TECHMATRIX

The TechMatrix (www.techmatrix.org) is a powerful, free online database to help educators and families find educational and assistive technology resources and help for students with special needs. Upon exploring TechMatrix I found a resourceful helpful thorough site that enable educators to research assistive technology that can be used in the classroom. Besides providing over 400 available products, the site also guides an individual toward the technology that best suites the need of the student. Once several products are located the educator can click compare and a chart is compiled.  It is much easier to review the data about each piece of technology when it is in a chart form  The chart includes categories like age, subject matter, disability  and necessary operating system just to name a few.  It is extremely helpful to use this site when researching specific technology.

References:

www.techmatrix.org
Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom (2nd ed).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Low-tech and mid-tech options to assist students with disabilities with math assignments

Providing students with assistive technology for use in math is just as important as it was for reading. Manipulatives, which are the basic instructional materials that been used for years are an example of low tech technology. Onion Mountain Technology is an organization that produces and sells low- mid tech assistive technology for students with disabilities. Here are some suggestions for adaptations in math

• Fraction rubber stamps, manipulative number line,
• Addition and subtraction tables
• Multiplication and division tables
• Transparent overlays to compare units of measure
•  Large calculators with oversized buttons
• Money calculations(coin-u-lator)
• Talking calculators
• See n’ solve calculators
• Coin abacus
  Although these adaptations are minimal they provide students with opportunity to be successful in school.  We use coin-u-lators in my class along with plastic coins as we work through the goals set up in our student’s IEP. 

Reference:

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom (2nd ed.)Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.