Nichole Huseynov
Secondary School Educator
Assistive Technology and UDL: Foundations & Exemplary Practices
Assignments
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework developed by CAST, an Understood founding partner. UDL guides the design of learning experiences to proactively meet the needs of all learners. When you use UDL, you assume that barriers to learning are in the design of the environment, not in the student. UDL is based on brain science and evidence-based educational practices. It also leverages the power of digital technology. (Understood)
Read+Write for Education
Read&Write is a literacy support tool that offers help with everyday tasks like reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words, researching assignments and proofing written work. (Texthelp)
Toolbelt Theory
“Toolbelt Theory” suggests that we must teach our students how to analyze tasks, the task-completion environment, their own skills and capabilities, an appropriate range of available tools… and let them begin to make their own decisions” (Socol, 2008).
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can use AAC if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech. Some people use AAC throughout their life. Others may use AAC only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can’t talk.
(ASHA)
Specialized Equipment
Assistive Technology (AT) for kids with learning disabilities (LD) is any device, piece of equipment or system that helps bypass, work around or compensate for an individual's specific learning deficits. Over the past decade, several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of AT for individuals with LD. AT doesn't cure or eliminate learning difficulties, but it can help your child reach her potential by allowing her to capitalize on her strengths and bypass areas of difficulty. For example, a student who struggles with reading but has good listening skills might benefit from listening to audiobooks. (Reading Rockets)
Action Plan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
