Assistive Technology
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) is a generic term for equipment or products used by people with a disability to perform specific tasks, improve functional capabilities, and foster independence. AT can be used in many learning environments beyond the classroom to support student success.
Specific assistive technologies can be grouped into four categories of application: Vision, Communication, Mobility and Cognition. In these categories, the focus is on supporting student success by addressing key areas of need, as opposed to purely focusing on the products available. This approach helps ensure that students have a complete solution to address their unique learning needs. Assistive technology has the most impact when the student receives training and support from an assistive technology specialist.
Apple and iOS
Apple products are simple, intuitive, easy to use and a variety of assistive technologies come standard. This means that every device not only has accessible features — but also accessible principles — built right in.
EQAO
As a parent or guardian, you care about your child’s progress in school. EQAO assessments, along with classroom assessment, can help ensure that your child is on the right track. Follow the links below to learn more about your child’s EQAO assessment. As always, your child’s teacher is available to tell you more about the EQAO and the technical resources available to support your child.
Read and write for Google ChromeKurzweil
An easy to use Google Chrome extension that gives personalized support to support students in helping them gain confidence with reading and writing. Some features include: text to speech to hear words, sentences or entire documents, text and picture dictionaries, speech to text, word prediction, simplify and summarize text on web pages to remove ads.
General Resources
The following is a list of Assistive Technology resources.
Google (including Android)
Google encourages developers and publishers to design and build products and applications with accessibility in mind.
Windows/Microsoft
The SEA laptops that students are using include Windows 7. Windows 7 includes accessibility options and programs that make it easier to see, hear, and use your computer including ways to personalize your PC.