Ms. Stephanie's Classroom Blog : Assistive Technology for Students with Emotional Disturbance

Some characteristics of emotional disturbance include being depressed, having poor social skills, having below average academic skills, and exhibiting impulsive, often inappropriate behaviors. Depression frequently decreases emotionally disturbed children’s’ interest in the day’s activities, which can be stressful for both the child and the teacher. Secondly, children who have poor social skills tend to struggle significantly in school. Being social is one of the most important skills a child needs to function and make friends. Being anti-social can be very isolating to children. Having academic skills that are often a grade or two behind a child’s current level can be endlessly frustrating for that child and cause them to get overwhelmed quickly and give up all together. This is why it is important that an individual education plan is put into place while the child is young. Lastly, emotionally disturbed children can display impulsive and inappropriate behaviors. This can be stressful and dangerous to both the children and the teacher’s, depending on the child’s specific case. It is important that teacher’s know how to handle aggressive and quick-acting children so everyone remains safe. These children are often frustrated because they do not know how to communicate their wants and needs. I think frustration is one word that sums up how emotionally disturbed children feel on a day-to-day basis. There is however, assistive technology to help children who are emotionally disturbed communicate their needs, as well as relieve their stress levels in the classroom. There are three levels of assistive technology used in classrooms today. These include low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech tools. There is a variety assistive technology in each of these levels. Depending on the needs of the child, some may only need to use the low-tech devices; whereas other children may require the use of all three levels of assistive technology. There also may be some future directions for these types of technology in education as well.

A common low-tech tool used in assistive technology is point sheets and behavior charts. These charts help children meet goals they have by documenting their accomplishments throughout the day. Seeing the point sheets and charts in the classroom gives the children the motivation to pay attention to their behaviors throughout the day. These charts can be organized and arranged according to the children’s ages and abilities so that they are able to understand and use them.

For more information on behavior charts and point systems:

http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ801236.pdf <-- this link is to a research study on the use of behavior charts and point systems and how if implemented correctly, can be a great success in the classroom environment.

http://parentingwisely.com/media/uploads/cms/pdf/POINT_SYSTEMS.pdf <--this link is to general information on point systems and is geared more towards parents who don’t have the time to do a large amount of research but are interested in testing out the point system

There are a variety of mid-tech tools available to students with emotional disturbance. One tool is called The Motivaider. It is much like a classroom timer where it buzzes after a certain period of time to help children stay focused. This tool is great for children who normally would feel very dependent on their teachers. The buzzer reminds them to stay focused. Not having to constantly get reminded by teachers on what they should be doing will make them feel self-sufficient. A second device used that most anyone has is an iPod or some form of e-tablet. Children are always so consumed by any technology you place in front of them, so this is great for concentration. There are many education applications out there for children as well as audio books for students to interact with. Using these devices could be a good way to calm down an otherwise restless and stressed child.

For information on The Motivaider:

http://www.motiv-aider.com/ <- This is a link to the main website that the tool can be purchased from. (However, there are other websites that sell this product, like the link below) This link would be mostly for teachers or parents interesting in purchasing the tool.

http://habitchange.com/ ß this link is to a website that discusses uses of the tool and offers a selection of videos on the successes of this tool. This link is great for parents and teachers who are interested in learning more about the product before purchasing.

For information on the iPod:

https://www.apple.com/accessibility/ ß this is a link to the actual apple site. They have an accessibility section which includes an overview of how their products can be used as assistive technology, their vision, information on assistive technology with hearing, physical and motor skills, and language and literacy.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Assistive_Technology_in_Education/iPod <-- this link is to a website that discusses the how iPod’s and devices like this can be used as assistive technology, and even addresses specific disabilities.

There are many high-tech tools out there for assistive technology as well. One option I found interesting for emotionally disturbed children is the use of Wii gaming systems. Many of the games require turn-taking, which promotes students’ social interaction skills. This game is also great because it has a gross motor aspect as well. Almost all the games require the player to move around with the controller. This tool would be great for those with pent up frustration.

For more information on the Wii:

http://atwiki.assistivetech.net/index.php/Wii_accessibility This link is to a website that discusses the kinds of assistive technology Wii has to offer.

There are all kinds of assistive technology tools available for students with emotional disturbance. I discussed a few I found most interesting. The list of assistive technology does not end there. Depending on what the child needs, there are a variety of tools out there. I found the use of the Wii system most interesting. People are always bad-mouthing game systems and how children are becoming brain-washed by video games. It is nice to see there are some positive uses to gaming systems, especially for children with disabilities. There have been many advancements in assistive technology over the past few years. I could not find any information specifically on emotional disturbance. However, ever since the smart phone, e-reader, tablet, etc. era has started, there have been great advancements in assistive technology. Whereas before teachers and parents could find no way to get through to the children they were working with, these devices are offering an outlet. These devices are used as stress relievers for those students who are emotionally disturbed, a concentration tool for those who are on the autism spectrum, and even as an alternative learning tool for those students who struggle with language and literacy skills. I think that these devices are just the beginning for what assistive technology has to hold. As we come out with new and improved devices and technologies, we will come out with new ways to assist the disabled.