What is Assistive Technology?

Wikipedia provides a useful introduction to the important ideas of Assistive Technology.

Universal Design supports improved access for everyone. The Link tool in this wiki (running in Firefox and other supported browsers) illustrates the principle nicely. When a user wants to create a link to a new page in MSAD75 Wiki, the pbwiki system provides a list of pages to choose among with a single click rather than requiring the user to learn a syntax, type a code and exact copy of the page title. Since recognition of text is generally easier than production of error-free text, users who have coordination challenges or are younger or less experience can participate more easily.

ASCD provides the full text of an important resource: Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning. It provides a comprehensive treatment of why and how to use universal design. The authors and publisher provide a series of templates for Learning profiles, Curriculum barriers, UDL solutions, and Creating systemic change. Unfortunately, each template page also includes a copyright statement that deters innovative approaches to using templates in wikis such as this.

Explore the concept of Universal Design for Learning and how it can help you meet standards while you address the unique needs of each student. Drawing from brain research and the power of digital technology, the authors explain how to

• Set appropriate goals for every student
• Choose the teaching methods and materials that give every student optimum instructional support
• Ensure the fair and accurate assessment of every student’s progress

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Rose, DH, Meyer, A, Strangman, N & Rappolt, G. 2002. Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning. Alexandria, VA. ASCD.

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