Would you like to help each of your students to be successful? Do you struggle to know what type of adaptation you need in your class to help your students that might need those adaptations? In this episode, I am going to share a few types of adaptations that can be used and explain how to use them. Will also share some examples of what type of adaptation equipment might be used or needed.
- Size of Assignments
- Change the number of items that the students are expected to learn or complete. For example, if there is a total of 20 problems limit to maybe 10 problems for the student.
- Time
- The amount of time a student has to complete an assignment or a test. An example is extending the time limit on a test. The time can be time and a half, double-time, or tailored to meet your student's individual needs.
- Support
- A student might just need a little bit more support. Adapt a lesson or activity by increasing the amount of personal support the student receives to complete the assignment.
- Difficulty
- Adapt the skill level, problem type, or the rules on how the learner can approach their work, making the activity more accessible.
- Output
- Change how the student can demonstrate or present the information they have learned. For example, a student who has dysgraphia might do better demonstrating their understanding of a subject when presenting an oral presentation versus writing a paper.
- Alternate
- Use the same materials but adapt the goals or outcome expectations to meet the student's needs and ability level.
- Curriculum
- provide different instruction materials to meet a student's individual goals.
These types are just some examples to help a student to be successful. A thing to keep in mind is that there is not just one way to adapt activities to meet a student's needs. One goal that we must keep in mind is for the student to learn and demonstrate their understanding of the material. How this can happen and what adaptations are needed to make this happen is up to you.
The picture to the left is an example of different types of technology that can be used as adaptations in classrooms. In today's classrooms, we have computers that our students use, and some teachers are learning some of the new technology that can help their students to meet their individual needs.
The picture above is some examples of technology that are considered "Low" Tech Devices that can be used for adaptions in the classroom.
The picture to the left is an example of Adaptive equipment that can be used in technology and the classroom.
Here are some examples of Assistive technology and adaptive tools that can be used in the classroom.
- Audio players and recorders
- Students might find it beneficial to listen to the words while reading them on the page. Smartphones and tablet computers with text-to-speech software can read anything aloud on the screen. Most e-books have audio files. If the student struggles with writing or taking notes, an audio recorder can capture what the teacher says. Students can then listen to it again at home. Devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones also have a recording feature.
- Timers
- Wristwatches, hourglass timers, and apps can help students with pacing trouble. If students have difficulty transitioning from task to task, timers help them mentally prepare to make the switch.
- Reading guides
- These can be helpful tools for students with visual tracking trouble or who need help staying focused on the page. These plastic strips highlight one line of text while blocking out surrounding words that might be distracting. They are also easy to move down the page as kids read. There are even free Google Chrome extensions with the same accessibility.feature for reading on the computer screen.
- Seat Cushions
- Students with trouble with sensory processing or attention may find an inflatable seat cushion helpful. They give students enough movement and stimulation to help maximize their focus without having to get up and walk around. Other helpful options include a standing desk, slanted cushion, or balance ball chair.
- FM listening systems
- Frequency modulation (FM) systems can reduce classroom background noise and amplify the teacher's words. It can help with auditory processing as well as with focus. The teacher wears a microphone that broadcasts to speakers around the room or to a personal receiver worn by the student. FM systems also help students with hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorders, and language processing challenges.
Many more examples of assistive technology can be used to help students in your classroom. Below is an example of some reading guides that can be used when reading textbooks or books.
References
DeLussey, S. (2022, June 8). 9 types of adaptations: The intentional iep. The Intentional IEP -. https://www.theintentionaliep.com/9-types-of-adaptations/?cn-reloaded=1
Morin, A. (2023, June 15). Examples of assistive technology and adaptive tools in the classroom. Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/examples-of-assistive-technology-adaptive-tools
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