Assistive Technology Assistive technology is used to assist students with special needs in order to ensure effective learning and academic success. These students may have ADHD, a hearing or sight impairment, speech impediments or a learning disability. By integrating technologies into the classroom that meet these needs, it allows students to maintain their independence and have an equal opportunity for successful learning. Assistive technology may be low-tech, medium-tech or high-tech. Here are some examples of assistive technology: Low-Tech: - Structured notes/outlines - Flowcharts + Adjustable chairs - Preferential seating - Strong visual cues Medium To High-Tech: = Word processor = Graphic software - Computer spreadsheets - Computers/Laptops (including touch screen technology) = Podcasts (both video and sound) - Kurzweil (literacy software that allows you to selectively highlight information and print it, retrieve instant definitions of words and hear the words played out loud) - _Livescribe Smartpen (transfers written notes to the computer for storage, records teachers as they talk, and allows you to replay the recording by simply touching your pen to a certain point in your notes) - FM systems (for hearing impairment) - Primer (electronic magnifier for vision impairment)