Adapted Literacy: Low-Tech Assistive Technology Solutions in the Library
Adapted Literacy: Low-Tech Assistive Technology Solutions in the Library
by Ashley Roane
Assistive technology can help any of us meet life’s daily challenges in innumerable ways. In fact, many digital tools we utilize on a daily basis- such as voice recognition, captions, or even GPS- we take for granted and consider them more as options. But for many folks, assistive technology is essential and means accessibility.
Galyon et al. discuss ways that libraries can harness assistive technology to meet the needs of children who might struggle with literacy for different reasons. They explain this as adapted literacy and describe this as an efficient and cost effective way to improve preliteracy and literacy skills. Founded in a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, adapted literacy is meant to make reading books more accessible for all learners. The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) explains that UDLs guiding principles are multiple means of engagement, multiple representations, and multiple ways of expressing learning.
One of the “low-tech” examples Galyon and team mention in their article, “Access for All: Adaptive Literacy Through Low-Tech Assistive Technology,” include using powerpoint to create versions of a text that easy for a student to click through. Another example is through creating adapted storybooks that provide an engaging tactical component. Other examples mentioned include digital books and squishy books. All of these alternatives are meant to support children's varied learning needs on their literacy journey.
The wonderful thing about using assistive technology to adapt books for children is that it doesn’t have to be expensive and can include many things we might already have access to. But the best thing of all is that these low-tech assistive technology solutions in the library means more kids will be able to access and enjoy books!
Watch this video from CAST to learn more about UDL:
References:
Galyon, C. L., Floyd, K. K., & Wood-Fields, C. (2023). Access for All: Adapted Literacy Through Low-Tech Assistive Technology. Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children, 21(2), 22–27. https://doi-org.ezproxy.palomar.edu/10.5860/cal.21.2.22
Image: https://images.app.goo.gl/9cQvRqukJJcB6tDR6
Comments
Post a Comment