Assistive Technology

Technology is allowing students with special needs to further become integrated in the mainstream classroom. It can assist students who have hearing, speech, and seeing impediments to learn on the same level as students who do not have the same challenges. Text and graphic enhancement software can allow images to be enlarged on the monitor, allowing students with vision impairments to see and follow along with the rest of the class. Text can also be read electronically by a digitized voice synthesizer for students who are blind. For students who are hearing impaired or who have difficulty filtering background noise, some amplification devices can filter extraneous noise from the background. In addition, technology can assist students with poor fine or gross motor skills as well. Students with learning disabilities can be assisted by simple programs such as spell and grammar check to create the illusion that they are as accomplished as their peers in the inclusion environment. This illusion will give them more confidence which will, in turn, lead to higher achievement and involvement in the learning environment. In fact, all of the formerly mentioned technologies that even the playing field for students with disabilities will increase their confidence and therefore prompt them to increase their motivation and achievement rates. These modifications can also increase the special needs students interaction with their peers as their ability to communicate and function on an even plan will increase their relate-ability.