The Schneider Centre - Assistive Technology & Learning Strategies

The Schneider Centre for Learning disABILITIES

Assistive technology for students with learning disABILITIES refers to any item, piece of equipment, or system that helps bypass, work around, or compensate for specific deficits. Assistive technology is not the same as instructional software that develops specific academic skills.

Learning disABILITIES affect the ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. They result from a presumed central nervous system dysfunction for which there no known cure. Students don't outgrow Learning disABILITIES; they become adults with LD, but assistive technology and learning strategies can greatly enhance their success in school and in life.

The SC4LD has both low-tech and high-tech equipment and software for writing, reading, listening, personal organization/memory, and math. In conjunction with learning strategies for organization, test taking, study skills, note taking, reading, writing, math, and advanced thinking, students at the SC4LD develop tools and strategies that maximize academic potential, promote self-esteem, and instill confidence.

While assistive technology is available for anyone to purchase, there is funding available [Intensive Support Amount (ISA) Level 1] for students who meet specific criteria, so that a student can use specific hardware and/or software exclusively. The SC4LD assesses students to help determine appropriate assistive technology to meet their needs and to access funding.