Assistive Technology for Literacy: Supporting Students with Multiple Disabilities

Supporting literacy for students with multiple disabilities can be challenging, however it is mission critical work. To the greatest extent they are able, all children should learn to read and write. Learning these skills will help your student engage with the community as they get older.

Often times, we have to come up with unique solutions for students that struggle with multiple or more profound disabilities. They may struggle with a combination of factors, use as physical, learning, and cognitive disabilities. Assistive technology (AT) offers practical solutions that make literacy and learning more accessible for these students, as can be use to help address multiple areas of deficit. In this post, we'll discuss some effective AT tools that can help students with complex learning needs develop their reading and writing skills.

The Power of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology provides students with the tools they need to access educational content and develop essential literacy skills. These tools support reading, writing, and cognitive development, giving students the opportunity to participate more fully in learning activities.

Key Assistive Technologies for Literacy

Here are some useful assistive technologies that can make a difference for students with disabilities:

1. Online Reading Databases/Digital Libraries: These digital resources offer a wide range of reading materials in accessible formats. They are particularly helpful for students who find printed texts difficult to use.

   Your local library may have a digital audio book database, or tools like Learning Ally provide human voice narrations for text to speech, improving engagement and comprehension.

2. Screen Reader Applications: These applications convert written text into spoken words. They are useful for students with visual impairments or reading challenges, as they make text-based information more accessible.

   Many programs like Google Chrome, and Apple devices have built in plug ins for screen readers through the accessibility features.

3. Reading oe Writing Pens: These devices scan printed text and read it aloud. They are especially useful for students who have difficulty reading but can understand spoken language. You can find several versions on Amazon or other retailers. Many also have the ability to record, so your student can record a lecture or presentation and go back and listen to it as many times as they need.

4. Handwriting Improvement Applications: These apps help students improve their handwriting by guiding them through writing exercises. They can be customized to meet the individual needs of each learner. Dynamilis and Handwriting Success are two examples.

5. Word Processors: Word processors with features like voice-to-text and word prediction help students who struggle with writing by hand or spelling. These tools make the process of writing more manageable and less frustrating.

   
   

Practical Tips for Using AT to Support Literacy

Introducing AT doesn’t have to be complicated.  Carefully consider what exactly you want the student to be able to do with the tool, and what conditions they need to be able to use it.

Start by choosing one or two tools that match your student's needs, and explicitly teach them how to use the tool for the desired purpose. You might consider a combination of high and low tech options, such as a slant board in combination with a reading pen or pencil grip to support writing and a voice recorder to replay presentations and so on. Provide plenty of guided practice and support and give the student time to get used to the technology, and be open to making adjustments based on what works best. Building familiarity with these tools can make literacy activities more enjoyable and productive. If something is not working, reevaluate.

Conclusion

Assistive technology offers valuable support for students with multiple disabilities. By incorporating these tools into your routine, you can help your student build confidence and develop essential literacy skills.