PECT PECT Assistive Technology and AAC 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student with a visual impairment uses a refreshable braille display connected to a computer. This device is an example of:
- Low-tech assistive technology
- Augmentative communication
- High-tech assistive technology (Correct answer)
- Universal Design for Learning
Correct answer: High-tech assistive technology
A refreshable braille display is a high-tech AT device that electronically translates digital text into braille characters, requiring power and software integration.
Question 2: Text-to-speech software benefits which group of students most directly?
- Students with dyslexia or reading disabilities (Correct answer)
- Students with hearing impairments
- Students with intellectual disabilities only
- Students with behavior disorders
Correct answer: Students with dyslexia or reading disabilities
Text-to-speech software helps students with dyslexia or reading disabilities by converting written text to audio, reducing the decoding burden.
Question 3: Which of the following is a low-tech AT accommodation commonly used in PreK-8 classrooms?
- Voice output communication device
- Screen reader software
- Pencil grip or adapted writing tool (Correct answer)
- Eye-gaze technology
Correct answer: Pencil grip or adapted writing tool
A pencil grip or adapted writing tool is a low-tech AT accommodation that does not require power and directly supports handwriting for students with fine motor difficulties.
Question 4: When introducing an AAC device to a young child, which instructional strategy is most effective?
- Withholding preferred items until the child uses the device independently
- Aided language stimulation, where the teacher models using the device during natural interactions (Correct answer)
- Drilling device use in isolated therapy sessions only
- Allowing the child to explore the device with no adult guidance
Correct answer: Aided language stimulation, where the teacher models using the device during natural interactions
Aided language stimulation involves the communication partner modeling the use of the AAC system during natural, meaningful interactions to promote language development.
Question 5: A teacher wants to help a student with limited hand mobility access a computer. Which AT solution is most appropriate?
- Larger font size on documents
- A switch access system or adapted keyboard (Correct answer)
- Colored overlays on the screen
- A communication board
Correct answer: A switch access system or adapted keyboard
Switch access systems and adapted keyboards allow students with limited hand mobility to operate computers using alternative inputs such as single switches, head pointers, or eye gaze.
Question 6: An IEP team is deciding whether a student needs AT services. Which factor is MOST important to consider?
- Whether the student's family can afford the device
- Whether the AT will help the student access the general education curriculum and achieve IEP goals (Correct answer)
- Whether the general education teacher is comfortable with the device
- Whether the device is available in the school district
Correct answer: Whether the AT will help the student access the general education curriculum and achieve IEP goals
IDEA requires AT decisions to be based on the student's individual needs and whether AT will support access to the curriculum and achievement of IEP goals.
PECT PECT Assistive Technology and AAC 2
A student with a visual impairment uses a refreshable braille display connected to a computer.
This device is an example of: