THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ACHIEVING SCIENTIFIC LITERACY

The learning disabilities that affect many students can cause them to have difficulty with language-based communications in the form of reading and writing. This study addresses how the use of audio assistive technologies on computers and iPads can help learning disabled students ease the burdens of understanding science language and vocabulary. Research is done through the lenses of disability theory and the importance of technology for advancement in science literacy and education for all students. The data collected for the study comes from interviews, observations, and artifacts; therefore, this study on how technology can be effective in achieving science literacy for learning disabled students is presented as a qualitative study. The information presented in this research is applicable to all educators that work with students that have disabilities or difficulties or are learning a new language. With the development of inclusion classrooms in the USA and the growing number of students identified as disabled, the education community needs to develop greater understanding of how to assist this marginalized population in achieving science literacy.