Magazine Project

MAGAZINE
PROJECT

How to Help Students with Special Needs

Assistive Technology
 Buy the Tobii Dynavox TODAY

• Current Trends in the Classroom

♦Insights from Professionals

Table of Contents

TECHNOLOGY ARTICLE TITLE PAGE ............................................................................................................. 1
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................... 2
COMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ................................................................ 3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................ 6
ADVERTISEMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 7
CURRENT TREND ARTICLE TITLE PAGE ........................................................................................................ 8
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................... 9
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN CLASSROOMS TODAY ...................................................................... 10
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................. 12
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: ........................................................................................................................... 13

TECHNOLOGY ARTICLE TITLE PAGE

ED 243-04
Communication Devices for Students with Disabilities

Chloe Astle
February 26, 2018
Brother Marshall

BYU-I

1

ABSTRACT

Communicating is an important aspect of life, but it is not easy for everyone, especially
those with disabilities. There are several laws in place protecting individuals with disabilities,
and one of the things they are entitled to is assistive technology. Assistive technology is
identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 as “Any item, piece of
equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or
customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children
with disabilities.” Assistive technology has proven to be successful in helping individuals
communicate. The purpose of this article is to inform the reader about different types of assistive
technology programs for students with disabilities and the benefits that come along with using
the assistive technology. This article is also intended to inform teachers around the world on how
to use assistive technology programs in the classroom in order to better help their students.

In 2016, over 6.6 million students ages three to twenty-one were receiving special
education services in America. This equates to approximately thirteen percent of all students in
the United States. In the last five years, incredible new assistive technology has been developed
to help these students succeed and assist in their teaching curriculum. Usually, we use assistive
technology in the classroom, but, it can be used anywhere by anyone who needs assistance
completing a task. According to The IRIS Center, “AT is any device or service that helps a
student with a disability to meet his or her individualized education program (IEP) goals and to
participate in the general education setting to the greatest possible extent” (“Assistive
Technology”). As teachers, it is our job to provide students with disabilities with a general
education setting as much as possible to help them progress and grow to their best extent.

Words: 305

2

COMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

INTRODUCTION consistently and modified repeatedly when
needed to provide Jordan with independent
There are many new assistive technology access and a means to interact during
devices that help students who cannot instruction” (Erickson, Koppenhaver, Yoder,
communicate. The most common are voice and Nance, 1997). Jordan was able to
output devices. Some examples of a voice participate more fully in the classroom
output devices are the Tobii Dynavox, the because he could communicate with his
Proloquo2go app, and the Picture Exchange Tobii Dynavox. This device makes it
Communication System. These devices possible for students who don't have a voice
assist students in reaching their full potential to express themselves.
in a school setting.

(Murphy, 2016) (iClarified, 2010)

DEVICE #1: TOBII DYNAVOX DEVICE #2: PROLOQUO2GO

The first example of a voice output device is Another example of a voice output device is
a device called the Tobii Dynavox. This a simple text-to-speech software entitled
device allows students to navigate Proloquo2go. Proloquo2go is an app which
computers and other devices through their provides many words and pictures that,
eye movement or head movement. It when clicked on, are read out loud. Students
generates speech when the participants can form sentences by clicking on different
move their eyes over words. Once the words. The program becomes their voice
participant stares at a word on the screen, that they don't have. It is, however, pretty
the device will then say that particular word expensive as well as is the Tobii Dynavox.
or phrase aloud. It is very compatible and Proloquo2go costs about $250 dollars for the
makes it possible for people who cannot app and one would also have to have an
speak or use their hands to communicate and iPad, which would add to the cost. These
participate in class. The price for the Tobii software’s can be life changing for students
Dynavox ranges from $16,000 to $18,000 who struggle to speak. In a case study
(“AAC Devices / Communication”). In an involving a girl with Down syndrome, they
article entitled “Integrated Communication found that she greatly benefitted from using
and Literacy Instruction for a Child with devices that were similar to Proloquo2go.
Multiple Disabilities,” it talks about a boy She was able to participate more in the
named Jordan who had many speech and classroom and feel more included with her
physical impairments. The authors mention peers (“Case Studies”). In L. Wilson’s first
how the Tobii Dynavox helped Jordan in the grade special education classroom, Mrs.
classroom. It reads, “The Dynavox was used Wilson incorporates Proloquo2go. Most of

3

Mrs. Wilson’s students have a severe form download an app for only $84.99, which
of autism and are nonverbal. Mrs. Wilson provides a simple, easy-to-understand, way
was provided iPads for her students from the to communicate with pictures (“PECS
district. On each of her student’s iPads she IV+”). In a case study, Alex, a 5-year-old
downloaded the Proloquo2go app. She then girl with ASD, enrolled in an inclusive
taught all of her students how to navigate kindergarten classroom which contained
around on the app and how to use the app to students with special needs and students
help get their wants and needs across. The without special needs. Alex is nonverbal and
students were able to learn how to use the has had a difficult time communicating. Her
app to communicate and after a couple educational support team decided to
weeks her students were talking more implement PECS as a means of teaching her
frequently in the classroom. Mrs. Wilson some consistent communication skills. Alex
states, “Downloading the Proloquo2go app made excellent progress learning the
has helped my students significantly in communication exchange taught in PECS.
reaching their goals on their IEPs” (personal She quickly learned the advantage of
communication, March 7, 2018). Although handing the picture to her teacher or
this app is relatively new, teachers are educational assistant to have a book read to
becoming more aware of the resources her or to get a taste of a favorite snack food.
online to help their students succeed. Alex was then able to communicate more
often and with confidence in the classroom
(ASLPMalta, 2016) with not only her teachers but also her peers.
PECS has been known for helping children
DEVICE #3: PECS around the world communicate in their
classroom settings. PECS is currently used
PECS stands for Picture Exchange in classrooms around the world today.
Communication System. PECS allows
students with communication difficulties to CONCLUSION
communicate with others through pictures.
There are 6 different phases of PECS that In conclusion, assistive technology can be a
give students the best chance of success. powerful tool because it can allow students
During the six phases a child learns words, with special needs to go beyond what they
then eventually learns how to string would be capable of doing without it.
sentences together, and finally begins to Students with disabilities, especially those
answer questions (“Picture Exchange with communication challenges, can find
Communication System”). There are many greater independence, self-esteem, and
different varieties of PECS. You can make educational progress. When students are
some with Boardmaker online or you can able to communicate more effectively, they
learn greater self-advocacy and interaction.
It also improves their self-confidence and
motivates them to make even greater
progress. Assistive technology is a dynamic
and changing technology with unlimited
potential. The key is to utilize what we have
and continually search for new technologies
to best serve the needs of students with
disabilities. Teachers are equipped to serve

4

students with communication needs in the teachers should seek to find these training
classrooms. Many teachers are receiving courses to stay informed with the new
training courses to learn how to use these assistive technology programs. Overall, I
assistive technology devices. Since many of hope this article was able to inform you of
teachers are receiving training on how to some communication needs of students with
properly use assistive technology, the disabilities and how they can be properly
teachers are then able to better help their educated through assistive technology in the
students with disabilities. Special education classroom.
teachers as well as general education

5

REFERENCES

“AAC Devices / Communication.” Mittler, J. (2007). Assistive technology and
Retrieved from IDEA. In C. Warger (Ed.),
http://www.atlclibrary.org/categories Technology integration: Providing
.php?id=3&pos=16 access to the curriculum for students
with disabilities. Arlington, VA:
ASLPMalta. (June 5, 2016). Association of Technology and Media Division
Speech-Language Pathologists talk this (TAM). Retrieved from
Wednesday. http://www.tamcec.org/wp-
content/uploads/2016/08/AssistiveTe
[Photograph]. Retrieved from ch-and-IDEA-Regs.pdf
http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/201
6-06- Murphy, P. (2016). Eye-Gaze
Communication “Best Decision
05/education/Association-of-Speech- Ever” for Illinois Teen.
Language-Pathologists-talk-this- [Photograph]. Retrieved from
Wednesday-6736158928 http://www2.tobiidynavox.com/eye-
gaze-communication-best-decision-
“Assistive Technology.” Retrieved from ever-for-illinois-teen/.
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/m
odule/at/cresource/q01/at_01/#conte National Professional Development Center
nt on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
(n.d.). Module: Picture Exchange
“Case Studies.” Retrieved from Communication Systems (PECS)
Case Study Example (p. 1-4).
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view. Retrieved from
asp?a=2663&q=334966# http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/sites/au
tismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/files/PECS_cas
Erickson, K. A., Koppenhaver, D. A., estudy2.pdf
Yoder, D. E., & Nance, J. (1997).
Integrated communication and “PECS IV+.” Retrieved from
literacy instruction for a child with https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pecs-
multiple disabilities. Focus on iv+/id919593979?ls=1&mt=8
Autism and Other Developmental
Disabilities, 12(3), 142-150. “Picture Exchange Communication System”
doi:10.1177/108835769701200302. Retrieved from
Retrieved from: https://byui.brightspace.com/d2l/le/c
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/ ontent/275283/viewContent/4029264
10.1177/108835769701200302 /View

iClarified. (April 2, 2010). Proloqo2Go “Proloquo2Go - Symbol-based AAC.”
AAC App for iPad. [Photograph]. Retrieved from
Retrieved from
http://www.iclarified.com/8604/prol https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prolo
oquo2go-aac-app-for-ipad quo2go-symbol-based-aac/id308368164

6

ADVERTISEMENT

7

CURRENT TREND ARTICLE TITLE PAGE

ED 243-04
Assistive Technology Trends in Classrooms Today

Chloe Astle
February 26, 2018
Brother Marshall

BYU-I

8

ABSTRACT

Assistive technology (AT) can be defined as “any piece of equipment or device that may
be used by a person with a disability to perform specific tasks, improve functional capabilities,
and become more independent” (Netherton & Deal, 2006, p. 11). Technology is a fundamental
part of all of all students’ lives, but for students with disabilities, it can have a far more vital
impact. Students with disabilities use assistive technology to help assist them with their specific
needs inside a school environment. Teachers today are implementing assistive technology in the
classroom for students with special needs, more and more each day. Teachers are finally
implementing assistive technology in the classroom, because they find it easy to figure out.
Assistive technology used to be complex and teachers would not want to take time out of their
days to figure out how to use the devices in the classroom. With recent technology, teachers find
the devices to be easier to work and easier to model for their students. Not only is assistive
technology easier to use it is also easier to implement in a day to day classroom setting. Assistive
technology used to be big and bulky devices. Teachers found those devices to be difficult to
adapt into their lesson plans. Now assistive technology is made to be implemented in lesson
plans much easier. Instead of big bulky equipment with unfamiliar software’s installed, students
with special needs are able to use small and easily portable iPads in the class to help assist them
with their particular needs. Since special education teachers are implementing assistive
technology in their classrooms, their students are now able to voice their opinions, increase their
independence, and improve their self-confidence. Assistive technology is a positive trend and
continues to help students learn to their full potential every day.

Words: 300

9

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN CLASSROOMS TODAY

EASY TO USE and closed-captioning (Hayes, 2013). All of
theses devices are very beneficial and
Assistive technology is becoming help students with disabilities to accomplish
easier to set up and learn how to use. their goals.
Teachers have not always been willing to
implement assistive technology devices in A specific example of a text-to-
their classrooms for their students. Some speech software that is easy to use is
teachers found it to be too much work to Proloquo2go. Proloquo2go is an app which
keep up with the current technology, and provides words and pictures that, when
therefore they never reached out to use it. In clicked on, is read out loud. Students can
2005, 39 to 56 percent of schools provided form sentences by clicking on different
assistive or adaptive software for students words and pictures. The steps are simple for
with special needs. (Bridge Multimedia, setting up the device in the classroom. First
2005). Although there is not a statistic for download the app, then arrange the different
2018, surely these percentages have pages with the different pictures and words
increased with the new assistive technology one wants on each page, and then it is ready
devices created in recent years. to go. Students need to be told simple
instruction to know how to use the device.
In an article entitled, “How Proloquo2go then becomes their voice in the
Technology Is Helping Special-Needs classroom. This software can be life
Students Excel,” by changing for students who struggle to
Heather B. Hayes, Wendy Burkhardt, an communicate. I’m glad in recent years
assistive technology coordinator for the San assistive technology is becoming more
Ramon Valley Unified School District advance and easier to use in the classroom
states, “Fortunately, what's available has setting. This trend is helping many students
expanded and improved by quantum leaps with disabilities all over the world.
over the past five years as traditional
assistive technologies have converged with HOW TEACHERS USE A.T. IN THE
consumer technologies, giving the district's CLASSROOM
special education department a much bigger
toolbox to work with” (qtd. in Hayes, 2013). Not only is the recent assistive
Since assistive technology is becoming more technology easier to use, it is also easier to
approachable for consumers, this is implement in lesson plans. Inclusion
providing more opportunities for assistive classrooms (classrooms with general
technology to be used by students with education students and special education
disabilities in a school environment. For students) contain many different assistive
example, today’s iPads, iPhones, and other
mobile devices come equipped with
universal access functions. This makes it
possible for users to utilize built-in or easily
downloaded assistive technologies. These
assistive technology devices may include
screen-reading tools, speech recognition,
sound amplifiers, braille displays, text-to-
speech solutions, video conferencing
technologies (that facilitate sign language),

10

technology devices to help the students with software helps students who have trouble
special needs stay at the same pace as their writing be able to produce class work and
general education peers. For example, in an homework assignments without picking up a
inclusion classroom the teacher may ask the pencil. It is amazing to see the many
students to take out their textbooks or iPad. positive results from the students using
For students who are visually impaired they assistive technology in their day to day
may be able to have a downloaded e-text lessons.
with larger font. This makes the same
material available for the student with When teachers allow their students
special needs and helps them stay at the with disabilities to use assistive technology
same pace as the other students. in the classroom it helps them feel included
and helps them to progress more than they
Students who have a hard time would be able to without the devices.
speaking, for various different reasons, may Implementing assistive technology into
use the text to speech software in an lesson plans has been becoming easier
inclusion classroom. For example, if the throughout the years.
teacher asks a question to the class, general
education students are able to vocally respond. SUMMARY
Some students with special needs however
will instead type their responses on their It is exciting to see assistive
software device and convert the text to an technology become a current teaching trend
oral speech. The newest text to speech in the classroom. More teachers each year
programs include an app called proloquo2go learn how to use assistive technology
(as mentioned above) and an eye gaze devices and learn how to adapt them into
tracking device called the tobii dynavox. their learning curriculum. Under Section 504
These programs and devices allow students of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it
with disabilities to respond in a classroom requires a school district to provide a “free
setting as well as their general education appropriate public education” (FAPE) to
peers. Teachers are now providing their each qualified person with a disability,
students with special needs more text to regardless of the nature or severity of the
speech software’s and are adapting their person’s disability (U.S. Department of
unique devices into their lesson plans. Education Office for Civil Rights). It is not
considered an appropriate education if
Some students with a learning students with special needs are not receiving
disability, such as dysgraphia, have a the proper assistive technology devices they
difficult time producing legible handwriting, need in order to succeed in a school
keeping inconsistent spacing, and displaying environment. Since technology is becoming
correct spatial planning on paper. Teachers easier to use and easier to adapt into lesson
have been recently learning how to adapt plans, teachers have been reaching out to use
assistive technology into their lesson plans assistive technology more often in their
to help these students thrive in general classrooms to help their students with
education classrooms. For example, to adapt disabilities. As the years go by, the
their lesson plans, teachers are providing the technology will continue to improve which
students with dysgraphia a computerized will continue to also improve learning
dictation system. The systems are spoken environments. It is amazing to see that new
into and a speech recognition software then assistive technology devices are finally
translates the student’s spoken words to becoming more common to have in the
typed words. Using a speech recognition classroom to help students with disabilities.

11

REFERENCES

Bridge Multimedia. (2005). Assistive Netherton, D.L. & Deal, W.F. (2006).
technology helps all kids learn. Assistive technology in the
Education World. Retrieved from classroom. The Technology
http://www.educationworld.com/a_te Teacher, 66(1), 10-15.
ch/tech/tech220.shtml
U.S. Department of Education Office for
Hayes, B.H. (2013). How technology is Civil Rights. (2010). Free
helping special-needs students excel. appropriate public education
EdTech Magazine. Retrieved from for students with disabilities:
https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/arti Requirements under section 504 of
cle/2013/03/how-technology- the rehabilitation act of 1973.
helping-special-needs-students- Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government
excel. Printing Office. Retrieved from
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/li
st/ocr/docs/edlite-FAPE504.html

12

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Lisa Marie: 1st Grade Sped. Teacher in 5. What do you think is the biggest
Long Beach, California at Gant challenge teachers might have with
Elementary: Bachelor’s Degree with a technology in the classroom?
multiple subject and Special Ed
mod/severe credentials: -The biggest challenge is having enough
training. Because technology can do a lot
1. How important is it to include technology and teachers need to be shown how to use it.
in the classroom? It is too difficult for teachers to learn on
their own. There should be more training the
-Very important in a special education teachers.
classroom because the students like
computers and technology and they tend to Terri Mace: Parent of 3rd Grade Student
be more engaged when technology is at Gant Elementary in Long Beach,
embedded in the lessons. California: Bachelor's Degree in Liberal
Arts:
2. Do you think a lack of technology in the
classroom hinders a student from reaching 1. How important is it to include technology
their full potential? in the classroom?

-Yes, because there is so much out there, -I think it is important because technology is
and it opens opportunities for learning. the future and it can present material in a
different way that the students like.
3. Do you think more technology in the Technology exposes students to the current
classroom would create a disconnect trends of society and will help them with in
between the students and the teacher? (Less their future.
social interaction)
2. Do you think a lack of technology in the
-No, I think there are still plenty of classroom hinders a student from reaching
opportunities for social interactions. There their full potential?
are plenty of times throughout the day. You
can still have conversations with their -I think my child can reach their full
teachers online through google classroom. potential without technology, but with
technology I think it would be better and
4. What device do you think helps your more fun. They do not need to have
students the most to achieve their goals in a technology. They can still learn the lessons
school environment? the old school way and receive good grades.

-In my special education class, the device 3. Do you think more technology in the
that helps my students the most is their classroom would create a disconnect
communication device. Because my students between the students and the teacher? (Less
are nonverbal, and they are learning how to social interaction)
use their devices for functional
communication to get their wants and needs -No, they won’t be using technology all day
met. long. Technology is a little bit of the
curriculum, but not all of the curriculum all
day. I think they will be just as connected

13

with their peers and teachers with or without 3. Do you think more technology in the
technology. classroom would create a disconnect
between the students and the teacher? (Less
4. What device do you think helps your social interaction)
students the most to achieve their goals in a
school environment? -I think it is the job of the educator to find
the correct balance between technology and
-Their chrome books. Each student in the instruction. In one way it can be positive
class has a chrome book and they use them because it can engage students, but you also
throughout the day in their lessons. They use need the teacher to create lessons to inspire
them to research topics, play educational and motivate students to want to learn more.
games, and it can access stories for their
independent reading. 4. What device do you think helps your
students the most to achieve their goals in a
5. What do you think is the biggest school environment?
challenge teachers might have with
technology in the classroom? -As far as technology is concerned, the
computers that are available to the students.
-The biggest challenge with technology is The computers help them to complete
staying current because technology is assignments, work on projects, and create
rapidly advancing. By the time school gets PowerPoints. That’s probably the greatest
something there are already knew technology device. However, the greatest
technologies coming out. Schools are a little tool of all is the teacher.
behind. Teachers should be up to date with
the new technology out and not sticking to 5. What do you think is the biggest
always using PowerPoints. challenge teachers might have with
technology in the classroom?
Ann Allen: Principle of Mc Auliffe
Middle school in Los Alamitos, - One problem that we have at my school is
California: Master’s degree in funding. Technology needs to be replaced
educational administration: constantly. It is difficult to have enough
funding to fix or replace the laptops. It is a
1. How important is it to include technology bottomless pit. Within every 3 or 4 years
in the classroom? everything needs to be replaced.

-I think technology is an important part of Steven Jones: College Student at BYU-
education. It is our responsibility as educator Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho: AA degree:
to teach the use of technology to help
students reach their education goals. 1. How important is it to include technology
in the classroom?
2. Do you think a lack of technology in the
classroom hinders a student from reaching -Technology is important in the classroom
their full potential? because it helps to keep our interest.
However, some of my classes do not
-I think technology is one tool that helps incorporate technology during our lesson
them reach their full potential. Along with a times and I think with interesting materials
qualified instructor, student motivation, and and discussions that can be just as beneficial
creativity. All those things contribute to a and important.
student reaching their full potential.

14

2. Do you think a lack of technology in the 1. How important is it to include technology
classroom hinders a student from reaching in the classroom?
their full potential?
-I think it is very important that students
-Yes. I think if students do not have laptops, become well educated on the use of tech. we
they won’t be able to complete all their work live in a technology era. For them to
as a college student and reach their full compete in the world, they need to have a
potential. strong knowledge of technology.

3. Do you think more technology in the 2. Do you think a lack of technology in the
classroom would create a disconnect classroom hinders a student from reaching
between the students and the teacher? (Less their full potential?
social interaction)
-In today’s technology society, it’s crucial
-Yes, I think the more freedom you give to for a student to take advantage of the
college students to use their own technology technology. So to reach the students full
devices in the classroom, the more off task potential, they would have to be
they can become. Personally, I think the technologically savvy.
classes without technology I am able to
socially interact more with my teachers and 3. Do you think more technology in the
peers. classroom would create a disconnect
between the students and the teacher? (Less
4. What device do you think helps your social interaction)
students the most to achieve their goals in a
school environment? -Technology can be used in a lot of different
ways. I think it is important to have a
-Laptops help college students achieve their balance between technology and an actual
goals the most. So many assignments professor. There are advantages and
nowadays are online and must be submitted disadvantages of technology and it’s good to
on through an online school website capitalize on the advantages.
account.
4. What device do you think helps your
5. What do you think is the biggest students the most to achieve their goals in a
challenge teachers might have with school environment?
technology in the classroom?
-Having access to a laptop computer that is
-The biggest challenge teachers might face connected to the internet. This allows
is making sure all their students are on task. students to do research and collaborate with
Using laptops in a big lecture room allows other students on online chat rooms.
students to go off task. Some students
pretend like they are taking notes when in 5. What do you think is the biggest
reality they are online shopping, playing challenge teachers might have with
games, or even looking at inappropriate technology in the classroom?
things.
-Teachers themselves understanding how to best
Jeff Putnam: Professor of Special Ed. use the technology. They also have to create
Credential Classes in Long Beach, lessons, work on student management, have
California: Master’s degree in teacher conferences, and on top of all that they
Educational administration: have to learn how to be a computer expert. Also
keeping technology running because they
constantly need repairs and new equipment.

15

1