Assistive Technology, BUSD

What is Assistive Technology? Any item, piece of equipment, or software that will increase maintain improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life

Think of AT Like This... Text to Speech Accessibility

And This Communication Literacy Low incidence students, the deaf and hard of hearing Point: It’s important to realize that we’re helping these students get to their maximum potential using these tools to support them Literacy

There’s Low Tech If you’re like me, you don’t want t dip into your own money more than you already do, so talk to your OTs to find out if they have resources

And High Tech

That allows students with disabilities to show you what they can create

It's not the tool, it’s the function The function of the support tool is the most important component in providing support to a student Highlighter Recorder Timer Word Processor Various versions of each piece of equipment (who and what can this assist with)

Learning Disabilities Smart Pens Audiobooks Text-to-Speech Word Prediction Software Dictation Alternative Keyboards Visual Schedules Timers Alarms

Physical Disabilities Augmentative Communication Touchscreens Onscreen Keyboards Mouse Alternatives Adaptive Chairs Talking Dictionaries Braille Writers Enlarged Font Eye Gaze

AT Is Required When ... A student is not able to equally access their environment or curriculum

Think OUTSIDE of the BOX What CAN be done next? Think OUTSIDE of the BOX

Service Providers Can... Utilize equipment on campus Know and learn the software available on campus Access curriculum supports Accommodate Meet with the IEP team and discuss student needs and possible supports Explain importance of documentation

Assessment is extensive Review briefly and explain Assessment is extensive

AT Documentation on an IEP Can be found on... Special Factors Page Accommodations/Modifications Page What’s the difference?

Accommodations/Modifications Special Factors A student NEEDS the equipment to access his environment or curriculum Accommodations/Modifications A student BENEFITs from having the option of using AT tools for specific tasks

Future of Technology in BUSD The Tech Task Force is developing the Instructional Technology Master Plan. The long term plan is to provide ALL students with technology in the classroom. Upcoming meeting dates and times: February 21st @ 4:00-5:30 March 28, 2017 @ 4:00-5:30 http://www.burbankusd.org/District/Department/Instructional-Technology

AT at Home Typing Club https://www.typingclub.com/sportal/team-2/program-typing-jungle.game Spell Better http://www.spellbetterapp.com Speak It https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speak-it!-text-to-speech/id308629295?mt=8 Inspiration/Kidspiration http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration Read & Write for Google https://rwchrome.texthelp.com/drive/support/home Mod Math http://www.modmath.com MamaOT.com for typing practice

Remember: We’re here to help you Laura Jack, AT Specialist E:Laurajack@burbankusd.org P:818-729-4442 Teri Yee, AT Technician E:Teriyee@burbankusd.org P: 818-729-4419

Questions?