Chapter 8: Framing the Research on Accessible Technology for Students with Mild disabilities

The field of special education technology over the last several years has explored various ways technology can be used for scaffolding the learning deficits of students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are defined by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA; see National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities [NICHCY], 2005) and divided into 13 categories differentiated by students’ physical and learning characteristics that impact their success in education. Students with disabilities are identified by special education teams according to IDEA (NICHCY, 2005), not only by their disability but also by its severity, and then placed by their physical and learning characteristics within a continuum of placement options. IDEA requires placement within the least restrictive environment or placement with general education peers to the maximum extent possible.