Assistive Technology in the Classroom
At School Resources
At Home Resources
Assistive technology (AT) can be beneficial for students with learning disabilities, helping them access the curriculum, work more independently, and show their learning in ways that reflect their strengths. In Ontario, AT is often a part of a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). It also may be used for all students, not only those with an IEP or a learning disability.
The Ontario Ministry of Education provides funding to public school boards to purchase assistive technology. This funding is called Special Equipment Amount (SEA) funding. Assistive technology that is assigned to an individual student is known as SEA equipment.
It is important that the use of assistive technology is paired with effective literacy instruction for students with learning disabilities who cannot write and/or read independently or proficiently.
Overview of Common Tools
- Text-to-Speech (TTS): Reads digital text aloud, supporting students with reading comprehension challenges (e.g., Google Read&Write, Microsoft Immersive Reader).
- Speech-to-Text (STT): Converts spoken words into written text, helping students who struggle with spelling and writing (e.g., Google Docs Voice Typing).
- Predictive Text and Word Prediction: Suggests words as a student types, reducing spelling barriers and supporting writing fluency (e.g., Co:Writer, built-in Chromebook prediction).
Assistive technology tools can be accessed through accessibility tools built-in to operating systems and devices, apps, or programs. Schools and classrooms generally select assistive technology tools that work with technology already in use but it is imperative that the selected assistive technology matches with each student’s specific needs.
Tutorials and How - Tos
- Google Read&Write – Toolbar for reading, writing, and study supports. Read&Write Video Tutorials
- Bookshare – Free eBook library for eligible students in Canada. Bookshare How-To Guide
- Microsoft Immersive Reader – Reads text aloud, changes text size/spacing, and translates text. Immersive Reader Overview
- The Centre for Equitable Library Access, CELA, is an accessible library service that provides books and other materials to Canadians with print disabilities.
Exploring Alternative Education Resources Ontario (AERO) webinar
Building Independence with Assistive Technology (AT)
The ultimate goal of using assistive technology is not just to support learning in the moment, but to help students become confident, independent learners. This means:
- Teaching students how to use each tool, step-by-step.
- Providing opportunities for frequent practice at school, and encouraging the same at home.
- Teaching students how to choose the right tool for each task.
- Fading prompts over time so the students can self-initiate and work independently.
When AT is introduced early, practised consistently, and linked to real classroom tasks, it can help students overcome barriers and develop lifelong learning strategies.
If you think assistive technology may be helpful to your child, speak to your child’s teachers about which assistive technology tools are available.
If your child is already using assistive technology, or it is included in their IEP, you can ask:
- Does my child have access to the technology they need?
- How will my child be trained to use the tools appropriately and independently?
- Which assistive technology tools does my child use?
- How often do they use their assistive technology?
- How is access provided?
- How is my child’s use of assistive technology being encouraged and monitored?
- What literacy instruction and/or intervention will my child participate in, in addition to using assistive technology?