Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities Assistive technology plays an important role in the learning process of people with disabilities. Assistive technology is defined as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether commercially acquired, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” (Maushak, Kelley, & Blodgett, 2001, p. 419) Assistive technologies are very beneficial for people with disabilities. For example, students with mental retardation benefit from highly organized learning situations due to their limited cognitive abilities. Students who are hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired may need differentiated instructional materials. More emphasis should be placed on visual materials for hearing-impaired students rather than other students. Changing instruction for all students, especially struggling students, requires a heavy reliance on media, materials, and technology, as well as the proper selection of these elements to meet particular goals. Additionally, research has indicated that technology can not only be adapted for use with students with disabilities, but can also, when used, improve students' academic achievement and self-image. (Duhaney & Duhaney, 2000, p. 393) With this knowledge, many new products have been developed to help individualize programs to meet specific disability criteria. Throughout this article, we will disclaim three different elements of assistive technology. We'll look at Dynawrite, AlphaSmart, and Texthelp as well as the benefits of each program.DynaWrite is the first keyboard-based communications device in Dyna...... middle of paper ......er/EBSCOhttp://search .epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&an=16475749. Schwartzman, Ana (2004) Compass Learning Odyssey ELL ElementaryJournal of Technology and Learning Vol 25 Issue 3, p17, ¾p. Retrieved April 9, 2005, from Professional Development Collection/EBSCOhttp://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&an=1474425910. Mulligan, S.A. (November 2003). Assistive technology supporting the participation of children with disabilities. Retrieved April 7, 2005, from the National Association for the Education of Young Children website: http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200311/assistivetechnology.pdf11. Hoover, John, J. & Patton, James,R. (1997). Curriculum Adaptations for Students with Learning and Behavioral Problems - Principles and Practices. Austin, TX: Pro-edInc. Editors.