¶ … Power Tools: Assistive Technologies Help Students With Special Needs Keep Pace in the Classroom. Publication source

Supportive technology, or support aids, in the classroom enhances learning and listening skills for every child involved. AIDS such as touch tone computers, voice recognition systems, mobile conveyance devices (i.e., wheelchairs), and strategies for learning are becoming an increasingly important part of today's education programming. Even schools with a less than favorable budget can deploy technology across a school or school system in an affordable and efficient manner. Assisted technology not only provides the student in need with a means whereby he or she can master a learning objective but also provide the student with a meaning learning tool wherein the level of knowledge garnered is demonstrated.

One of the most important systems being brought to the attention of educators is known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) wherein students with significant diversity with respect different learning needs can access the system and learn the content needed for math, reading, and other substantive subject matters. Especially for those students with disabilities the UDL system provides the student with better accessibility to the subject matter and learning materials. The end result is, of course, having provided the student with a more equitable education to all students. To illustrate how assisted technology can improve and strengthen a student's learning a situation will be reviewed, namely that of a student by the name of Justin Litke who has cerebral palsy, wherein both student and teacher benefited from the technology in the classroom. Particular attention will be given both to the student's needs as well as the responsibilities that are required by the teacher. Knowing that technology and education are now in partnership with each other all teachers and parents must pursue every possibilities to make sure that the education being provided special needs' students are formative, creative, user friendly, and goal oriented. No longer can teachers be fearful of technology and all must pursue the worth of assitive technology in the classroom with fervor, dedication, and interest.