Assistive Technology Needs Assessment
As we've seen throughout the duration of this course, the focus of using tools such as assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning is on the student as an individual learner. When we decide a student will need the use of an assistive technology device to gain equitable access to the learning experiences we provide, we need to assess multiple factors in both a learning context and a social context to determine the right tool for that student. The key factors we look at are the student's strengths and challenges, all of the environments in which the student is asked to engage in throughout the day, and the tasks that this student needs to complete. This type of assessment helps us to choose the best tool that will suit the needs of the student. The SETT Framework by Joy Zabala Links to an external site. provides us with tools that will help us make informed decisions with the student about tools that best suit their needs. Take a look at the SETT Scaffold for Gathering Data Links to an external site. and think about the students you have worked with who would benefit from using this tool to provide a recommendation for supports that will provide them with a equitable access to learning environments.
Hands-on with Assistive Technology
To gain a deeper understanding of how assistive technology can be used to provide a level playing field for users of these devices, the exercise in the Using Assistive Technology: An Example assignment has been provided. This assignment is required for the completion of the Credly badge.