by Cassandra Stafford, MS, CCC-SLP/L, ATP (Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Professional), NWACS Board Member

Book Review: Assistive Technology in Special Education: Resources to Support Literacy, Communication, and Learning Differences, Third Edition by Joan L. Green (2018)

Assistive Technology in Special Education is written by speech-language pathologist and technology consultant Joan Green. I received a copy of this book as part of a Better Hearing and Speech Month Giveaway last year (2019).

According to the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (section 3), assistive technology is “technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service." It further defines assistive technology device as any “item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” and assistive technology services as any “service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device." Assistive technology can be anything - if it helps an individual participate or do something they could not do otherwise. Sometimes it is creative use of an everyday item (such as using a binder as a slant board for handwriting), and other times it will be specially designed and customized for the individual (like hearing aids and glasses). The field of Assistive Technology is rapidly changing - and wide encompassing. Keeping up with the variety of options available is difficult! So I was excited to see what gems I would find in this book.

My overarching takeaway is that this book is a nice basic introduction to assistive technology as it relates to literacy, receptive/expressive language, and learning differences. There is a chapter dedicated specifically to augmentative-alternative communication (AAC). Another chapter addresses some considerations regarding access (e.g. mice, trackballs, touchscreens, switches, keyboards, etc.). The author is clear (and reminds the reader throughout the book) that the information she provided in this book is intended as a “starting point from which to learn more” (page xiv). I think it would be a useful resource, especially for families and professionals new to the realm of assistive technology, to be exposed the the variety of reasons to consider assistive technology - and a smattering of the options available within different categories of need. Even those familiar with assistive technology may be exposed to a new resource or two.

Chapters begin with background information on the topic (area of need) being highlighted, some tips and general guidance, followed by related resources recommended by the author, including websites and general pricing information. Occasionally included are less detailed suggestions for further exploration. I appreciated the author’s reminders throughout the book to consider supports built-in to technology the individual may already have access to/may be already using (e.g. within MAC and PC operating systems, G Suite and Google Chrome extensions, and settings on various devices). The majority of the tools mentioned in this book are digital (i.e. apps, websites) or supports built-in to technology you may already be using.

Not all products mentioned in this book are supported by research. While we do have research evidence to support (or not) certain types of interventions, every individual item/product will not have specific research to cite. However, it is worth noting products that are controversial (such as Fast ForWord and “brain training” products) are included.

Click HERE for information on where to purchase this book.

Have you read this book? What did you think?