Activity 17

Trying Out Assistive Technology

What Students Do

Students try out either a low-tech or a high-tech solution to make schoolwork easier. The students who choose a low-tech solution will have an easier time, because the materials are most likely available at home or at a local store.

Planning

Review the students' Self-Evaluation Guides to determine each student's progress and readiness to develop a plan for additional experimentation with assistive technology. Use the Post-ITT Web site to research sources of loaner AT. Ask about the availability of assistive devices within your district. If students are interested in trying out accessibility functions on the computers they use, spend time familiarizing yourself with these same functions. Emphasize the importance of being creative and looking for technological solutions that may be within their reach.

Introducing the Activity

Before beginning this activity, you and your students can discuss what aspect of their schoolwork they want to make easier and why it causes them difficulty. Brainstorm possible solutions.

Trying a high-tech solution may be difficult because of the limited opportunities to borrow equipment. Discuss the possibilities of finding loaner equipment. It is important to emphasize the need to be persistent because this process can be lengthy.