ADHD is a disability often overlooked for some students at home and in the classroom, but one that without treatment, may cause unnecessary frustrations and disadvantages for the student. However, if given the appropriate accommodations, such as assisitive technologies, many students persistently improve their performance in the classroom, and their communication and attention skills. Many students and adults with ADHD have difficulty with focusing due to external and internal distractions; so, by determining what these distractions may stem from allows for a greater understanding of what assistive technologies will work best for the individuals' specific needs (Arbour, 2016). Distractions can appear in the form of, visual, auditory, or tactile effects for the student, and technologies available are in a range from low assistive technology needs to high assistive technology needs.
Low assistive technology devices and equipment include handheld magnifiers, large print text on phones and computer, and reachers and grabbers; however those affected by ADHD will find that devices in the middle of the range and above the most effective. Those that fall into this category include electronic organizers with lists and alarms to stay on track with daily tasks, or books on cd for those who learn best through an auditory output and are better able to comprehend the information, among others (Stanberry, Raskind). One such specific technology is Wunderlist, an app for your phone, tablet, or computer that allows the user to create and store lists and notes, as well as set alarms and timers for specific activities and events to keep the user on task and focused; one great thing is these lists are capable of being synced to all your devices, and even shared with other users you allow to add useful items or notes to already created posts such as school notes, or project due dates.
While there are many high tech assistive technologies, such as power wheelchairs and hands free speech recognition devices, one that is very helpful for those with ADHD is the trusted computer itself. Modern day computers, smartphones, and tablets are so common we often neglect to realize the immense amount of computing power they possess; they're very much one of the most high-tech assistive technologies the general population has at their fingertips. With the countless apps and software available, the many different additionally supported devices such as digital drawing pads, and printers, computers allow those with ADHD to lead a more consistent, productive, and manageable lifestyle. Word processors and online tutoring systems, as well as other apps such as Isolator, grant the inattentive a more stimulating, or a more focused experience to keep them engaged and moving at the pace they need to flourish as a student and in their everyday activities (Haven).
Finally, technology is progressing at an astonishing rate, and with the tools available to so many of us to create apps, software, and devices to meet our needs when other technology lacks, we're seeing an influx of new ideas that are shaping the way we all learn, especially those with certain disadvantages. More stimulating and deeply engaging assistive technologies will continue to be produced to meet all of our varying needs and strengths, and with that we'll ultimately see self-improvement like never before.
References
Arbour, Choosing Appropriate Assistive Technology for Students with ADHD. Retrieved September 18, 2018. Web. https://www.ldatschool.ca/appropriate-at/
Haven, Assistive Technology to Close the Learning Gap. Retrieved September 18, 2018. Web. https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/assistive-technology/
Stanberry, Raskind, Assistive Technology for ADHD Challenges at School. Retrieved Spetember 18, 2018. Web. https://www.additudemag.com/change-the-program/
Wunderlist (n.d.) Retrieved September 18, 2018. Web. http://learningworksforkids.com/apps/wunderlist/
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