A Social Justice Issue: Exploring the Landscape of Assistive Technologies for Students With Sensory and Orthopedic Disabilities in High School Science Classes

• In Event: 16.056 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.056-19 - College and High School Experiences of Disability

Abstract

This was an exploratory study to identify awareness and use of assistive technologies (AT) for students with sensory and orthopedic disabilities in science classrooms, the impact of AT on learning, the type of classroom where students received instruction, and teacher professional development and school support for AT. Fourteen high school science and special education teachers serving as department heads and district personnel were interviewed. Interviews reveal that there was little science specific AT, teachers had no training in the use of AT or awareness of available AT. Teachers were more interested in using effective teaching strategies and curricular modifications than AT. All were concerned about helping students succeed academically but inclusion did not extend to honors and advanced placement classes.

Authors

• Lisa Marie Lacy, Arizona State University

• Heather Anne Pacheco, Arizona State University

• Cean Richard Colcord, Whittier College

• Dale Rose Baker, Arizona State University