Assistive Technology in the SESA Library | Special Education Service Agency

Image of a hand touching a button labeled access.

An assistive technology device is: “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”–IDEA, 20 U.S.C. 1401[25].

The SESA Library has a selection of assistive technology devices that can be loaned to schools and families. Sometimes it’s possible to do extended loans on some of these materials. Other times, it will give you a chance to try out a device of the type you are considering, see if it works, then order that item (or a different one of the same type).

For more information on any item, please do a title search in the library catalog. The catalog will have a detailed list of the components and a photograph for almost all devices.

Each category has a very selective slideshow of items. More slideshows are coming soon.

Braille Equipment and Books : Items that will help with reading, writing and learning braille.

This slide is the title for the Braille equipment and books slideshow.
An example of the Tack-Tiles braille system.
This Perkins brailler is labeled for learning.
These wooden blocks, with both braille and print letters, numbers and math symbols, can be used in learning and teaching mathematics.
This clock can be used to teach a student with visual impairments how to tell time, using either the dots or the raised numbers.
The cover of a children’s braille book, Little Breath of Wind.
A look at the illustrations of Little Breath of Wind, by Elisa Lodolo.
This labeler has a braille dial, as well as a print dial, and will produce a braille label that can be attached to objects.
Small portable brailler takes standard 8.5 x 11 paper, quartered. Direct six-key braille entry, writes from left to right, build in reading stand.
This is an example of a braille textbook with thermoform illustrations.
The Word Playhouse kit has cards, braille letter tiles, storage panels and instructions and ideas for using this learning kit.
The book has both print and braille text, with illustrations that are both visual and tactile.
The book has both print and braille text, with illustrations that are both visual and tactile.

Equipment for Students with Visual Impairments : A variety of items for learning or daily living that have braille or tactile components.

This slide is the title for the Equipment for Students with Visual Impairments slideshow.
This simple abacus is for the student beginning to learn math and the use of the abacus.
Image of a directional compass with voice output.
A Book Port Plus is a portable electronic reading device.
The Picture Maker, Wheatley Tactile Diagramming Kit, is for making tactile diagrams and images.
This stopwatch has both a print and braille face.
This Hundreds Board can be used for teaching counting and math.
This All-in-One Board is a white dry erase surface on one side, and black velcro on the other side. White side may also be used with magnetic manipulatives,
This Color by Texture kit can be used for art activities.
This talking scientific calculator is designed to be used by students with visual impairments.

Communication Devices : From the simple to the complex, these items will help a student communicate with others.

This BigMack is a single message communication device.
BIGmack switch with changeable color caps.
This GoTalk9+ has three consistent messages, and 9 messages on each of five levels.
This iTalk2 is a two-message voice output communication aid.
PECS communication book; words can be arranged to form sentences.
The Springboard Lite is a communication device.
This 7-Level Communcation Builder is a flexible device with space for up to 112 messages.
This is a Rocking Two Message, Say it, Play it communication device.
This Symbol Communicator for the Blind has tactile symbols, and can be set to play the message and to vibrate when activated.
This is an example of symbols from the STACS kit, which can be used with student who have visual impairments.

Clocks, Schedules, and Reminders

This slide is the title for the clock, schedule and timer slideshow.
This Choice Board has 21 squares, and can be used for scheduling or tasks.
This motorized clock will teach time telling; it has tactile marked minutes and quarters.
This time timer has a red disc that disappears as time elapses.
This small alarm, shown with removable wrist strap, vibrates when time is up.
This timer counts down through the colors. It has a digital clock and optional sound effects.
This octopus watch uses icons to remind the student to do tasks.
This working tactile clock can be used to teach time telling and time management.
This WatchMinder 3 can be programmed to do discrete reminders during the day.
This Time Timer Watch Plus can be worn just as a watch, or it can be set to give alerts during the day.

Computer Adaptation Equipment : Keyboards and Switch Adaptors

This slide is the title for the computer adaptation equipment slideshow.
This BigKeys LX keyboard has large letters and keys.
This full-sized keyboard can adjust as needed.
Switch interface pro allows multiple switches to be connected to a computer.
This is a small device for adapting a computer to accept a switch.
This compact keyboard will work well for some students.
This device is a switch and an interface.
This is a tablet switch interface for connecting to a switch.

Games

This slide is the title for the slideshow on learning games.
This game is a fun way for students to learn manners.
This game is a switch-adapted toy that can be used for different activities.
This foam soccer ball can be set to beep.
This kit can be used to play different familiar and new games.
These three different sets include games for learning and problem solving.
To use this Talking Glowdice device, push the button to get a random number between one and six.
This box has openings at either end. Put something inside so it can be explored by touch.
Simple puzzle shapes teaches by touch (circle, square, triangle).