Assistive Technology Key Terms and Definitions + access to computers

Ch. 1
IDEA defines an assistive technology device as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.


IDEA defines an assistive technology service as any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use for an assistive technology device.

Technology is not enough. Students must have teachers who are on top of student's assistive technology and follow a curriculum which supports all need. (UDL)

Ch. 6

Flexibility Features on Computers

(all of the listed items can be accessed through the accessibility options icon in the control panel for the windows operating system or through universal access on Macs)

*sticky keys: allow students to press keys sequentially to execute a function

*slow keys: increase the amount of time a key must be pressed before registering keystrokes

*mouse keys: number pad can be used as arrow keys to replace the mouse

*soundsentry: can be used to generate a visual cue in place of a warning that would typically be auditory

*visual options: can be used to change the font size, type, and color as well as background color




Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2008). Assistive technology in the classroom. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merril Prentice Hall.