What is Assistive Technology?
"Assistive Technology is technology that increases, improves, or maintains the functional capabilities of students with disabilities"
Rose, Hasselbring, Stahl & Zabala (2005)
Assistive Technology for Learning (AFL) is defined as the devices, media, and services used in learning environments to overcome barriers for students with physical, sensory, cognitive, speech, learning, or behavioural special needs to actively engage in learning and to achieve their individual learning goals.
Assistive Technology at Lakeland Catholic
In 2008, Lakeland Catholic embarked on a journey to provide all children with the tools necessary to become successful learners. In doing so, we developed three goals:
1. To build independence, increase success, and enhance performance for all students.
2. Ensure there is an accessible learning environment for all students.
3. Remove barriers for all students.
Assistive technology can include, a wide spectrum of tools, from pencil grips to augmented communication devices. Here at Lakeland Catholic students have access to:
- One-to-one Laptops
- iPads
- iPod Touches
- Text to speech programs
- MAC accessibility features
- Highly technical devices that allow non-verbal students to communicate
Some of the programs that all students have access to are:
- Read and Write Gold
- Clicker 5
- WordQ (French)
- Ghost Reader (French)
For more information on the Assistive Technology options available for all students, please contact your child's school.
