Low Tech
Low tech devices such as crutches, canes, and walkers can be purchased for a small cost at local stores. These can be used to help students with orthopedic impairments walk around. They may not be able to walk fast or walk everywhere, but these can help them get from one place to another. These devices can take up floor space in a classroom and other students may trip on them so they may need to be stored along a wall or in a corner. Every time the student would need one of these devices, someone would have to get it for them. These devices can also break which could lead to injury of the child if it breaks while in use and it would leave the child without proper assistance to walk. These devices would also require some training to get used to using them.
Mid Tech
Automatic page turners are a good mid tech device for students with orthopedic impairments. When reading a book as a class or independently, this device can turn the pages when the student is ready. The user simply has to push a button and the page will turn. For those who have problems with their upper extremities, an automatic page turner will give them independent access to a book. If the user is unable to even press the button then the machine isn't helpful or the user would need someone to push the button for them. If something were to happen to the device and something breaks then the user will not longer be able to read a book independently. If the button gets pushed more than once on accident then the position in the book will have to be reset.
High Tech
Power wheel chairs are an example of a high tech device for those with orthopedic impairments. Power wheel chairs can help students move around a school or the classroom independently without needing the assistance of someone else or experiencing fatigue from a manual wheel chair. These power wheel chairs provide a battery powered boost when a button is pushed to assist those who don't have the strength to use a normal wheel chair. This can make transportation easier for students. Some wheel chairs have environmental control units attached to them or units that can be attached to them in order for someone in a wheel chair to control lights, TV, or other electronics independently. This may help a student use a tablet or computer in the classroom. If the power or control system on the wheel chair fails then the student will struggle to get around as efficiently. These wheel chairs are typically expensive and hard to obtain without seeking a loan or grant of some sort.