Supporting Students with Disabilities in the Area of Assistive Technology, with Alyssa McCarthy

Assistive technology (AT) is crucial in fostering inclusive education by providing tools that support students with diverse needs. AT encompasses communication devices, learning apps, and adaptive equipment that enhance access to education and facilitate participation. It supports speech and language development for students with communication challenges, such as autism or cerebral palsy. It aids various learning styles through tools like text-to-speech software and multimedia resources. AT also addresses physical and fine motor challenges with adaptive keyboards and touch-screen devices while promoting social inclusion through tools that facilitate peer interactions. Additionally, it empowers students to develop self-advocacy and independence, supports literacy and academic skills, and aids in behavior management with calming tools. Using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, AT reduces barriers to learning, ensuring flexible and accommodating environments for all students.

Outline of the topics to be covered: 

1. Overview of Assistive Technology (AT)

  • Define AT and provide examples relevant to students with disabilities, including communication devices, learning apps, and adaptive equipment. Emphasize its role in enhancing access to education and fostering inclusion.

2. Speech and Language Support

  • Many students experience speech and language delays. AT, such as AAC devices, speech-generating tools, and visual supports, can facilitate language development and participation in class discussions. AAC tools and communication devices can benefit students with autism, cerebral palsy, or other speech impairments, supporting diverse communication needs.

3. Addressing Learning Styles and Cognitive Strengths

  • Utilize visual learning strategies through interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and multimedia resources that present information in accessible formats. This helps break down complex tasks for better understanding. AT can support various learning needs, such as text-to-speech software for dyslexia, graphic organizers for ADHD, and multi-sensory apps for intellectual disabilities.

4. Supporting Fine Motor Skills and Physical Disabilities

  • Demonstrate tools like adaptive keyboards, touch-screen tablets, and other input devices that help students overcome fine motor challenges and complete assignments independently. Use adaptive equipment such as alternative keyboards, switch-operated devices, or eye-gaze technology to facilitate classroom participation for students with mobility challenges.

5. Facilitating Social Inclusion

  • AT can enhance peer interactions and social inclusion by enabling participation in group activities, sharing thoughts using communication devices, and engaging in activities where traditional speech may be challenging. Include social skills training apps and customizable communication devices.

6. Enhancing Literacy and Academic Skills

  • Show how personalized learning apps and software that adjust to individual needs support reading, math, and executive functioning skills. Demonstrate tools for supporting literacy and numeracy in students with intellectual disabilities, autism, or learning disorders like dyslexia.

7. Self-Advocacy and Independence

  • AT empowers students to manage their learning and daily routines using tools like reminder apps, visual schedules, and voice-activated assistants. This fosters autonomy and self-management in the classroom.

8. Behavioral and Emotional Support

  • AT can aid students with behavioral challenges by providing calming tools, visual timers, and sensory-friendly devices to support self-regulation and classroom engagement.

9. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

  • Use the UDL framework to illustrate how AT creates flexible learning environments that accommodate all students, reducing barriers and fostering a setting where each learner can thrive.

10. Legal and Practical Considerations

  • Cover relevant laws (e.g., IDEA) and best practices for implementing AT in IEPs and 504 plans, ensuring all students receive the necessary supports.

11. Case Studies and Real-World Examples

  • Share stories or practical examples of how AT has benefited students with a variety of skills. Discuss challenges and solutions to provide insights into successful implementation.


Alyssa McCarthy is a Speech-Language Pathologist and educator with experience in both in-person and virtual roles. She has been with Charles County Public Schools since 2017, operates her private practice, SpeechAbility, LLC, and supports virtual charter schools in Pennsylvania. Alyssa completed a 5-year program at Marywood University, earning her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders and her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Philosophy in Education, with a concentration in Educational Law, from Liberty University and a Special Education Advocate Certification. Her qualifications include being an Assistive Technology Professional, Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, Safe and Sound Protocol Trained Clinician, and Worldwide National Language Acquisition Trained Clinician. Alyssa specializes in supporting students with assistive technology, inclusion opportunities, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. A fun fact about Alyssa is that she attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, aka the Fame School in New York City, where she studied Dance.