ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT Ashley Burkett Instructor: Kimberly Hall October 20, 2014

THE TECH ACT OF 1988 AND EDUCATION

What is Assistive Technology? ◦Assistive technology aids children with learning disabilities in leveraging their strengths and working around or compensating for specific learning problems. ◦Assistive technology supports can be key to helping children become more independent in school and throughout life—on the job and in activities for daily living (National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2014). Assistive technology is responsible for assisting people and children who experience limitations due to physical and cognitive delays. Assistive technology helps them have more enlightening experiences. These experiences become enriched with the use of specific types of technology catered to their needs.

Assistive Technology Act of 1988 ◦The Tech Act works to support states in “developing and implementing consumer- responsive and comprehensive programs of technology-related assistance for all individuals with a disability” (RESNA, 1998). ◦All 50 states have a Tech Act project in place. ◦These projects are based upon each states needs and barriers identified by the citizens in each state

“AT” This YouTube video gives a lovely visual presentation defining assistive technology and its benefits. It also shares information about the Pacer Technology Center and resources available there. The Pacer Center’s website is

Tech Act Continued… ◦Each state’s Tech Act has played a role in getting policies and legislation passed for disabled persons  The Louisiana Tech Act made it possible for persons with disabilities in rehabilitation to get their assistive technologies faster instead of having to wait for a long time  The Indiana Tech Act made it possible for school to get computers from medical offices in support of children’s education  “State Tech Act projects worked with parents and with state and school district representatives to develop guidelines that help clarify and modify many local school district procedures for providing assistive technology. These guidelines help more students and their families obtain and benefit from assistive technology needed for learning” (RESNA, 1998).

Tech Act and Children

TECH ACT AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Reasons for Assistive Technology Disabilities Warranting A.T. ◦Other Health Impairment ◦Specific Learning Disability ◦Speech or Language Impairment ◦Traumatic Brain Injury ◦Visual Impairment ◦Orthopedic Impairment (Edyburn, 2013). ◦Autism ◦Deaf-Blindness ◦Emotional Disturbance ◦Hearing Impairment ◦Intellectual Disability ◦Multiple Disabilities

Assistive Technology Today ◦The term assistive technology applies to more than computers. It includes adaptive feeding instruments, hearing aids, wheelchairs, vision aids and more. “Current estimates suggest that there are nearly 40,000 assistive technology devices designed to enhance the life functioning of individuals with disabilities” (as cited in Edyburn, 2013). ◦The US Census Bureau estimates approximately 56.7 million people in the United States with a disability (Edyburn, 2013).This clearly suggests the need for assistive technology in our schools and daily lives today.

Assistive Technology and South Carolina ◦South Carolina and most states have dedicated resources available presenting their use of assistive technology within the schools ◦The state utilizes computerized instruction for students needing this type of support ◦Each student’s needs are evaluated and specific A.T. devices and accommodations are recommended ◦The following A.T. devices are readily available: 1.Chair inserts 2.Walking aids 3.Beanbag chairs 4.Modified keyboards 5.Special switches 6.Hearing aids 7.Personal FM units 8.Closed caption television 9.Automatic feeders 10.And much more (South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, 2012).

Tech Act Teams ◦The most advanced assistive technology team is in Colorado: ◦Equal participation in the teamwork process by the student, family member, and all disciplines ◦Attention to assistive technology-related needs for motor, communication, language, curricular needs, seating and positioning, cognitive development, sensory and perceptual access, and learning style ◦Infusion of assistive technology knowledge and skills from different disciplines into the intervention design (Edyburn, 2013).

Tech Act and US Department of Education ◦The United States Department of Education awarded $30.9 million to states in 2011 in efforts to support assistive technology in schools ◦“The State Grant for Assistive Technology Program supports state efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive, statewide programs that are consumer responsive. The Assistive Technology State Grant Program makes assistive technology devices and services more available and accessible to students and individuals with disabilities” (US Department of Education, 2014).

MY THOUGHTS

Assistive Technology and Inclusion of Disabled Students ◦Having worked with disabled students in the past, I know the importance on ensuring inclusion of all students by use of assistive technology. ◦I have personally worked with students using hearing aids and propelled walkers. ◦The students feel empowered as they are able to engage in the same activities of their peers. ◦Since both of thee students were in an all inclusive classrooms, inclusion was a Must.

Assistive Technology and Employment ◦Assistive technology helps to empower young children, thus creating empowered and confident adults ◦Adults that had effective assistive technology as young children are more likely to have a successful life and career

Assistive Technology and Daily Activities/Community ◦Students needing assistive technology such as motorized wheelchairs and text-to-speech devices need these devices daily ◦This technology is needed on a daily basis and students need their devices on a continual basis in order for progress and sustainment to take place

A.T. AND MY TEACHING & LEARNING

My Teaching ◦I will encourage the use of assistive technology in my classroom at all times in addition to forms of technology for all ◦I will support the use of tablets and smart boards ◦I will encourage and facilitate an environment that promotes excellent in all students, encouraging developmental growth and progress

Works Cited ◦Edyburn, D. L. (2013). Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve academic success. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. ◦National Center for Learning Disabilities. (2014). Assistive Technology. Retrieved from ◦PacerCenter. (2010). Understanding Assistive Technology: Simply Said. [Video File]. Retrieved from ◦RESNA: Association for the Advancement of Rehabilitation Technology, A. A. (1998). Creating Systems Change through Policies, Practices, Laws, Regulations, Procedures, and Organizational Structures. Tech Act Projects Accomplishments Series. ◦South Carolina Assistive Technology Program. (2012). SC Curriculum Assess Through AT.: What is Assistive Technology and how is it used in Schools? University Center for Excellence. Retrieved from ◦US Department of Education. (2014). Programs: Assistive Technology. Retrieved from