How Can Disabilities Assistive Technology Help My
Learning Disability?
Disability assistive technology can help those who suffer from
learning disabilities to lead a more normal life. Learning
disabilities can cause trouble in every phase of daily living.
Children may have problems with classroom work, which can eventually
lead to behavior problems. Adults may drive around lost due to an
inability to follow directions, or may need help filling out
employment applications. Intelligent people become frustrated and
begin feeling stupid when they cannot do things that others do
easily. Disability assistive technology can help.
For the most part, disability assistive technology was originally
developed to help with other disabilities and has only recently been
applied to learning disabilities. Low-tech assistive technology
equipment includes such tools as highlighter's, while high-tech
assistive technology products include special computer programs and
other devices. Low-tech and high-tech assistive technology products
are usually used in tandem to create a full range of assistive
technology equipment that is personalized to the user's individual
needs.
A big advantage of using disability assistive technology is that
this solution acknowledges the learning disability and simply
provides a workable alternative. Other programs attempt to "fix" the
symptoms of a learning disability and so may be difficult or
impossible to implement. Assistive technology products allow the
user to quickly adapt to a workaround and move on with his or her
life. It is important to note, however, that remedial programs
should often be continued once assistive technology equipment is
implemented. The disability assistive technology should be
considered a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
Assistive technology for students with reading difficulties is
generally a combination of low-tech and high-tech products. A
colored highlighter can be used to mark words that look similar on a
page, reminding the student to carefully attenuate to the
differences. Software is available that will allow a computer to
read back printed text on the screen, allowing students with reading
difficulties to receive information orally. Similarly, pictures or
DVDs may be used as an alternate means of providing information.
Magnification or formatting changes may help students with learning
disabilities differentiate text. Talking books or books in Braille
may be another option.
Assistive technology for students with problems in writing generally
involves computerized word processing applications. Spell check,
grammar check, and other formatting tools can compensate for
difficulties in writing development, while the typewritten format
eliminates handwriting legibility concerns. Outlining software and
voice recognition software can be helpful as well.
Dyscalculia, or math-related learning disability, can be especially
difficult to treat. Assistive technology for students with
dyscalculia generally involves specialized calculators. Calculators
are available that are voice activated, read back processing steps
one by one, and have large visual displays. Generally, a combination
of speech synthesis, large font display, large buttons, and voice
recognition will provide the most assistance.
Disability assistive technology has recently become popular as a
means to assist people with learning disabilities. In order to
provide maximum benefits to those with a learning disability, it is
generally best to use assistive technology equipment in tandem with
a remediation program. The remediation program will help to minimize
the brain effects of the learning disability while the disability
assistive technology helps to minimize the effects of the learning
disability on daily living.
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