Revisioning Inclusive Classroom Environments with AT Dr. Raymond T. Heipp Senior Program Manager for Special Education School Health

We ALL Use AT! Visual Impairments Auditory Discrepancies Communication Glasses/Contacts Screen enlargements Auditory Discrepancies Volume Controls Microphones and speakers Communication Pens/Pencils Email Texts

Myths Surrounding AT Always specific to an individual student Clunky and looks like technology Expensive Either follows the student or is only used with that specific type of special need

Realities Need for desensitization for typical students AT can be repurposed We have many of these items already in the school! Simple may be better in ALL cases Therapeutic exercises are good for ALL students

Starting Point Inventory what you already have and use it! Be aware that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” device! We get annoyed by those who say “Think outside the box,” because the box is comfortable and warm! Amortize any costs you might incur for additional devices to include creating least restrictive environments My favorite words: Duct Tape Velcro

Switches Repurpose for classroom interactions Understand the variety of switches out there!

Differentiated switch uses Standard switch Answer button Toy activator Battery Interupter Soldering Pad-style switch Cause-effect Digital Page Turning TEACHING SWIPE MOVEMENT!

More differentiated switch uses Movement Sensor switch Cause-effect Activation of sounds Proximity switch Cause-effect PowerPoint

AAC Decontextualize the idea of an AAC device Use as an early literacy support mechanism Cross-pollination

GoTalk-QuickTalker-Tech/Talk in classrooms Story telling (read alone) Core Vocabulary review Math problems Periodic Table Foreign Language learning Historical facts/dates

ProxTalker/ProxPad additional uses Read-alone stories “Magic square” choice activities Sentence structuring in early literacy Review games Simulation life skills activities

Easy Talk-Big Mac-TalkTrak-Talkibles Classroom instructions Vocabulary training Teacher usage (feedback) Social interactions

Computer Access Creating the inclusive environment with things you might already have Variety leads to desensitization along with training Students become the school and community advocates

TAPit Accessibility for most students Even those in wheelchairs/walkers Multi-touch along with intentional touch Lesson presentation “Big Book” reading in libraries Mobile

Specialized Styluses Stylus training Pencil grips All computer interactions Via stylus

Bluetooth Connected Devices Wireless mice/keyboards used walking around room Trackballs for scrolling down pages Handsfree devices for interaction like Glassouse

Vision assistance Easier reading for all 21st century skills Beginnings of scientific discovery

Sensory Feedback and Focus Good for every student (and adult!) Not all fidgets are created equally Sensory feedback can aid in learning Perceived play can increase attention

Fidgets in the classroom Appropriate Focus and attention Limited distraction Therapeutic Not-so-much Cute toy Not much to offer

Sands and Rice and Stones, Oh My! YES, they are working for all ages and classrooms!

Play and its positive outcomes Increased attention for proprioceptive feedback Therapeutic results for all Sensory breaks refocus the mind

Dr. Raymond T. Heipp rheipp@schoolhealth.com 630-433-7154