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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology (AT) is available to help individuals with many types of disabilities — from cognitive problems to physical impairment. AT doesn't cure or eliminate learning difficulties, but it can help child reach his/her potential because it allows him/her to capitalize on her strengths and bypass areas of difficulty. AT compensates for a student's skills deficits or area(s) of disability.AT can increase a child's self-reliance and sense of independence. Kids who struggle in school are often overly dependent on parents, siblings, friends and teachers for help with assignments. By using AT, kids can experience success with working independently.The term "assistive technology" has usually been applied to computer hardware and software and electronic devices.

-TYPES OF LEARNING DISABILITIES DOES ASSISITIVE TECHNOLOGY ADDRESS- 1.LISTENING-students who have difficulty processing and remembering spoken language. 2.READING-students who struggle with reading. 3.WRITING-students who struggle with writing. 4.ORGANIZING AND MEMORY-students who who struggle to plan, organize, and keep track of their calendar, schedule, task list, contact information, and miscellaneous notes. 5.MATHS-students who struggle with computing, organizing, aligning, and copying math problems down on paper.

- DIFFERENT KINDS OF ASSISTIVE TOOLS TO ADDRESS LEARNING DISABILITIES:- 1.Abbreviation expanders:-Used with word processing, these software programs allow a user to create, store, and re-use abbreviations for frequently-used words or phrases. 2.Alternative keyboards:-These programmable keyboards have special overlays that customize the appearance and function of a standard keyboard. Students who have LD or have trouble typing may benefit from customization that reduces input choices, groups keys by color/location, and adds graphics to aid comprehension. 3.Audio books and publications:-Recorded books allow users to listen to text and are available in a variety of formats, such as audiocassettes, CDs, and MP3 downloads. Special playback units allow users to and search and bookmark pages and chapters. 4.Electronic math work sheets:-Electronic math worksheets are software programs that can help a user organize, align, and work through math problems on a computer screen. Numbers that appear onscreen can also be read aloud via a speech synthesizer. This may be helpful to people who have trouble aligning math problems with pencil and paper. 5.Portable word processors:-A portable word processor is lightweight device that is easy to transport (e.g., from classroom to home). It can be helpful to kids who may have trouble writing by hand and prefer to use a keyboard. Word processing allows the user to edit and correct his written work more efficiently than doing so by hand. 6.Proofreading programs:-Students who struggle with writing (e.g., spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage, and sentence structure) may benefit from software programs (included in many word processing systems) that scan word processing documents and alert the user to possible errors. 7.Talking calculators:-A talking calculator has a built-in speech synthesizer that reads aloud each number, symbol, or operation key a user presses; it also vocalizes the answer to the problem. This auditory feedback may help him check the accuracy of the keys he presses and verify the answer before he transfers it to paper. 8.Talking spell checkers and electronic dictionaries:-Talking spell checkers and electronic dictionaries can help a poor speller select or identify appropriate words and correct spelling errors during the process of writing and proofreading. Talking devices "read aloud" and display the selected words onscreen, so the user can see and hear the words. 9.Variable-speed tape recorders:-Tape recorders/players allow a user to listen to pre-recorded text or to capture spoken information and play it back later. Variable speed control (VSC) tape recorders speed up or slow down the playback rate without distorting the "speaker's" voice.

Four laws are relevant when addressing the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities in Indiana. However, there are at least ten laws and regulations (federal and state) which directly affect persons with disabilities. The four laws to be familiar with are: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Article 7 (Rules and Regulations for Special Education in India). These law eliminate the discrimination against the individual with disabilities.