AT Tools

Another point that must be made is that assistive technology devices are tools - just the same as a screwdriver, VCR, or an automobile. Think about how you use tools. They don't do the task for you; rather, you use them to make it easier to do the task. Take a screwdriver, for example. I imagine it would be very difficult - but not impossible - to put a screw into a board without one. With the proper screwdriver, it is much easier to do the same task. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that using assistive technology, helps a person to do many a task such as eat, drink, play, relax, or work.

From: Taking the Mystery Out of Assistive Technology. Learning Disabilities and Assistive Technology: An Emerging Way to Touch the Future. - http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/technology/tfl_mystery.html#anchor1347401

A TOOL FOR LIVING:

Assistive technology provides tools that help people of all ages with learning disabilities to be included in the community and its activities.

For example:

• A check-writing template and a signature stamp make paying bills easier.
• Computer software and hand-held devices help plot and find destinations.
• Telephone speed dialing, caller ID, free 411 directory assistance, and hand-held voice organizers assist access by telephone.
• Digital watches, talking clocks, and digital timers help tell time and stay on task.
• Talk radio shows, computer online news services, and pagers with news headlines can keep individuals up-to-date on current events.
• Electronic calendars and computer organizers help manage schedules and other personal information.

A TOOL FOR LEARNING:

Assistive technology helps people of all ages and disabilities learn, practice, and use the skills necessary to be independent and successful.

For example:

• Color-coding on files, drawers, and clothing help a person with a learning disability remember something important.
• Books on tape make textbooks and popular works accessible to people with reading difficulties.
• Tape recorders help students review class materials.
• Changing a computer monitor's background colors assists reading.

A TOOL FOR WORKING

Assistive technology may give people with learning disabilities tools to help them obtain and keep a job. It may help people become tax-paying citizens.

For example:

• Computers that talk help people with reading and writing difficulties.
• Talking calculators assist those with math or perceptual disabilities.
• An optical character recognition system lets the worker enter text or printed material into a computer by use of a scanner.
• Speech recognition systems enable the user to dictate to the computer, converting oral language to written text.
• Workers with learning disabilities can make their work more efficient by altering colors, font, or print size on a computer screen.
• Software programs can ease concerns about grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.