Introduction

The use of ICT has provided pupils with special educational needs with a powerful means of access to a broad and balanced curriculum that would otherwise be denied to them. ICT can enable pupils to overcome barriers to learning by providing additional or alternative methods of access to the curriculum. In an inclusive setting, the provision of appropriate resources ensures that all pupils can work co-operatively and collaboratively, as well as individually. ICT empowers pupils with special educational needs, heightens self-confidence and self-esteem. The curriculum is enhanced and enriched by allowing teachers to use ICT as a tool to differentiate, individualize and adapt it. Multimedia resources can be used to present material in an interesting and stimulating manner.

What is ICT?

Throughout this Unit the term Information Communication Technology (ICT) is used to mean specialist computer hardware and software that is relevant to pupils with severe and complex needs. It also covers fax machines, printers, keyboards, pointing devices and other access tools, switches and interfaces, speech output communication devices, and programmable toys such as Roamers.

For pupils with severe and complex needs ICT primarily embraces:

• computers and computer peripherals; such as monitors, printers, scanners and digital cameras
• alternative input devices in the form of switches, keyboards, joysticks, rollerballs etc
• software, and differentiated or adaptive software
• speech output communication devices
• toys, electrically operated appliances and mobility aids, which can be controlled by switches

Expected outcomes

By the end of this Unit, teachers will have…

• explored why and when, and when not, to use ICT
• learned the importance of correct seating and positioning of pupils and equipment
• considered approaches to organizing the learning and working environment
• developed awareness of built-in accessibility features and access resources provided by Windows and Macintosh computers
• been made aware of Health and Safety issues
• learned where to obtain further information on the organization of ICT within the classroom

This ICTS website is maintained by Inclusive Technology.