Assistive+Technology+Resources

NAEYC Issue on AT: []

[|http://www.techandyoungchildren.org/children.html]

Book we might want to look into when it becomes available: [] **__NECTAC's Overview of Assistive technology__** []

What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) can be thought of as any item that supports a child’s ability to participate actively in his or her home, childcare program, school, or other community settings. It is a broad term that includes items ranging from something as "low tech" as a foam wedge for positioning to something as "high tech" as a power wheelchair for independent mobility. Other examples of assistive technology for young children include items such as switch-operated toys, laminated picture boards, head pointers, specialized drinking cups, adapted spoons, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, apnea monitors, computers, crutches, and more.

Benefits of AT for Infants and Young Children
Assistive devices and services can be of great value in providing infants and young children with disabilities opportunities to learn and interact with their environment in ways that might not otherwise be possible. For example, assistive technology can help a child to: __**Tots and Technology Website**__ **__Let's Play Website__** **NAEYC Article on AT and Young Children:** [] this is a great website explaining assitive technology and showing some examples. [] Assistive Technology 101
 * participate more actively in family, school and community activities
 * play successfully with toys and other children
 * communicate his or her needs and ideas
 * make choices
 * move independently
 * Ideas of Assistive Technology Through Daily Routines (pictures and Descriptions) []
 * Ideas by Functional Skills []
 * Selecting Toys that Represent UDL Princples: []
 * Play Challenges and Suggestions: []
 * UDL Guide; []
 * Assistive Technology Guide: []
 * NAEYC Position Paper on Technology and Young Children: ** []
 * Preparing the Preschool Computer: ** []
 * Using Technology to Make Inclusion Possible (preschool video examples): ** []
 * Assitive Technology and Young Children: Getting Off to a Great Start: **[]
 * Tour of Two Preschool Classrooms ** []
 * Accessing the Curriculum Through Technology Tools: ** []