Wolf

At Wolf, classroom teams consider a variety of factors when making decisions regarding a student’s use of assistive technology, including cognitive, motor, and language abilities, what the student needs to be able to do, and what strategies have been tried in the past. It is important to ensure there is a good fit between the existing skills of the student and the technology tools being implemented.

Google Read & Write is an all-encompassing assistive technology toolbar that has a variety of tools and features available to support learners. These tools include speech-to-text, text-to-speech, word prediction, talking and picture dictionaries, screen masking, and many others. Other AT tools can be accessed through a student’s Chromebook settings, including enlarged text, screen reader, keyboard shortcuts, and many others. 

Tips for successful assistive technology implementation:

• Consider the strengths and challenges of the prospective AT user
• List the tasks that need to be done that are currently difficult 
• Gather information about what strategies, programs, and tools have been used in the past and how/why they were successful or not
• Generate a list of tools that may be helpful for difficult tasks
• Start slow – introduce one tool at a time; when a user either masters that tool, or it becomes clear (from conversations with all team members) that the tool is not working, move on to the next tool on the list
• Use visuals (e.g., checklists, flowcharts, booklets) to help implement new tools
• Be patient and trust the process! Integrating assistive technology into a person’s daily routines can be a lengthy process, but it will be worth it when that person finds new independence and success because of that tool!

To learn more about assistive technology tools and strategies, contact your child’s classroom team. If you are a Wolf School parent, attend the Wolf School’s upcoming Parent Cafe on November 28th to hear more from our Technology Coach, Becca Olivo, on assistive technology at Wolf!

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