Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Assistive technology plays an important role in the learning process for individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology is defined as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether commercially acquired, modified, or customized, used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of individuals with disabilities.” (Maushak, Kelley & Blodgett, 2001, p. 419) Assistive technology is very beneficial to people with disabilities. For example, students with mental retardation benefit from extremely organized learning situations due to their limited cognitive abilities. Students who are deaf, blind or visually impaired may need differentiated pedagogical materials. More emphasis should be placed on visual materials for students with hearing impairments than for other students. Changing education for all students, especially exceptional students, requires a strong reliance on media, materials, and technology and the right choice of these components to suit particular purposes. Additionally, research has indicated that technology not only can be adapted for use with students with disabilities, but, when used, can improve students' academic achievement and self-image. (Duhaney & Duhaney, 2000, p. 393) With this knowledge, many new products have been developed to help tailor programs to meet criteria for specific disabilities. In this article we will break down three different types of assistive technologies. We will look at Dynawrite, AlphaSmart, and Texthelp and the benefits of each program.DynaWrite is the first keyboard-based communications device in the Dyna family...... middle of paper......er/EBSCOhttp:/ /search.epnet. com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&an=16475749. Schwartzman, Ana (2004) Compass Learning Odyssey ELL ElementaryJournal of Technology and Learning Vol 25 Issue 3, p17, ¾p. Retrieved April 9, 2005, from the Professional Development Collection/EBSCO http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db =tfh&an=1474425910. Mulligan, S. A. (2003, November). Assistive technology to support the participation of children with disabilities. Retrieved April 7, 2005, from the National Association for the Education of Young Children website: http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200311/assistivetechnology.pdf11. Hoover, John, J. & Patton, James, R. (1997). Program adaptations for students with learning and behavior problems: Principles and practices. Austin, TX: Pro-edInc. Publishers.