Learning, Cognition, and Development

Key Takeaways

What is Assistive Technology (AT) for Learning, Cognition, and Development?

• AT for learning, cognition, and development helps individuals who have difficulty learning, thinking, and remembering accomplish tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for them.
• AT can help individuals with disabilities to better comprehend reading materials, compose written work, organize their thoughts and belongings, store and manipulate information, apply mathematical techniques, and avoid distracting and annoying behaviors.
• Helpful tools include calendars, calculators, book-reading apps, watches, writing utensils, weighted apparel, and social awareness tools.

Common No-Tech and Low-Tech Solutions:

Who Needs Learning, Cognition, and Development AT?

• A person who has reduced cognitive abilities, i.e. the ability to think clearly, make decisions, control one’s emotions and actions, and stay organized
• A student who relies on a paraprofessional or teacher assistant to read aloud, take notes, or perform other tasks the student might be able to do independently with AT
• A person who has difficulty producing written material due to poorly developed mental or physical processes
• Children who have difficulty acquiring skills at the same speed or to the same extent as their peers due to learning disabilities or poor executive function skills
• Students who have difficulty conceptualizing fractions, percentages, or other mathematical concepts
• Students who have difficulty reading due to dyslexia or other learning disabilities
• Individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, depression, dementia, developmental delay, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyslexia, intellectual disability, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or another medical disorder/syndrome

Situations for Using AT for Learning, Cognition, and Development:

Case Studies

Commonly Asked Questions for Learning, Cognition, and Development:

• Q – Does a student need to qualify as learning disabled to receive AT from the school?
  • A – A student can receive AT for learning, cognition, and development who has an official disability diagnosis and receives special education services. A student can also receive AT as a supplemental aid/service through a 504 Plan. In addition, many tools in this category, such as spell checkers, calculators, and text readers are popular with individuals of all abilities. For a student with a disability, these tools become AT.
• Q – What AT can help an individual get their ideas down on paper?
  • A – Writing is a process that involves both the physical mechanics of handwriting and the cognitive components of organizing, creating, or composing written material. In many cases, using a keyboard or speech-input to enter text on a computer may be more effective than handwriting. Graphic organizers may also help with organizing thoughts when preparing to write papers and reports. These range from simple handouts to dynamic apps and software.
• Q – What kinds of tools can help an individual who has difficulty conceptualizing fractions, percentages, or other mathematical concepts?
  • A – The individual may have a math disability called dyscalculia. Common tools that may help include rulers, calculators, and graph paper. Conceptualizing math equations may be more effective when using manipulatives – physical or virtual objects that let individuals solve math problems in alternative ways. For example, Slide-A-Round Math Manipulatives help individuals visualize how to solve math equations that involve adding, subtracting, rounding, and even algebra. Microsoft, Google, and many other software companies offer accessible math tools. Use the help feature on a computer or other device, and contact ABLE Tech if you need additional assistance.
• Q – What tools can help an individual who has difficulty transitioning between activities?
  • A – Timers can ease transitions between tasks/locations by helping individuals mentally prepare to make the switch. There are a variety of timers such as wristwatches, hourglasses, and visual timers that show how much time is left to complete an activity. Visual schedules are another great way to help a person mentally prepare for a transition.  
• Q – What tools can help an individual stay on the right line and not lose their place while reading?
  • A – Reading guides are good tools for anyone who has trouble with visual tracking or who needs help staying focused on the page. These are cardboard, metal, or plastic strips or windows and they allow an individual to see one or more lines of text while blocking out surrounding lines which might be distracting. These guides are easy to move down the page while reading. Computers and other devices also have this functionality using apps, software, and extensions.
• Q – What AT can be used to help improve focus for in individual who has a difficult time sitting still and paying attention?
  • A – An inflatable seat cushion, cushion with vibration, and specialized chairs/seats can help individuals with sensory and attention issues. The cushion allows movement and stimulation to help a child maximize focus without having to get up and walk around.
• Q – The environment is too noisy for some individuals to process and attend. What tools help decrease/remove background noise?
  • A – Personal Listening systems can reduce background noise in an environment and amplify what a speaker/presenter says, which can help with auditory processing and attention issues. The speaker/presenter wears a microphone that transmits sound to a receiver worn by the individual with attention deficits. Another option may be to use noise canceling headphones which may also assist an individual with maintaining attention.

AT Solutions at Oklahoma ABLE Tech:

 Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Learning, Cognition, and Development AT Inventory

Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Learning, Cognition, and Development AT/durable medical equipment (DME) Reuse/Exchange Inventory

Helpful Links and Resources:

• Alzheimers.net – Source for resources and advice from professionals with expertise about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
• Apple Accessibility Support – Information and support for using accessibility features that read text aloud, enter speech as text, and allow switch access on Apple products
• Assistive Technology for Adults with Down Syndrome in the Workplace (.docx) – Guide to assist adults with Down syndrome in finding and selecting AT that may help them in an employment setting
• Benetech Diagram Center – Improving accessibility through multiple initiatives including Image Description, 3D Printing, Tactiles and Haptics; Accessible Math; Born Accessible Publishing; Research Information and Innovation
• Bookshare – Online Library of accessible digital reading materials, including textbooks, novels, and other curricular materials
• Decoding Dyslexia Oklahoma – Supporting families and educators by providing resources and networking opportunities to affect public policy in support of individuals with dyslexia
• Desmos Graphing Calculator – Visual math Chrome extension with plot functions, tables, and graph animations
• Don Johnston Human Learning Tools – Building tools that transform the lives of people across all learning styles and abilities with products including Snap&Read, Co:Writer, uPAR, Quizbot, Readtopia, First Author
• GeoGebra – Free multi-platform math software including tools for geometry, algebra, spreadsheets, graphing, statistics and calculus 
• Google Accessibility – Instructions for using features such as read-aloud with Google products including the Chrome Browser and Chromebooks
• International Dyslexia Association – Dyslexia resources for individuals, families, and professionals
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues
• Kurzweil Education – Literacy technology for people with learning difficulties and those who are blind or visually impaired with high-quality text-to-speech in multiple languages and dialects, talking word prediction, spell checkers, and other accessibility features
• Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) – Information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources to support people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals
• Math Learning Center – Nonprofit organization serving the education community by offering innovative and standards-based curriculum, resources, and professional development including free apps for fractions, geoboards, clocks, vocabulary, money, number lines, and more
• Microsoft Accessibility Support – Information about accessibility features of Microsoft products
• National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) – Promoting and supporting creation and use of accessible technologies
• Slide-A-Round Math – Manipulative tools designed to increase understanding and comprehension of place value, estimating and rounding of whole numbers and decimals, simplifying and comparing fractions, and well as addressing the standards of elapsed time and weight
• TextHelp, Free TextHelp Products for Teachers – Inclusive literacy tools including Read&Write, EquatIO, WriQ, Fluency Tutor, Browse Aloud, and Speech Stream
• Understood – Resources on learning and attention issues for individuals, parents, educators, and employers
• Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) Resources – Guides for gathering information for assessing students’ needs for AT in all categories

Video/Webinar/Podcast Resources:

• 6 Tips for Accessibility in Microsoft Word – Lyssa Prince shares tips for creating accessible document
• AT 101 and Funding for AT – Overview of AT categories including definitions and types of AT students often need
• Bookshare and AT for Dyslexia – Brief tutorial explaining how to use Bookshare Accessible Digital Text and AT for Reading
• Creating a Bookshare Organizational Account – Step-by-step instructions for setting up an organization account in Bookshare to provide accessible digital text to students who have difficulty accessing standard text
• Free-to-Low Cost AT – Exploring free to low-cost AT solutions to help individuals with a range of abilities and needs
• Tech Thursday Webinars – Informative webinar series highlighting tools for the range of AT available across all categories
• Universal Design for Learning: Practical Application – Oklahoma State Department of Education Universal Design for Learning (UDL) expert Angela Kwok joins ABLE Tech staff to share practical ideas for incorporating AT and UDL principles in the classroom