How Assistive Technology Enhances Learning and Development of Children with Disabilities?
Assistive Technology (AT) is a game-changing solution for both adults and children with disabilities to overcome physical impairment and learning difficulties. Especially, children with learning disabilities especially can use AT to enhance learning in an effective manner. Students with learning differences often do much better when they can use what they're good at to help with the things they find difficult. It's about playing to their strengths to overcome their challenges. AT tools combine the best of these practices and result in the best ways possible.
This blog highlights the best available and seamless usage of Assistive Technologies for children with learning disabilities and how it helps in their development.
What is Assistive Technology (AT) for Learning Disabilities?
Assistive Technology (AT) for kids with Learning Disabilities (LD) refers to any tool or system that helps them learn by working around their specific challenges. AT is more of a helpful aid and not a complete cure. AT lets your child use their strengths to overcome areas where they struggle. For example, if your child is finding it difficult to read but good at listening then audiobooks are the best AT solution. This helps them learn and grow by playing to their abilities.
Assistive Technology can really boost a child's confidence and make them feel more independent. Kids with learning challenges often need a lot of help from family and teachers with their schoolwork. But when they use AT, it helps them do things on their own and feel a sense of accomplishment. This can make a big difference in how they see themselves and their ability to learn.
Types of Learning Problems Addressed by Assistive Technology
Listening: For those who find it hard to understand and remember spoken words, certain Assistive Technology tools can be a real help. These tools can be used in different places, like during a class or a meeting with many speakers.
Reading: For individuals who struggle with reading, there is a wide variety of AT tools that can help. While they work in slightly different ways, they all have one thing in common: they turn text into spoken words. This can make reading easier, help with understanding, and improve how smoothly someone reads.
Organization and Memory: Assistive Technology also offers great tools for getting organized! They can help with planning, managing schedules and tasks, keeping track of contacts, and storing notes. Special software and handheld devices make it easier to manage and find this important information.
What kind of Assistive Technologies are Available?
Assistive Technology, or "AT," in the NDIS disability program is often contrasted with gadgets and equipment. But it's not limited to physical tools only. You will find lots of helpful AT tools online for kids who learn differently. Here are some types of AT tools that can provide support:
Audiobooks: Recorded books are the new norm in today's digital era. You can listen to the text at will instead of reading it. You can find them in different forms, like Audio Dramas, Podcasts, CDs, and digital MP3 files you can download. You can save/bookmark your favourite book or any specific chapter to save time and effort. Plus, there are subscription services that give you access to huge online libraries of audiobooks!
Optical Character Recognition: This cool tech lets you take printed words from a book or paper and put them into a computer or a small handheld device. Then, the computer or device can read the text aloud using a "speech synthesis" or "screen reading" system. This technology is renowned as Optical Character Recognition or OCR. You can find OCR as a separate machine, as software on your computer, or even as a small gadget you can carry in your pocket!
Information and Data Analyst Managers: These handy tools help you keep track of your everyday schedule, to-do lists, contacts, and other important stuff digitally. These "personal data managers" can be small devices you hold in your hand, software on your computer, or even a mix of both that work together to share information.
Talking Calculators: A "talking calculator" is a calculator that speaks! It has a special voice that reads out every number, symbol (like plus or minus), or button you press. It also tells you the answer out loud. This talking feature can help someone double-check if they pressed the right buttons and make sure the answer is correct before writing it down.
Speech Recognition Programs: A "speech recognition program" is like having your computer listen and type for you! It works with a word processor. You talk into a microphone, and your spoken words magically appear as text on the screen. This can be really helpful for someone who finds it easier to talk than to write.
Proofreading Programs: For students who find writing tricky, maybe with spelling, grammar, punctuation, choosing the right words, or putting sentences together, they can leverage these helpful software programs. Many word processors include built-in tools to check your writing and point out possible mistakes. This can make writing much easier!
Key Factors to Consider When Evaluating AT Products for Your Child
Not every child suffers from multiple learning disability issues. Hence, as a parent/guardian, you have to invest in every NDIS assistive technology Invest in only those AT products that resonate with your children's obstacles and learn the best use of them to get desirable results.
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List down your child's specific challenges and needs. Specifically, in what academic areas is he/she struggling?
Differentiate strengths and weaknesses. What tech do they like using, what skills do they have, and what experience do they have?
Choose the right AT, as it can help your child do better not just at school, but also at home, at work someday, when hanging out with friends, and during fun activities.
Final Takeaway
Assistive technology, or AT, can help students work around the skills they find challenging. It can boost their confidence and make them feel more independent. Students with learning disabilities who face hard times at school often rely a lot on family and teachers for help. But with AT, they can succeed on their own. If you, as a parent/guardian, want your child to become a better version of themselves, irrespective of their disabilities, AT could be your go-to solution. But, before directly using it, it is wise to consult with professionals in a similar field.
Access Foundation can be your trusted Assistive Technology consultation partner. Contact today to learn from their experts!