Assistive Technology

The fourth step of SETT is tool. This is where you will identify what tier and type of equipment is required for a specific student based on their needs, and environment.

Low tech assistive technology is a tool that is readily available, and does not require any added components to work, such as batteries or a power source.

Educators can be a bit of an umbrella term, but in this situation relates to anyone who teaches and supports in a school environment. (Ex. teachers, E.A, other school staff.)Other examples of educators are Parents and guardians while the child is outside of school.

Typically a user-friendly tool that commonly will require batteries, or a power source, making it a tier above low tech in terms of resources.

A transmitter device is worn by the teacher that either amplifies sound for whole classroom or directly to students wearing a receiver.

First step of SETT is the student. The student is what is considered first when determining what assistive technology is required. For example, if the student is visually impaired, you likely will determine a tool to support completion of the task that does not revolve around use of visuals.

To teach is to accommodate learning styles and ensure the child is understanding the content you are sharing.

Support can commonly look like educators providing assistance to use assistive technology

Teacher's are responsible for accomodating student's needs and identifying opportunities for assistive technology. They are also responsible for implementation of assistive technology.

It is important for Educational Assistance to be familiar with Assistive technology because we will have to know how to:Operate toolsTrain and teach use of toolsSome troubleshooting

Learning of both student's needs, and use of assistive technology is required prior to implementation can occur.

Needs can differ from student to student depending on their existing abilities.

The third step of SETT is tasks. You will be considering what tasks are required to support curriculum goals, and what modifications can be made to support individual student's in achieving said curriculum.

The second step of SETT is Enviornment. This step requires you to consider what resources are available to you. Recourses are not limited to phycial tools, but also support aid available.

What device (Tool) is provided for a specific need. This is an essential part of assistive technology and is interconnected with services.

What service (support) is available through teaching and learning. This is an essential part of assistive technology and is interconnected with devices.

I have worked with a student at placement who required a whiteboard when she felt overbearing sensory challenges with paper. I provided her an individual whiteboard to complete her work on instead.

A written form of communication.

A Brailler Typewriter can be used to create written documents. This type of A.T. can be very useful for a student who is blind or has low vision. The Typewriter includes braille-specific keys that allow for the user to interpret and understand what they are inputting. Tutorial video is located here:

A communication device that uses braille. This is a form of tablet and can be used to create notes, math, writing emails, and more. It uses touch braille to complete tasks. Video:

GPS programs can be downloaded and used. These are especially helpful for students who are blind/ low vision.

White canes are helpful in supporting student independence. These may require additional support to learn how to effectively use them, but they can be very helpful for students with blind/ low vision.

Teacher will wear transmitter and student(s) with hearing loss will wear receiver.

Can support students with blind/ low vision in navigating text, papers, and objects around the classroom. The brighter the colour in contrast to objects the better.

Can help blind/ low vision students feel the work they are making.

Can be used in a variety of ways to support audio

Creates tactile images.

Magnifying computer

A variety of tools and supports that help with amplifying and clarifying sound.

Helps with communication disorders.

Can be helpful for students with blind/ low vision to amplify contrast in what they are doing or working on.