Why should an assistive technology be allocated?

Students with special needs formally identified as “handicapped” have certain difficulties that may be addressed through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in general, and assistive technology in specific. When used appropriately in a given situation, these tools can enhance the progress of these students in the development of their competencies and give them an equal opportunity to succeed, in line with the Quebec Education Program. For example, certain types of tools will help compensate for a physical handicap, while others will enhance the learning process or facilitate oral and/or written communication.

What should an assistive technology be used for?

It is necessary to remember that assistive technology should:

    * facilitate the school and social integration of students with special needs;
    * provide an equal opportunity for the student to accomplish school work that a student of his/her age group would generally be able to accomplish;
    * provide equity in the sense that it will give these students the means to minimize the impact of their handicaps or difficulties on their learning;
    * enhance the development of competencies in line with the Quebec Education Program;
    * maximize their autonomy and involvement.


Deciding which type of assistive technology is needed?

Equity and equality of opportunity are values that school and board level decision-makers must take into consideration when deciding which type of assistive technology can best address the different needs of students with special needs . The decision is a process that must be made in collaboration with the other school resource team members within the context and limits of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Consequently, these stakeholders must remember that it is important to:

    * trust the expertise of the different members involved to determine which assistive technology can best address the student’s needs. Within each school board, the local RÉCIT animator (Network of Resource people for the development of student Competencies through the Integration Information and Communication Technology) is usually the person who can best support the team;
    * recognize the students’ needs as well as the means currently used to enhance their learning;
    * identify the different types of tools available and determine why the chosen tool is the most adequate solution (see questionnaire) to minimize the impact of students’ handicaps on their learning;
    * plan the training of the staff and of the student to make the best possible use of the chosen assistive technology;
    * insure the follow-up and evaluation (See " ICT Notebook" PDF | Word) of the impact of the assistive technology on the student's learning;
    * plan transitions so that students can benefit from the assistive technology that is best suited to their needs, as they complete their studies.


Different types of assistive technologies enhancing the school success of Students with special needs.

There are basically two different types of assistive technologies that will enhance the progress of Students with special needs in the development of their competencies.

These are:

    * The category "computers and peripherals" in which we find the computer itself, different types of access to the computer, data input peripherals and technologies designed to adapt the learning environment. This type of aid will normally help compensate for a physical handicap.

    * The category "communication and learning aids" in which we find oral/written communication aids and tools related to the development of pedagogical competencies.

The proposed assistive technologies are designed to support the active learning process of students; they are used mainly by the students. Some aids are specialized in the sense that they are designed to address specific needs related to a given difficulty. Other aids, while not specialized, are very appropriate to support the learning of students; they offer a pedagogical support adapted to the different situations experienced by a student.

Besides the assistive technology proposed, there are other very useful computer tools or materials currently available in the schools network: open source and free software, the “Office” type productivity suites, accessibility options, "Helpful Tips", etc. These tools, which are not necessarily commercial, can address some needs related to the learning process of the student with these types of challenges.

The LEARN website for Inclusive Education has a section on actual products and vendors of assistive technologies (in English): Assistive Tools

The Service national du RÉCIT en adaptation scolaire website has a section on these tools and a detailed list of assistive technologies (in French): Récit en adaptation scolaire