Glossary of Terms Assistive Technologies in the Context of the Classroom

Glossary of Terms	Definitions	Examples
Academic Participation	A framework for considering four levels of participation in classroom activities: 1. Competitive 2. Active 3. Involved, and 4. No academic expectation	Four levels of participation in classroom activities: 1. Competitive 2. Active 3. Involved, and 4. No academic expectation
Functional Equivalency	Obtaining the same function in very different way.	Turning pages in a book can also be accomplished by a mechanical page turner or electronic books assessed by computer methods.
Inclusion	Students with disabilities who are integrated into the regular educational programs for at least part of the school day.	·         Inclusion is about ALL of us ·         Inclusion is about living full lives - about learning to live together. ·         Inclusion makes the world our classroom for a full life. ·         Inclusion treasures diversity and builds community. ·         Inclusion is about our 'abilities' - our gifts and how to share them. ·         Inclusion is NOT just a 'disability' issue. ·         Inclusion.com creates & shares tools, resources, capacities, so all can live full lives. ·         Inclusion.com is for citizens: educators, families, individuals, organizations - all of us
Individual Education Plan (IEP)	Mandated by IDEA, the plan, written for each student, incorporates the student’s specialized program. The IEP team must consider assistive technologies as a special factor when developing the learner’s IEP.	Each public school child who receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each IEP must be designed for one student and must be a truly individualized document. The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)	Defines assistive technology devices and assistive technology services in an educational context; mandates that local educational agencies be responsive for providing assistive technology device and services if these are required as part of a child’s  educational needs, related services, or as a supplementary aid or service.	The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities. It addresses the educational needs of children with disabilities from age 3 to age 18 or 21 in cases that involve 14 specified categories of disability.
Learner-Teacher Interactions	The way in which teachers present information to learners and the interaction expected of those learners in a classroom situation.	Interactions between the learners and their instructor/facilitator in which the process of learning occurs within the course or activity; for example, lectures online and facilitated newsgroups.
Learning Styles	The manner that is most appropriate for the acquisition of knowledge by the student; includes aural visual learning, types of problem solving used by the learner and group interaction skills.	Visual – this is where learners prefer to use pictures or images Auditory -this is where learners prefer to hear Kinesthetic – this is where learners prefer to use their hands and body Verbal – where learners prefer speech and writing Mathematical – where learners prefer logic and reasoning Interpersonal – where learners prefer to learn and function in groups  Intrapersonal – where learners prefer self-study and to learn alone
Manipulative	Rods, blocks, buttons, beads, or other objects that vary by color, length, and weight and can be sorted, counted, and used to enhance concept development in mathematics.	Any of various objects or materials that students can touch and move around in order to help them learn mathematical and other concepts: the use of blocks, flashcards, and other manipulatives in the classroom.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)	A file used to store music as a series notes with volume and duration attached.	Allows music to be played back through a sound card in a computer.
Peer Training	Instruction that introduces assistive technologies to the classmates of the learner who has a disability.	Peer-to-peer training implies being trained by a skilled worker or an experienced colleague. It is not only applied to teaching apprentices, but also new colleagues.
Resource specialist	An individual associated with a local school that provides consultation regarding assistive technology applications.	A resource specialist can serve in a variety of fields, including those relating to education or employment
Scribing	The assistance provided by a human aide for writing or mathematics pencil and paperwork.	Scribing is a style or method of graffiti in which a scribe is used to tag on glass surfaces. There are two popular types of scribes. The first is the arrowhead scribe, held between the thumb and index finger, used for quick connectible-style tags on glass. The second is the pen scribe, usually used for more detailed tagging. Scribing can be loud, especially when doing connectible on glass. Scribing is also a technique used in the corporate world to visually document concepts in a graphic format.
Social Participation	A categorization of classroom participation that has four levels, whose criteria are participation and influence socially rather than academically.	informing people with balanced, objective information; consulting, whereby the affected community provides feedback; involving, or working directly with communities; collaborating by partnering with affected communities in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives identification of solutions; and empowering, by ensuring that communities retain ultimate control over the key decisions that affect their wellbeing.
Student Workstation	Computer-based setups that may provide specialized assistance with writing, conversation and an adapted access method for the classroom computer.	Wheelchair riders and possible integration of controls for powered wheelchair, computer, environmental control, and augmentative communication also called life station.
Technology Integration Plan	Systematic approach to the consideration of assistive technologies for classroom use.	Is the use of technology tools, in general content areas in education in order to allow students to apply computer and technology skills to learning and problem-solving. Generally speaking, the curriculum drives the use of technology and not vice versa.