How to Use Assistive Technology for Special Need Teens

Under the United States Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) a disabled person must seek help from a designated counselor in making a written transition plan at the age of 14. The goal of this plan is to get the help necessary for a smooth passage into adulthood and, if possible, independence. The need for assistive technology (AT), (anything that helps a disabled person function better in the world) may change as this plan goes forward. Special needs teens may need AT to learn new skills, work at a job and run their own lives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Help a Special Needs Teen Work with Assistive Technology

1. List activities that the child will be doing as she carries out her transition plan.
2. Pinpoint changing needs in post-secondary or life-skills education. Find out if the school or government can provide tape recorders, electronic note takers that use Braille or calculators and words processors modified for special needs teens.
3. Consider what the disabled person would need in order to use a computer. Technology options include spoken word, large print or Braille displays, modified keyboards and alternatives to the mouse, such as touch screens and joysticks.
4. Ponder the necessities of independent living. Weigh the effectiveness of an animal companion, a switch system (a single switch to operate lights, TV, opening, closing and locking doors) and an emergency alert button.
5. Think about the assistive technology needed for several different jobs. Telephone amplification, a document reader (a scanner that "reads" the words aloud) or a specialized sewing machine could make a job easier for a disabled person.
6. Consult an IDEA counselor concerning your rights to assistive technology for training, employment, health care and independent living.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it simple. Don't insist on a specialized computer to assist a teen in writing when a pencil grip will do.
• Special needs teens don't necessarily have to eliminate a job possibility because of a handicap. Think about assistive technology that would make the job possible. Discuss how you might obtain and use the technology with your counselor and prospective employers.
• Choose assistive technology that is appropriate to the abilities and situation of the special needs teen. It is easier than you might think to end up with a device that hinders performance rather than helping.