Jreader Assistechcasestudy

ADHD & Special Education Assistive Technology
by Jon Reader
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological

impairment characterized by a clinically significant and persistent pattern of
inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity (Tools for Learning Disabilities
and ADHD). ADHD is not a learning disability but rather an inability to
acquire information as a result of inattentive or hyperactive symptoms or
behaviors (Tools for Learning Disabilities and ADHD). Concentration is a key
factor affecting individuals with ADD/ADHDs ability to learn new information.
Timers and concentration strategies are best suited for these disabilities
(Assistive Technology for ADD/ADHD). Invisible Clock is a small pager
looking device that is worn in the belt loop. It can remind the individual to
stay concentrated by sending a vibration or beep at a specific time; and
Motivator is similar to the Invisible Clock only it has more options for
scheduling lots of random timing measures. Another alternative is the
movement sensor that sounds an alarm when movement occurs (Assistive
Technology for ADD/ADHD). Other resource tools for organization and time
management and for building self-reliance and independent work habits in
special education students includes talking alarm watches and memorecorders. Dyslexia is a developmental disability in reading and/or spelling
and often letters and words appear reversed to the dyslexic. Often the
dyslexic has difficulty reading as he or she struggles with phonological
awareness. Texthelp Systems is the worldwide leader in providing literacy
software solutions to help struggling readers and writers, those with literacy
difficulties, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia (Assistive Technology for
ADD/ADHD). The company's mission is to provide high quality and innovative
technology for any person of any age seeking to develop their language
skills.
Read & Write GOLD is designed to assist students and individuals of all
ages who require extra assistance when reading or composing text. The
software allows students to develop their literacy skills and enjoy greater
independence; and Fluency Tutor is an online solution for dyslexia and
includes tools for developing, measuring, and assessing oral fluency
(Assistive Technology for ADD/ADHD). Lexiflow is a secure, high quality
solution for creating accessible Adobe Flash talking eBooks and assessments
for students who require read aloud support; and Speech Stream enhances
Publishers' HTML or Flash content by embedding literacy support features to
improve student's retention, comprehension, and recall (Assistive Technology
for ADD/ADHD). Browse aloud is designed to improve website accessibility
for those who struggle to read content online. It works by reading website
content aloud in a high quality, human-sounding voice; and lastly, edictionary is a software tool which helps learning disabled students access
a digital dictionary in order to help build their vocabulary skills (Assistive
Technology for ADD/ADHD).
For the special education students its necessary that he or she be able to
use a computer. A computer acts as a tutor and is often the instrument
through which the child can finally express their emotions and/or ideas and
feelings to the outside world (Sharp, 2005). The computer will allow this child
to work at his or her own pace of instruction and for once they will be the
one in control of the learning environment. This is important because often
special education students fall behind quickly in the classroom. The
computer will boost this childs self-esteem, confidence, and feelings of
independency. As always, accessibility and usability features are
fundamental to successfully and effectively using technology. For special
education students to receive the full benefits of using the computer, it may
be necessary to modify the hardware and/or software. Adaptive or assistive
technology devices are sometimes needed to make hardware or keyboard
modifications and these include sticky keys and keyboard emulators,
discover switches, a touch screen, handheld scanners, and portable
keyboards (Sharp, 2005). In the classroom itself, the furniture should be
arranged so that students can move safely and freely about the room and
the lighting should be at a minimum. An action plan or individual education
plan (IEP) should be established and assessed regularly and all staff should
receive special education training each year (Sharp, 2005).
There are several options for us to consider when we search to secure
funding for these investments. There is financial support available through
local, state, and federal agencies in the form of grants and equipment. We
can request that local businesses and/or civic organizations provide funding
or in-kind donations. Or, we can solicit private foundations and corporations
for grants and monetary contributions. Fundraisers could also be organized
to acquire supplementary funds. The Public Welfare Foundation, Premier
Assistive Technology, and the Hasbro Children's Foundation are
several organizations which provide technology assistance funding in support
of disadvantaged populations.
References
Sharp, V. (2005). Getting started on the computer. In Computer education for

teachers: Integrating technology into classroom teaching, (5th ed., pp. 3461). Boston: McGraw- Hill.
Tools for Learning Disabilities and ADHD. (n.d.). Retrieved July 8, 2010, from
FAME:
http://www.oln.org/ILT/ada/Fame/web/f3_36_373.html
Assistive Technology for ADD/ADHD. (n.d.). Retrieved July 8, 2010, from
Minnesota Adult Basic Education Disabilities:
http://www.mnabedisabilities.org/guide/assistivetechnology/assistivetechnology-addadhd

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ADHD & Special Education Assistive Technology

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological

Sharp, V. (2005). Getting started on the computer. In Computer education for

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