What is Assistive Technologies (AT)

This chapter explores the importance of using ICT in education, focusing on the strong potential of ICT's ability to ease the process of inclusion. Namely, ICT could be a particularly valuable tool for people with disabilities; these tools can improve these individuals' quality of life, reduce social exclusion, and increase social participation. Inclusive education involves focusing on the individual needs of learners, helping them to overcome any barriers that may prevent them from reaching their potential. Through the extensive use of ICT in education, it becomes possible to meet the specific needs of different groups of students, including students with special needs. This chapter presents brief analyses of different supportive technologies, such as hardware and software solutions, Web 2.0 technologies, virtual learning environments (VLEs), virtual worlds, and other similar technologies. The chapter will also stress some open issues, including limitations in interactions, communication, and learning.