Improving Engagement: Integrating Assistive Technology in Early Literacy

2021 ◽  
pp. 004005992110101
Author(s):  
Kathryn L. Marsh ◽  
Michelle Schladant ◽  
Christina Sudduth ◽  
Rebecca Shearer ◽  
Monica Dowling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Early Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Literacy Activities ◽  
Young Children With Disabilities ◽  
Early Literacy Instruction ◽  
Legislative Mandates

Although there are documented benefits and legislative mandates for children from birth through age 22, assistive technology (AT) is highly underused, especially among young children (Dunst & Trivette, 2011). One of the main reasons for this underuse is that while teachers are legally required to provide AT for children with disabilities, many teachers do not have the knowledge, confidence, or skills needed to provide AT to support early literacy instruction (Dean, 2020; Hilaire & Gallagher, 2020; Temple, 2019). This article identifies the benefits of AT during early literacy instruction and describes how teachers can integrate practical AT tools and strategies into early literacy instruction using a widely utilized framework call the SETT (Student Environment Task Tool; Zabala, 1995) Framework. The authors aim to provide free professional development resources to improve teachers integration of AT in their classrooms to enhance opportunities for young children with disabilities to meaningfully participate in everyday literacy activities.

Assistive Technology Toolkit to Increase Access to Early Learning Environments for Young Children With Disabilities

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen C. Sadao ◽  
Jennifer Brown ◽  
Debbie Grant
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Emergent Literacy ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Young Children With Disabilities

Abstract The development of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions for young children with disabilities is rapidly expanding with a range of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech approaches to provide access to adapted and augmented tools for participation in inclusive early childhood settings. Discrepancies exist in the legal requirements to consider AT and AAC for all children in the IFSP/IEP planning process. Researchers in the applications of AT and AAC with young children identify the importance of activity-based approaches that infuse AT methods and AAC systems within natural routines for young children. This article focuses on the development of an AT Toolkit Guide for early intervention and early childhood providers. The development of the AT Toolkit concept, content, and applications is based on research-based methods and tools with demonstrated effectiveness to promote language development, emergent literacy skills, play, mobility, and interaction with the environment for young children with disabilities. Suggested items, sources, applications and development guidelines for the SWEET AT Toolkit are provided.

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