🎯Assistive Technology as a Tool for Kids with Special Needs
Quick Answer
Assistive technology (AT) is any device or tool, from simple pencil grips to speech-generating apps, that helps a child with special needs bypass a limitation, communicate, read, write, or organize, and children with an IEP are legally entitled to an AT assessment and to have needed AT provided by the school at no cost.
Your child with dyslexia struggles to read but excels when listening to audiobooks. Your nonverbal child finally communicates using an iPad app. Your teen with dysgraphia can now express brilliant ideas through speech-to-text software. Technology becomes not a crutch, but a bridge—connecting your child's abilities with opportunities to learn, create, and contribute.
Assistive technology (AT) levels the playing field, allowing children with disabilities to access education, communicate effectively, and develop independence. From a Christian perspective, AT is one way God provides tools for His children to fulfill their potential and use their unique gifts. This is especially true for twice-exceptional children, who are gifted and learning disabled at once—AT can free their strengths to shine even as it accommodates their struggles.
🤔What Is Assistive Technology?
✨Definition
Assistive technology includes any device, equipment, or system that helps a person with a disability:
Bypass a limitation
Work around a challenge
Compensate for a disability
Increase independence
Access learning and environments
✨Categories of AT
No power source required
Simple, inexpensive tools
Examples: Pencil grips, picture schedules, highlighted text, fidget tools
Requires power but simple technology
Examples: Recording devices, calculators, audio books, timers
Complex electronic or digital devices
Examples: iPads with apps, speech-generating devices, screen readers, specialized software
🎯Communication AT
✨Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Picture boards: Point to pictures to communicate
Communication books: Organized pictures/symbols by category
Choice boards: Visual options for making selections
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System): Exchange picture for desired item
Dedicated speech-generating devices (SGD): Devices made specifically for communication (Tobii Dynavox, PRC)
iPad/Tablet apps: Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, GoTalk NOW
Eye-gaze systems: For those with limited motor control
Switch-activated devices: Operate using switch (button, joystick)
✨Benefits of Communication AT
Gives voice to those who can't speak
Reduces frustration and behavioral issues
Supports language development
Often facilitates eventual speech (doesn't hinder it)
Provides independence and dignity
Enables social participation
🎯Reading and Literacy AT
✨For Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities
Reads digital text aloud
Built into most devices (iOS, Android, Windows)
Apps: Learning Ally, Bookshare, Voice Dream Reader
Chrome extensions: Read&Write, Natural Reader
Audible
Learning Ally (specifically for learning disabilities)
Bookshare (free for students with documented disabilities)
Local library apps (Libby, OverDrive)
Text highlighting: Color-coded text helps track
Line readers: Physical tool that isolates text line
Colored overlays: Reduce visual stress for some readers
Large print: Increases text size
Dyslexia fonts: Specially designed fonts (OpenDyslexic)
Graphic organizers: Visual organization of information
Digital highlighting and annotation: Mark important information
Built-in dictionaries: Define words instantly
Colored overlays, large print, and reduced visual clutter also benefit children with visual processing disorder, who may see letters clearly but struggle to make sense of what they see on a crowded page.
✨Christian Applications
Audio Bibles (YouVersion, Bible App with audio)
Text-to-speech for scripture reading
Visual Bible apps
Christian audiobooks and devotionals
🎯Writing AT
✨For Dysgraphia and Writing Disabilities
Built into devices: Siri, Google Voice Typing, Windows Speech Recognition
Advanced options: Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Allows speaking thoughts instead of writing
Removes physical writing barrier
Software predicts next word based on context
Reduces keystrokes needed
Helps with spelling
Co:Writer, Read&Write
Visually organize thoughts before writing
Mind mapping tools: Inspiration, Kidspiration, MindMeister
Outline generators
Spell check and grammar check: Built into word processors
Grammarly: Advanced writing assistance
Ginger: Grammar and sentence structure
Hemingway Editor: Makes writing clear and concise
Keyboarding instead of writing
Typing tutors: Typing Club, Dance Mat Typing
Adaptive keyboards if needed
Stylus and tablet for digital writing
🎯Organization and Executive Function AT
✨For ADHD, Autism, Executive Function Deficits
Reminders and alarms: Built into phones
To-do list apps: Todoist, Any.do, Things
Visual task lists: Choiceworks, First Then Visual Schedule
Visual timers: Show time passing (Time Timer, sand timers)
Calendar apps: Google Calendar, Cozi (family)
Time tracking: Forest app (gamified focus)
Noise-canceling headphones: Block distractions
White noise apps: Background sound
Website blockers: Block distracting sites during study (Freedom, Cold Turkey)
Focus music: Brain.fm, Focus@Will
Recording lectures: Voice recorder, phone
Note-taking apps: Notability, OneNote, Evernote
Smartpens: Livescribe (records audio while writing)
Photo notes: Take picture of board instead of copying
🎯Math AT
✨For Dyscalculia and Math Learning Disabilities
Calculators: Basic to graphing calculators
Calculator apps: Built into phones
Talking calculators: Speak numbers and operations
Graphing software: Desmos, GeoGebra
Virtual manipulatives: Digital blocks, fraction bars
Number lines: Visual representation
Math notation software: MathType for equations
Step-by-step solutions: Photomath, Wolfram Alpha
Worksheets with larger spacing: Reduce visual crowding
⚠️Sensory and Behavioral AT
✨Sensory Regulation Tools
Fidget tools: Stress balls, spinners, putty
Weighted items: Lap pads, vests, blankets
Chewable jewelry: Safe oral sensory input
Noise-canceling headphones: Reduce auditory overload
Wobble cushions: Allow movement while sitting
✨Visual Supports
Visual schedules: Picture-based daily routine
Social stories: Prepare for situations
Choice boards: Make selections visually
Token systems: Visual reinforcement
🎯Physical Access AT
✨For Physical Disabilities
Alternative keyboards: Large key, one-handed, on-screen
Alternative mice: Trackball, joystick, head mouse
Switch access: Operate device with switches
Eye-gaze technology: Control with eye movement
Voice control: Operate hands-free
Slant boards: Angle work surface
Book stands: Hold books upright
Adaptive seating: Specialized chairs for support
Footrests: Proper positioning
Pencil grips: Various styles for different needs
Adaptive scissors: Spring-loaded, loop
Paper stabilizers: Keep paper in place
Writing guides: Raised lines
🎯Getting AT Through School (IEP/504)
✨Legal Rights to AT
Under IDEA, students with IEPs are entitled to AT if needed to access education:
Request AT assessment at IEP meeting
School evaluates what AT might help
If needed, AT written into IEP
School must provide at no cost
May be able to take home if needed for homework
✨Common AT in IEPs
Audiobooks and text-to-speech
Speech-to-text for writing
AAC devices for communication
iPad with educational apps
FM system for hearing
Adaptive keyboards/mice
Graphic organizer software
Calculator for math
✨Advocating for AT
Request specific AT you know helps
Provide data showing effectiveness
Bring outside assessments if have them
School must provide "a" solution, not necessarily "the" solution you want
Can appeal if denied
🎯AT by Disability Type
✨Dyslexia/Reading Disabilities
Text-to-speech software
Audiobooks
Reading tracking tools
Colored overlays
Digital text with adjustable font/spacing
✨Dysgraphia/Writing Disabilities
Speech-to-text
Word prediction software
Keyboarding instead of handwriting
Pencil grips
Graphic organizers
✨ADHD
Task management and reminder apps
Visual timers
Fidget tools
Noise-canceling headphones
Website blockers
✨Autism
These same visual schedules and AAC tools can also help support your child with autism at church, easing transitions and communication during worship.
AAC devices (if nonverbal/minimally verbal)
Visual schedules
Social story apps
Sensory tools
Timers for transitions
✨Physical Disabilities
Alternative computer access
Adaptive keyboards/mice
Voice control
Positioning equipment
Page turners
✨Hearing Impairment
FM systems
Captions on media
Visual alerts
Sign language apps
✨Visual Impairment
Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
Braille displays
Magnification software
High-contrast settings
Audio descriptions
🎯Implementing AT Successfully
✨Training Is Essential
Child needs training on device/software
Parents need to understand it
Teachers must know how to support it
Don't just hand child device and expect mastery
Plan for systematic training
✨Start Simple
Try low-tech solutions before high-tech
Start with one AT tool, add more gradually
Master one before introducing another
Don't overwhelm with too many tools at once
✨Consistency Matters
Use AT regularly, not just occasionally
At home and school
For all relevant tasks
Make it normal part of routine
✨Address Resistance
Students sometimes resist AT because:
Don't want to seem "different"
Haven't seen its benefits yet
Learning curve is frustrating
Peers make comments
Emphasize how AT helps reach goals
Make it cool (tech is mainstream now!)
Show successful people who use AT
Address peer education
Give choice in which AT to use
Be patient through learning curve
🎯Funding AT
✨Free/Low-Cost Options
Built-in accessibility features (free!)
School-provided through IEP
Free apps (many excellent ones available)
Open-source software
Library resources (audiobooks, tech lending)
✨Insurance Coverage
Some AT covered by health insurance
Particularly communication devices
Requires doctor's prescription and documentation
Appeal denials
✨Grants and Assistance
Organizations offering AT grants
State AT loan programs
Nonprofits supporting disability
Crowdfunding for expensive equipment
📖Biblical Perspective on Technology
✨Tools for God's Purposes
Technology is a tool that helps reveal and use God-given gifts. AT removes barriers so children can:
Learn God's Word
Communicate with others
Develop their talents
Serve in community
Fulfill their calling
✨Not a Crutch—A Bridge
Some worry AT is "cheating" or prevents child from learning. But consider:
We don't deny glasses to someone with poor vision
Ramps don't prevent wheelchair users from "trying harder"
AT compensates for disability, allowing focus on strengths
Removes unnecessary barriers to learning
✨Stewardship of Gifts
Providing AT is good stewardship—helping child maximize potential God gave them.
🛠️Practical Steps to Get Started
✨This Week:
Identify one area where child struggles most
Research what AT might help that area
Try one free/built-in tool
Explore accessibility features on devices you already own
✨This Month:
Request AT assessment at school if have IEP
Download and try 2-3 relevant apps
Practice using chosen AT tool consistently
Connect with other parents about AT they've found helpful
✨This Year:
Build comprehensive AT toolkit for your child
Ensure school supports AT use
Train child to advocate for their AT needs
Evaluate and adjust AT as needs change
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What is assistive technology (AT)?
AT is any device, equipment, or system that helps a child with a disability bypass a limitation, work around a challenge, compensate for a disability, increase independence, or access learning and their environment, ranging from simple no-power tools like pencil grips to complex electronic devices like speech-generating apps.
Is assistive technology cheating for a child with a learning disability?
No. Just as we do not deny glasses to someone with poor vision or ramps to wheelchair users, AT compensates for a disability so a child can focus on their strengths rather than being blocked by unnecessary barriers to learning.
How can my child get assistive technology through school?
Under IDEA, students with an IEP are entitled to an AT assessment at the IEP meeting, and if AT is found to be needed, it must be written into the IEP and provided by the school at no cost, with a right to appeal if a request is denied.
🙏Prayer for AT Journey
*"Father, thank You for technology that can help my child learn and grow. Guide us to the tools that will be most beneficial. Give my child willingness to try new strategies. Help teachers support AT use. Provide funding for needed equipment. Help my child see AT as empowering, not limiting. Use these tools to remove barriers and reveal the gifts You've placed in my child. Thank You for every advancement that helps those with disabilities participate fully in life. In Jesus' name, Amen."*
Assistive technology isn't about fixing your child—it's about removing barriers so their God-given abilities can shine. Embrace the tools available, advocate for access, and watch your child flourish as they're empowered to learn, communicate, and contribute in ways that honor how God created them.
