Give two examples of assistive technology that support differentiated instruction for students with disabilities.

• A. Text-to-speech readers and speech-to-text
• B. Standard printed textbooks
• C. Regular calculators
• D. Pencil and paper

Answer: (A)

Assistive technology that supports differentiated instruction helps students access content and demonstrate understanding in ways that fit their abilities. Text-to-speech readers convert written text into spoken words, removing barriers for readers who struggle with decoding or who have visual impairments, and they allow engagement with grade-level material at a pace that works for them. Speech-to-text lets students express ideas by speaking, which can be transformative for those with writing difficulties, motor challenges, or time constraints, making it easier to participate in assignments and assessments. Together, these tools create flexible pathways for access and expression, aligning with differentiated instruction by offering multiple means of engagement and demonstration of learning. Standard printed textbooks, regular calculators, and pencil and paper don’t provide these built-in accessibility features, so they don’t fulfill the same role in differentiating instruction for students with disabilities.