When children struggle in school due to a learning disability (LD), certain accommodations like assistive technology (AT) can be instrumental in enabling them to be more independent learners, to reinforce effective classroom instruction, and to strengthen their skill development.

In this podcast, listen to an expert describe:

• The school’s role in ensuring that students with LD get the AT they need

• What parents should do when the school doesn’t include a discussion of AT in the IEP process

• Why it’s important for students themselves to participate in the selection of the assistive technology that they’ll be using

• How the need for assistive technology may change at different ages

• The balance between enough accommodation and too much accommodation

• How Universal Design for Learning is bringing about changes in our everyday high-tech environment that benefit those with LD

Listen to "Assistive Technology: Getting the Right Supports for Your Student" (length: 25 minutes)

• Download the mp3 file for “Assistive Technology: Getting the Right Supports for Your Student."
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• Read the transcript of "Assistive Technology: Getting the Right Supports for Your Student."

Dave Edyburn, Ph.D., is a leading expert in assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities. Dr. Edyburn is the founder and editor of Special Education Technology Practice, a journal for technology practitioners, as well as many other products focused on using the power of technology in special education and to improve educational opportunities for children, youth, and adults with disabilities. He is also a professor in the Department of Exceptional Education at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.

This podcast was made possible by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.