Assistive technology for accessible education

Benefits of assistive technology

Assistive technologies (AT) — ranging from software and apps to specialised equipment — aim to remove barriers to learning and help create more inclusive environments. With AT, pupils with special educational needs can achieve greater independence to complete tasks on their own and be less reliant on adult assistance.

Using AT allows teachers to tailor learning activities according to individual needs. This can, in turn, affect learning outcomes, as pupils can better engage with the curriculum. AT can also improve pupils’ motivation and attention, and enable them to participate in classroom activities and social interactions more effectively.

Addressing diverse learning difficulties with technology

Pupils with different types of disabilities (including dyslexia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] and physical impairments) can be supported by different types of assistive technology.

For example, text-to-speech tools such as Read Aloud or Balabolka help pupils with dyslexia engage with written materials by converting text into spoken words.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication tools (AAC), often used by pupils with autism or speech impairments, facilitate expression and interaction in classroom settings. Task organisers and focus-enhancing apps assist pupils with ADHD to manage their time and complete assignments.

AT also includes physical assistance such as screen readers, adapted keyboards and mice, and hearing aids; pupils using these tools become more independent learners.

Fostering teacher competences

The effectiveness of AT depends largely on teachers’ skills and competences.  Access to continuous professional development for teachers plays a key role, and a number of Erasmus+ projects have created training and pedagogical materials on AT for teachers.

Early intervention is often crucial to ensure the inclusion of pupils with special needs. The SKATE project helped early childhood educators to use assistive and digital technologies with small children. The project created resources such as the SKATE Competence Framework and guidelines on inclusive classrooms.

The self-assessment framework developed by the ENTELIS project can help schools plan improvements to the ways pupils with special needs can be helped to increase their digital literacy and develop their digital skills.

The Teacher Training and Attention in Autism (TTAA) project has developed a literature review, a MOOC and an attention-training app.

Assistive technology can help provide students with disabilities or learning challenges with the tools they need to succeed. Investment in assistive technology and teacher training is helping to create more inclusive, supportive educational environments for learners of all abilities.