UDL and AT

In the video we watches on UDL, it explained how students learning styles are as different as their fingerprints. Which means, students learn in all sorts of different ways. AT can be related to this because some students may need AT to help them learn more effectively on certain subjects, topics, or ideas. For example, a student may learn better by having an audio book playing in the background as they read along through the book. That student will need those tools to have that audio playing to help them read the book more effectively.

The article on AT explains how UDL is given to everyone and those tools will be used when they need them. So basically, they don't always need those tools. They only use them when they truly need that extra assistance for a certain subject, topic, or lesson. 

I used to work with special education preschool students. Half of the students actually did not need AT while the other half did. One student who needed extra help with verbal communication carried around a binder with pictures to show what they wanted to eat for snack. They also had this device that had audio voice recordings of the teacher saying things such as "yes please", "no thank you", and "I'm here" for the student to press when they wanted to respond with those phrases due to not being able to vocally say them without having trouble.
As I was browsing CAST I came across a lesson plan created for Kindergartners learning the letter B. This lesson engaged diverse learners by giving students whose first language is Spanish the opportunity to engage and understand this lesson. They provided flashcards with the words that start with the letter B in Spanish so it is easier for them to learn and understand.
One technology tool they used was YouTube. They provided a fun, catchy song about the letter B for the students to learn and sing along with. They also provided apps for them to use on an IPad or device to use at home that engages them to practice writing that letter and understanding the sounds of it.
These tools can also be used to practice the other letters in the alphabet. For more advanced grade levels, they can be used to learn vocabulary words.