When it comes to children’s learning, there is nothing that we wouldn’t do for our kids.
If a child has a unique learning challenge or special needs that require technological and physical assists, there is a 
SOLUTION called an assistive technology device which can help improve a child’s learning experience.
But what IS assistive technology devices?
Most importantly, what are the best devices out there and how can it benefit a child?
Throughout this post, we will cover these commonly asked questions and explore the information you need to know about assistive technology devices.
Let’s dive right in!
What is Assistive Technology?
Technology is a game changer in our world today because it can assist us in ACHIEVING our goals and making our life easier.
With assistive technology, it can drastically help a child in the classroom, as well as in their daily life.
These tools are ones that make it POSSIBLE for a child to learn better when it comes to …
- Listening
- Math
- Reading
- Writing
- Talking
- Organizing
It can be a system or a piece of equipment.
We will cover examples of some of the best equipment and systems to aid a child in their learning and development below.
Before we get into that, let’s quickly cover how these devices can benefit a child.
The Benefits of Assistive Technology Devices
One of the most pernicious barriers to learning in a classroom setting is when a child experiences learning challenges.
Learning difficulties are something that can make it feel impossible for a child to learn.
THANKFULLY, this is where assistive technologies can come to the rescue.
The benefits to using assistive technology devices boil down to these reasons …
- Compensate for certain impairments such as assisting with reading, writing, or talking
- Promote independence
- Gain confidence
- Decrease the need for other support
- Improve learning
- Improve daily interactions and communication with others
Examples of Assistive Technologies in the Classroom
Audiobooks
The classroom can be a challenge for some when it comes to reading.
A child might find it difficult to absorb the reading material.
If this is the case, audiobooks are a GREAT solution to help pick up the slack because it can help to improve …
- Reading accuracy
- Reading speed
- Pronunciation of words
- Understanding of the content
Alternative Keyboard
Some children might benefit from different keyboards. The keyboard can be a huge learning curve.
The assistive keyboard, on the other hand, is designed to be more user friendly.
This means that kids will find buttons for things they would not find on a standard keyboard. The lettering can be arranged more intuitively, and it can be color-coded.
For a child that is struggling, this kind of device can be very helpful.
It might not help with standard typing, but it is an inclusive device that will allow a child the opportunity to type and learn.
Electronic Math Flash Card
Electronic math flash cards can help a child improve their math skills and will align the numbers for a child.
Most importantly, the machine will say the numbers out loud and that can help with processing math skills.
It can be especially useful for someone that has a hard time with number comprehension in general.
Writing Digital Pad
A writing digital pad allows you to use a pressure sensitive pen with regular ink where you can create notes and sketches on standard paper.
These written notes are then captured digitally and converted into editable text. You can work ANYWHERE offline.
This is a wonderful communication tool that can be used at home or in the classroom.
It is especially useful for a child who struggles to read or talk.
Electronic Dictionary
An electronic dictionary is a quick way to help a child pick up the meaning of words while assisting with their reading skills.
It’s portable, compact, and light so you can easily carry it from home or to school.
The electronic version will contain a lot more expressions and words than a paper dictionary.
Speech Generation Device
A speech device will allow you to record up to 4 minutes of messages at different levels.
One of the best features is there is NO limit to the number of messages you record per level.
Levels are great for pre recording a sequence of messages to use during certain times of the day.
For instance, one level could be messages pertaining to the morning or night. You can record ‘I would like cereal for breakfast’ or ‘I am tired’.
It’s ideal to record and store messages that are used on a regular basis.
Digital Magnifier
If your child has low vision and needs help seeing words more clearly while reading, the digital magnifier is a GREAT tool to use.
It has 4 adjustable levels and 3 color modes.
The lithium battery lasts for up to 2.5 hours to give you plenty of reading time.
There is also a screen lock feature which is a nice feature to have when you’re reading and you need to stop to understand a word or phrase.
For instance, sight words are a wonderful stepping stone to teaching your child to read and write.
With the digital magnifier, you can stop on sight words (such as me, to, go, stop, the, can, am) using the ‘screen lock’ feature and point those words out to your child.
Final Takeaway
No matter what a child’s unique abilities are assistive technology devices are incredible tools that make it POSSIBLE
for a child to learn.
Whether your child experiences learning challenges or needs additional support, there IS a solution to help them. 🙂
If there are other devices you would recommend, a review you would like to share, questions you may have, or anything you’d like to add that I did not cover in this post, please feel free to comment below.
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I really do strive to make the content I create as helpful as possible for you…as a fellow parent looking out for their most precious gift.
THANK YOU for stopping by today!
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Hey there!
The article there is super awesome and very impressive. Kids truly needs tools like the assistive technology to aid their learning processes before they are very tender. One thing that interests me more about the assistive technology is that it can drastically help a child in the classroom, as well as in their daily life to learn very well when it comes to the basic knowledge they need.
Thanks
I appreciate your feedback and thoughts! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hey Lindsey Kovach,
What a fantastic article! This is so chock full of useful information, Thanks a bunch for sharing. Understanding Kids and been able to give exactly what they need is So not easy, needs study and patience. I checked through this articles, easily a lot to be gained from it. I personally just saw some Assistive tech devices that I would really love to get my Little cousins . Thanks for this . Would be a pleasure to share
Thanks for your insight and feedback about the post. Glad it was helpful to you!
Thanks for sharing about this insightful and educative review on the assistive technology, for child’s learning, this is a very wonderful technology cause it boost a child’s learning skills, confidence, organization and talking skills, this us s technology any parent should aspire to get for there children, cause it takes learning beyond the class rooms.
I appreciate your feedback, thanks for sharing!