Assistive technology and specific learning disability: a case report

Assist Technol. 2023 Sep 25:1-7. doi: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2262333. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Specific Learning Disability is an educational category within special education that identifies an impairment area such as reading, writing, or math despite a student's intelligence. Individualized Education Plan teams address learning disabilities with educational interventions and accommodations. One accommodation for students with a specific learning disability is assistive technology. Occupational therapists need evidence to inform decision-making regarding assistive technology tools to meet the individualized needs of students with learning disabilities. This case report describes how a school-based occupational therapist evaluated one student's assistive technology needs to accommodate her specific learning disability in reading and writing. This evaluation resulted in student-specific and evidence-based recommendations pertinent to age, need, and preferences. Reported outcomes include increased independence with accessing educational materials, increased access to age-appropriate reading material, and increased pleasure reading participation.

Keywords: assistive technology; dyslexia; specific learning disability; text-to-speech.