DefinePK

Abstract

Assistive Technology supports disabilities in education to increase learning ratio. Students with Intellectual disabilities have the equal rights to study in general learning environments with normal peers. Down syndrome is a genetic cause and sub-category of intellectual disability. Students with Down Syndrome delay in cognitive ability due to delay reaction by their brain. Such habits cause delay in fulfilling task than their normal classmates. Research aim is to bring Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) strategy to bridge the reading-writing issues faced by Down Syndrome Students (DSS) with Assistive Technology (AT) support. We have used mixed methodology, wherein an online survey is processed across the Pakistan to evaluate type of computing technology used by DSS and to identify the problems faced by DSS in reading-writing process. A practical approach carried out to identify usability pattern with desktop, portable devices and smart phones. A proposed Interactive Learning Model (ILM) addresses the issue and suggest the assistive technology solutions and services to provide way to use gadgets and solve learning problems. The results show that the students with Down Syndrome face problems in reading, writing and solving exercises. Interactive technology scrutinizes questionnaires and provide smart solutions in classroom to address the reading and writing using assistive technology based reading and writing and touch-to-speak technology to develop language skills and expressing their thoughts, communication control and decrease frustration. Tough-type-read-spell oriented custom software to improve reading and spelling skills and to provide paperless advantage.