Student Services
Assistive Technology and Support
Assistive Technology (AT) can enhance the quality of life for a student with learning challenges. AT can be a range of strategies and resources which include services and tools used to enable a student to meet learning outcomes. AT has the capacity to increase a student’s control in learning environments, daily activities and social situations.
AT also includes devices or software specifically for students with severe visual impairments (including electronic magnification devices, braille displays, notetakers and embossers and translation software for braille.
Assistive Technology:
- Takes into account the students’ strengths and needs in their learning environment
- Does not replace instruction in learning settings
- Looks at the least complex and the most efficient type of intervention
- Requires collaboration in planning, implementing and monitoring
- Requires ongoing training to support effective practice
- Special Learning Equipment (SLE)
Depending on availability, special learning equipment is loaned to blind/visually impaired and severely physically handicapped students who have been identified by a department consultant as requiring it. These items may include braillers, CCTV's, computer access devices.
Information for Schools, Students and Families
- Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning has developed a lending library for Assistive Technology software available to school divisions in rural and northern Manitoba
- Consultation and workshops are available to assist in selection and implementation of AT software
- Consultation support
A Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning consultant is available to work with Student Services Administrators, resource and classroom teachers and clinicians to review, select and provide professional development based on classroom and student needs. - Schools can borrow AT through the Alternative Format Services for students with other print disabilities (e.g. learning disability)
- Schools can borrow special equipment from Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning to support learning for students who are blind or visually impaired, based on the recommendation of the consultant for the blind and visually impaired (BVI) and equipment availability. These items (ex: braille writer, closed-circuit television magnification system, computer access devices) are assistive devices not normally available in the classroom. Consultants for the BVI may provide direct teaching for students who use these devices.
- Professional Learning Opportunities
Professional development sessions are available on request of the Student Services Administrator.
Links
- Services for the Blind/Visually Impaired and for Students with Print Disabilities
- Alternate Format Services
- Open Access Resource Centre Manitoba
The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Manitobans with speech impairments through the use of communications devices. The Centre provides information on the types and functions of various devices, and operates an extensive equipment loan program. - Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba (LDAM)
This site allows you to become a member and receive their newsletter. - SET BC
An informational website developed through the Province of British Columbia to inform educators and parents regarding Assistive Technology and support the students requiring it. - Closing the Gap
This website spotlights resources in computer technology, special education and rehabilitation. This resource directory is a database of over 2000 hardware and software products. As well, it takes a look at professional development opportunities at their yearly convention. - CAST is an educational research & development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.
- Assistive Technology Industry Association
Assistive Technology Industry Association is the global leader in assistive technology education and research.. - Assistive Technology Strategies, Tools, Accomodations and Resources (ATSTAR) Program
The ATSTAR Program is designed to increase ATL expertise for the user through technology-enhanced learning environments. - Resources for Assistive Technology in Education
This web page introduces the SETT Framework and provides resources for learning more about assistive technology for learning devices and services in educational settings. It provides links to informational sites as well as sites which provide opportunities for participation in discussions and research on assistive technology.
Resources
Startup/Troubleshooting for Assistive Technology Software and Hardwaress
- Boardmaker Plus© (
308 KB)
- Classroom Suite© (
88 KB)
- Dragon® Naturally Speaking© (
98 KB)
- Intellikeys USB© (
117 KB)
- Kurzweil 3000 Ver. 12 USB (
92 KB)
- Neo AlphaSmart© (
123 KB)
Forms
- Assistive Technology Support Request Form (
68 KB)
- Assistive Technology Implementation Plan (
58 KB)
Brochure
Contact
General Enquiries
Inclusion Support Branch
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
Telephone: 204-945-7907
Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7907
Email: isbinfo@gov.mb.ca