International Journal of English and Education ISSN: 2278-4012, Volume:6, Issue:1, January 2017 167 | www.ijee.org ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE Dr. Manssour Mohammed Habbash University of Tabuk. Saudi Arabia Dr. Hanadi H Alqahtani University of Tabuk., Saudi Arabia Abstract: In view of the differences in the learning styles and strategies of learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), this paper discusses the usefulness of different Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications that can work well as Assistive Technology (AT) for the students with special needs. The objective of this paper is to bring about an awareness of some of the technological support systems that can be used in teaching English to students with various physical, cognitive and sensory challenges. The paper defines assistive technology and describes the usefulness of LT125ThinkingMind, Assistive Technology Rapid Integration & Construction Set (AsTeRICS), Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), Blogs, BreakThru and Smart Tutor system as AT interfaces for the students of EFL with special needs and challenges. It further explains the use of autonomous agents and iPads as AT gadgets, and the way teachers of EFL can integrate AT in their teaching for the students with special needs. Key Words: Information and Communication Technology, Assistive Technology, EFL Learners,Special Needs and Learners with disabilities, Rapid Integration & Construction Set, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Blogs, BreakThru and Smart Tutor system. Introduction Facilitating learning in the classroom has been a major goal for both English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers and researchers worldwide. The complexity involved in the learning of English as a Foreign Language proves to be more intricate in the cases of EFL learners with special needs, which needs to be addressed with different viable strategies. The term special education needs is defined as “a restriction in the capacity of the person to participate in and benefit from education on account of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or learning disability or any other condition which results in a person learning differently from a person without that condition” (Government of Ireland, 2004, section 1). Special education is offered to persons with special educational needs (Data protection Commissioner, 2004). The past decade has seen a number of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications available to students with special needs. Among the strategies that have been adopted and have been proved to be ideal in supporting special needs EFL students is implementing Assistive Technology (AT), which is also referred to as adaptive technology, in EFL classes. AT is defined