Special education teacher and technology specialist Shira Moskovitz discusses assistive technology (AT) and its benefits for kids who learn and think differently. She covers different types of AT, how they work, and how to determine if they're right for your child. Topics include personal experiences, overcoming stigma and cost, and the importance of self-advocacy.
Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of tools, from electronic devices to simple tools like pencil grips and magnifying glasses.
Assistive technology adapts to children's growing skill levels and expectations, supporting them in tasks like writing challenges and verbal production for longer assignments.
Deep dives
Assistive Technology: A Broad Range of Tools to Support Independence
Assistive technology is not limited to electronic devices. It includes tools like listening devices, lap desks, and walkers that support independence for children in the classroom. While digital tools are available, assistive technology can also be as simple as pencil grips, magnifying glasses, or larger print texts.
Assistive Technology Evolves with Skill Level and Expectation
As children grow, their skill level and expectations increase, leading to a higher demand for assistive technology. For example, in kindergarten, predictive software can help children with writing challenges. In middle school, speech-to-text technology may be used to support verbal production for longer essays or written assignments. Assistive technology adapts to help children show what they know.
Assistive Technology vs. AI: Similarities and Differences
Assistive technology and AI (Artificial Intelligence) serve different purposes. AI technology, like chat GPT, uses algorithms to generate text. On the other hand, assistive technology focuses on tools that support individual needs, such as communication apps or predictive software. While AI is a component of some assistive tech, they are not the same thing.
From the talk-to-text feature on a phone to a lap desk, many people use assistive technology (AT) every day. For kids who learn and think differently, assistive tech can make learning easier. But how do you know if it’s something your child needs?
In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome returning guest Shira Moskovitz. Shira, a special education teacher and technology specialist, shares some of the ways assistive tech can help. Tune in to learn about the different types of AT, how they work, and how to figure out if they’re right for your child.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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