Regarding accessibility, one of the most powerful tools is assistive technology (AT), a series of electronic devices that provide support to individuals with disabilities and a wide range of diverse learning needs.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, 14% of public school students are enrolled in special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law requires students with disabilities to receive a free public education along with auxiliary services such as on-site nurse aides.
Keep reading to learn more about the various aspects of assistive technology in the classroom, including brief descriptions of different types, such as text-to-speech software and adaptive technology. You will also discover how to implement access to technology within educational settings, along with our recommended training and support tools for teachers and students.
Benefits of Assistive Technology for Diverse Learners
There’s no shortage of benefits that assistive technology tools in classrooms offer. From improved comprehension to increased comfort while sitting at a desk, assistive technology enables individuals with disabilities to engage fully and enjoy equal participation. Today, many tools, such as voice recognition systems, text-to-speech software, and navigation aids, are designed for this purpose.
Here are some of our favorite benefits of assistive technology tools for diverse learners:
Improved Retention
Assistive technology like JAWS, VoiceOver, Braille displays, and magnification software allows students to receive information in the format that suits them best. Whether through on-screen text or tactile feedback, various input and output options enable individuals with disabilities to optimize their learning process. Not only does assistive technology enhance retention, but it also meets legal accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ease of Input
Another area where assistive technology in the classroom shines is in simplifying information. Accessibility tools like text-to-speech software enable individuals with cognitive disabilities to better understand reading materials. Software that converts written text into spoken audio, such as Kurzweil 3000, helps make complex information more accessible.
Help with Daily Living
A third area where assistive technology in a classroom pays immediate dividends is mobility aids for digital (e.g., keyboard navigation) and physical environments.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, organizations must make provisions to provide assistive technology like voice recognition software and height-adjustable desks to individuals with disabilities. For quadriplegics and paraplegics, there’s also the opportunity to engage with a switch access system, allowing users with minimal mobility to control electronic devices using a single button or a series of light finger taps requiring minimum muscle strength.
Hearing the World
With deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals comprising a large percentage of the population, assistive technology in the classroom must recognize the need to introduce auditory information in different formats.
Examples include news reports that can be combined with captioning, allowing students or employees to follow along with the reading of text instead of hearing spoken content. Other accessibility aids, such as hearing aids and FM systems, focus on amplifying sound.
Indeed, real-time translation apps with text-to-speech software boost the productivity of the deaf and hard of hearing even further, especially with real-time communication that can often be hard to follow.
Inclusivity for All
Combining all the different assistive technologies in the classroom goes beyond supporting education initiatives. In the larger sense, equipping classrooms with assistive technology promotes inclusivity, even amongst the non-disabled.
In short, recognizing the needs of individuals with disabilities may indirectly promote inclusivity by drawing attention to the cause, ultimately helping your educational institution’s reputation.
Importance of Assistive Technology in Inclusive Classrooms
Here are some of our favorite reasons why assistive technology is an absolute must in classrooms with individuals with disabilities:
Improved Engagement and Confidence Levels
For starters there are many teachers who report that assistive technology enhances student engagement. Additionally, many will also tell you that students with disabilities using assistive technology in the classroom feel more independent in their daily work.
A Favorite Among Teachers
At the same time, a National Education Association survey reveals that nearly 70% of teachers believe in assistive technology tools as an important component of a disabled student’s development.
Categories of Assistive Technology
Assistant technology can be split up into different groups based on the types of objectives it serves and the groups it helps (e.g., mobility aids for students with physical disabilities)
Here are five assistive technology categories worth exploring:
Mobility Aids
According to the CDC, 14 million adults in the United States have a mobility disability. Wheelchairs, walking aids, scooters, and stairlifts/ramps improve accessibility when entering and exiting public buildings.
Communication Aids
Communication aids refer to any devices that help those with speech or language impairments to communicate effectively.
Several different types of communication aids include, but are not limited to, augmentative communication devices (e.g., picture boards), speech recognition software, text-to-speech text software, and sign language apps that teach users how to incorporate sign language into their everyday lives.
Educational Aids
Another important aspect of assistive technology in classrooms is educational aids that support learning by making it easier for individuals with disabilities to convert the written word into easily digestible information, no matter their disability.
For example, screen readers that convert digital text into spoken words perform exceptionally well for visually impaired students. In contrast, dyslexic educational aids focus on helping those individuals better organize their thoughts and improve their understanding of the subject matter.
Another tool that helps facilitate online conversations is Google Docs, which uses voice typing so that the mobility-impaired can dictate assignments rather than type them using a keyboard.
Living Aids
Similar to mobility and communication aids in education, living aids focus on making everyday tasks more manageable for individuals with disabilities.
Alerting Devices
For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, alerting devices provide visual or tactile notifications. These include any number of devices, such as vibrating alarm clocks and visual doorbells, that send notifications to your smartphone when someone arrives at your location.
Additionally, smoke detectors designed for those with hearing impairments may use loud sirens or a series of flashing lights to indicate when there is a nearby fire.
Examples of Assistive Technology in the Classroom
Below are several examples of assistive technology in the classroom, complete with definitions, examples, and their impact on learning. All of them meet the definition of assistive technology.
Text-to-Speech Software
Text-to-speech (TTS) software helps convert written text into audible words, allowing the visually impaired to hear website content, such as form field data and “Contact Us” information on an attorney’s page.
Two popular text-to-speech software programs are Kurzweil 3000 and Natural Reader. These programs are TTS-equipped learning tools with additional features like the ability to upload documents and highlight notes.
Speech-to-Text Software
Like text-to-speech software, speech-to-text software translates spoken words into written text, allowing the mobility impaired and those with limited dexterity to avoid typing.
Two of our favorite text-to-speech software programs are Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Google Docs’ built-in voice typing feature. The latter allows you to correct words and replace entire paragraphs with simple voice commands.
Screen Readers
Screen readers are among the most essential accessibility tools, enabling visually impaired students to have the computer read text aloud instead of relying on sight. Popular options include JAWS (Job Access With Speech), NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), and VoiceOver (for Mac users).
These tools provide strong support across a variety of applications and web browsers, making digital content more accessible.
Alternative Input Devices
Nowadays, individuals with disabilities may require much more than a keyboard and mouse to navigate a website or mobile application.
Tools that individuals with disabilities use to navigate include adaptive keyboards and eye-tracing systems that allow people to use a computer without using their limbs.
Hearing Aids and FM Systems
Hearing aids provide a vital lifeline for people who are hard of hearing. Using frequency modulation technology, these devices can transmit sound from microphones, helping individuals with limited hearing improve communication with those around them.
There are several types of hearing aids, including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids
These devices are designed using a combination of tubes, ear molds, and domes that fit inside the ear canal.
Hearing aids can also help with the several different types of hearing loss. For example, BTE or ITE hearing aids work very well for conductive hearing loss, whereas RIC or ITC hearing aids may be better suited for sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve is most affected.
Adaptive Technology: Enhancements for Specific Needs
One of the biggest benefits of adaptive technology in the classroom is its ability to be customized to specific needs.
Switch Access
Users with limited mobility can benefit from switch access, which allows them to operate computers using a single button. These buttons can also be programmed to perform various functions, such as activating advanced menu options.
By strategically utilizing switch access, individuals who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility can increase their participation in the classroom or workplace.
Learning Disability Software
For individuals with moderate to severe learning impairments, one of the best accessibility tools is learning disability software, which allows them to read, write, and learn how to perform everyday tasks.
Here are some of the most popular learning disability software out there:
Kurzweil 3000
Arguably, the most popular literacy software, Kurzweil 3000, helps convert written text into audible words, making it one of the better text-to-speech tools. Several built-in tools allow students to highlight, take, and use study tools that synthesize information much more effectively through multi-sensory approaches.
Ginger Software
Another excellent example of assistive technology in the classroom is Ginger software. It allows students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to advance their writing skills through a real-time feedback system.
Like Grammarly, it offers robust grammar and spell check features, real-time suggestions, sentence rephrasing, and text-to-speech functionality. This allows individuals with disabilities to listen to written texts aloud to improve their corrections.
Read&Write
Another highly respected literacy support tool for individuals with learning disabilities is Read&Write. Promising to ” help students understand and express themselves,” this tool offers several products to help struggling learners shore up their reading skills, such as MP3 versions of textbooks, highlighting features (“audio makers”), converting selected text into audio files, and much more. Plus, pricing is relatively affordable for individual or group licenses.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
One of the more recognizable mainstream options, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, is speech recognition software that allows students to express their thoughts, write essays, or do virtually any writing and get text output. This makes it an excellent tool for people with limited mobility.
Key features of the tool include voice commands for easy navigation, speech pattern detection, and even custom vocabulary. One can even train the software to provide output suggestions based on written content.
In short, we’re big fans of Kurzweil 3000, Ginger Software, Read&Write, Co., and Dragon NaturallySpeaking for their wide breadth of accessibility options, allowing individuals with learning disabilities to better integrate themselves into the classroom.
Accessibility and inclusivity are all about allowing individuals with disabilities to enjoy full and equal participation in all areas of life, including the physical and digital sphere.
Graphic Organizers
Another recognized tool for assistive technology in the classroom is graphic organizers, which allow students with learning disabilities to organize their thoughts visually.
For example, graphic organizers can take several forms, such as Venn diagrams and flowcharts, allowing individuals with disabilities to organize their thoughts in an alternative format to a text-based approach. Plus, they often assist students in outlining their writing ideas before starting their rough and final drafts.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Another highly recognized area of assistive technology in the classroom is Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), which allow information to be overlaid into the real-world environment, allowing users to interact with both simultaneously.
Consider this one of the better hands-on approaches, where students with learning disabilities can heavily use visual and contextual learning. For example, if someone is studying how to apply a certain brush stroke, augmented reality can be used to visualize the painting process on paper.
Another area where augmented reality can apply is personalized learning, where teachers can meet individual students’ needs by creating custom lesson plans and following students to move at their own rhythm.
Lastly, virtual reality also allows individuals with disabilities to better interact with the digital world through a multi-sensory approach that applies sound and feel. For example, ADHD students can use VR programs to learn about the dinosaur age, allowing for a more immersive experience of historical events for improved retention.
Implementing Assistive Technology in Educational Settings
A nod must go to Microsoft Accessibility Education, one of the foremost student learning platforms focused on accessibility today. It offers several built-in accessibility tools that allow individuals with learning disabilities to better adapt content, utilizing features like text-to-speech, adjustable text spacing, and much more.
In addition, it includes speech-to-text features that are compatible with all mainstream word-processing applications. Microsoft Word and OneNote offer integrated learning tools (e.g., text decoding support), live captioning, and PowerPoint and Microsoft Teams subtitles for real-time captioning during long work meetings.
Accessibility Checker in Microsoft Office 365
One of our favorite Microsoft accessibility tools is Office 365’s built-in Accessibility Checker. It performs a quick scan to identify accessibility issues, covering everything from missing alternative text for images to poor text-to-background color ratios.
Another significant benefit is its ability to offer recommendations. Many accessibility issues are categorized into groups, allowing users to prioritize the most important ones. Additionally, we appreciate its real-time feedback feature, which enables users to correct accessibility issues before they progress further.
In short, the Microsoft Office 365 Accessibility Checker is an excellent tool to ensure that all your documents meet accessibility standards and are compatible with screen readers.
Training and Support for Teachers and Students
Proper training and support for teachers and students must be provided to ensure the use of technology in classrooms. Let’s explore how different training and support programs may appear for teachers and students alike:
Teacher Programs
General comprehensive accessibility training can focus on everything from alternative input devices to becoming a better partner with Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) organizations. There may even be a separate workshop that only talks about Accessibly, one of the leading web accessibility overlay widgets today.
Usually starting as initial training programs, regular refresher courses are highly recommended. Ultimately, assistive technologies are consistently evolving, with new trends such as augmented reality (AR) tools offering even more possibilities. That means today’s technology can be obsolete in as little as five years.
Three of our favorite teaching training resources are the Center on Technology and Disability (CTD), CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology), and the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association). All three offer high-quality assistive technology resources and best practices for using them in the classroom.
Student Programs
On the other hand, training students to use assistive technology correctly may be a tall order. Not all individuals with disabilities may be technologically savvy or require additional instruction based on their unique circumstances.
For starters, we recommend personalized training sessions in which you immerse students heavily, building expert-level proficiency with tools. For example, quadriplegics and paraplegics could benefit from switch access systems requiring limited finger taps or a single button press to control a computer or take an item through the checkout process.
Another area where students may accelerate their use of assistive technology in the classrooms is through peer support networks, where other students may assist their fellow classmates in the proper use of assistive technologies.
Thirdly, we should remember ongoing regular check-ins with students to learn if assistive technology has successfully met their demands. Often, teachers are paired with school psychologists to build unique educational programs for students.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations provide ongoing support for educators and educational systems seeking to explore the use of assistive technology.
One such organization is RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America). RESNA focuses on rehabilitation assistive technology, training, and education, focusing on healthcare provisions related to rehabilitation engineering and facilitating movement for individuals with mobility impairments. In addition to establishing best practices for assistive technology, RESNA also offers professional certification, allowing professionals in the field to advance their interests even further.
How Does Accessibly Help Students in The Classroom?
One of the best ways to increase accessibility standards in the classroom is to download an accessibility overlay widget like Axcessibly. Accessibly is one of the leading online web accessibility platforms, allowing individuals, businesses, and organizations to increase ADAS and WCAG compliance for individuals with disabilities.
It offers features that can help your online classroom, including text resizing, font customization options for improved readability, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation/customizable
keyboard shortcuts, and plenty of read-aloud possibilities. These allow the visually impaired to enjoy equal participation in all website content.
Suppose you’re unsure about getting started with new accessibility tools. In that case, you can enjoy a hassle and fee-free 7-day trial with instant access to hundreds of features that meet the latest accessibility standards.
The Role of Assistive Technology in Shaping Education
Allowing assistive technology in the classroom is an absolute must. Remember, roughly 15% of the world’s population suffers from a partial or full disability, so addressing the needs of this diverse group by adhering to ADA and WCAG standards is the least that we can do to promote a more inclusive society.
By allowing assistive technology in your classroom, you can allow students with different needs to better engage in the classroom through personal life learning experiences. Not only would this help students improve retention, but it would also allow for increased collaboration amongst all students for better knowledge sharing.
Additionally, by utilizing resources like the Accessibly accessibility widget for websites,, you will help increase accessibility standards across any online learning environment, whether it is a website, classroom, Microsoft Teams, or mobile application.
By committing to assistive technology in the classroom, you’ll be on the fast track to creating a more inclusive learning experience for all individuals with disabilities.
