Special Education with Technology

I have to admit that I never thought that I would work with students with disabilities. I went to school to major in education and decided to get the minor in special education because it would help me become a better teacher. After taking that minor, I completely changed my thinking and philosophies. All of the sudden, I wanted to work just with students with special needs. I wanted to use the information I learned in my minor and apply it. Unfortunately, a lot of the classes that I took did not revolve around proper technology integration. They showed us some cool techniques but nothing far too great. A lot of the learning happened in the classroom on a need-to-know basis. This has been a bit frustrating, but I enjoy the challenge and getting to learn new tricks.

Over the years I have come to love some programs/apps that I used daily with my students. Below is a list that have really made an impact on my students’ learning:

• Kidinspiration/Inspiration – This visual organizer allows students to create diagrams and visuals to help them chart and graph their thinking. It has been invaluable in science and the language arts. http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration/Whats-New
• NLVM – By far one of the best math sites for students with learning disabilities. They do a fantastic job with bringing abstract concepts into the physical world. There isn’t a week where I don’t use this site. Students are not independent on its use and can access it on their own. Math should be taught first with manipulatives and then remove them. NLVM is a great middle step between the two; it is still visual and there manipulatives but it is beginning to become more abstract. http://nlvm.usu.edu/
• IXL Math – This is a newly acquired tool so my students and I are still playing around with it. So far, it is a great way to practice math skills. This is a paid membership. http://www.ixl.com/math/
• Dragon Dictate – This has been either a hit or miss with me. For some students it is fantastic but other students who struggle with speech (and I have a few) it doesn’t record exactly what they say. It also misses when I speak due to my Spanish accent. When it word though, it is a huge time saver and allows the students to be independent. http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm
• Raz-Kids – Great for reading. Small reading passages that can either be read independently or it can be read for them. At the end there are comprehension questions that will demonstrate understanding of the text. The teacher can log in and check to see progress. The range of text reaches almost all students. http://www.raz-kids.com/

For teachers there are great resources available to help students with learning disabilities. I know that when I started working with this population I used the following sites quite often:

• LDA – Learning Disabilities Association of America - http://ldaamerica.org/educators/
• NCLD – National  Center for Learning Disabilities - http://www.ncld.org/

I have found that assistive technology is a tool that helps even out the playing field for students with disabilities. It does not give them an advantage but a chance/resource to access the curriculum. I have gotten into plenty of debates/heated discussions with educators who think that assistive technology helps just a few students but not all. I am enraged with this type of thinking.

Below are some good websites/articles to read if you are new to assistive technology:

• http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education
• http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/overview-assistive-technology
• http://www.readingrockets.org/article/33074

I know that this is a lot of information but it is good stuff!