We think of technology as microwaves, faxes, computers, and other machines that make our lives easier. Assistive technology is a type of technology that assists people with disabilities. Books-on-tape, large-print books, hearing aids, computers with special programs, wheelchairs, and homemade aids are examples of assistive technology. Your disability probably makes some of your schoolwork hard for you. We will call this a functional limitation. Assistive technology may help you be more successful in doing schoolwork by giving you a way to work around your limitations. Think about the following questions: 1) What is it about doing schoolwork that is hard for me? and 2) What do I use to make schoolwork easier?

Perhaps your answer to the second question is a specific assistive technology tool or device. Whether or not you use AT, the activities that follow will help you learn more. Some are for current AT users while others are designed for the newcomer. This first activity will help you know which activities are appropriate for you. Let’s begin by thinking about the following questions:

Do you already use Assistive Technology?

If “YES”: What assistive technology do you use? How does this AT make schoolwork easier? How does the AT make you feel? When you finish this activity, do Activities 11 through 14 and 17.

If “NO”: Do you think you would benefit from using AT? Why or why not? What kind of technology would you use? How would it make schoolwork easier? How would you feel about using AT? When you finish this activity, do Activities 11, 12 and 15 through 17.