The Evolution of Michael’s Assistive Technology Journey Leslie Bailiff Orientation and Mobility Specialist, C.O.M.S., M.A.

Michael London

Michael-Background Born with hyperinsulinism (means the amount of insulin in your blood is higher). After the episode, had his pancreas removed. He is Type 1 Diabetic. Severely visually impaired and has a speech delay (Stutter)

Michael’s Vision Impairment Michael’s visual acuity is 20/1700 measured in both eyes with a reduced contrast sensitivity. Michelson test and other assessment tools UC Berkeley Special Vision Assessment Clinic yearly testing

Michael’s O&M services Michael has been receiving O&M since kindergarten Most of his current O&M service is a blend of technology and travel in the community. He is attending a local community college and takes a variety of classes He is enrolled in the workability program Over the years, he has worked on a variety of O&M skills not related to technology With his transition program he also travels ( 1.5 miles away from the school) into Community in small groups (with a one-on-one) outing with his class Human guide, Basic cane skills, Car and seatbelt familiarization, Cardinal directions, Landmarking and learning new campuses, Street crossing, A.P.S, Clock face Directions, Compass directions, Intersection analysis, Customer service, Independent purchases (with photos) in a local store

A.T. Vision and O&M Goal history O&M- Goals worked on Grade/AT used Goals 2011/2012 Middle School: Humanware notetaker with Qwerty keyboard - Michael will turn on, start up, connect and listen to at least 3 features about his environment using a GPS – (goal focused on the device) 2013/2014 High School: Given direct instruction and the use of a GPS unit, (Humanware notetaker with Qwerty keyboard) Michael will create a POI (point of interest) on the GPS unit Michael will create and travel a route (on HS campus) using a note taker with GPS device 2015/2016 High School: Given direct instruction and the use of a GPS unit, (IPhone/IPad with Apps ) create a POI (point of interest) on the GPS unit then listen to it Michael will find and create a route from his home to the closest Bank ATM using GPS technology 2017/2018 Transition Program: Goals in progress: IPhone with Apps -Tap Tap See, Be My Eyes AI Facial Recognition in a mobility environment Apps As a Specialist writing goals is always a challenge. I always think to myself where do I want this child to be in 1 year. I always want to over challenge a child. But I always want them to meet the goal. Every year Michael and (over met) met the goal and has been waiting more to challenge him.

Michael’s O&M Technology Michael started out using the Trekker Breeze Michael then moved to the Voicenote GPS with Qwerty keyboard Michael also used an IPad with gestures, then a keyboard (with Bluetooth) with Maps/GPS programs Michael is currently using an IPhone 8 with Bluetooth keyboard (Esynic-folding) Apps he is using: Seeing AI, Be My Eyes, Tap Tap See, Near By Explorer, Google Maps, Bone conducting headphones 1st –Treker Breeze- 1x- 2nd- Voicenote- years 3rd Ipad with stand with blue keyboard 4th Iphone with a number of keyboards

GPS Trekker Breeze- (Humanware) Voicenote (Humanware) Michael was first introduced to this device (2011) Voicenote (Humanware) Michael transitioned to the Voicenote with a Qwerty keyboard and receiver in 2011-2014 IPhone with Esynic-folding Keyboard (2014-present) Michael started learning basic IOS commands on an IPad and then transitioned to his IPhone Breeze-This device was a challenge for him because it did not have a keyboard and the device had trouble connecting and took a long time starting up He has very exited about hearing auditory information about the intersection, cardinal directions, the unit would describe the intersection and some basic environmental information, but he wanted more. Voicenote-Michael transitioned to the Voicenote with a Qwerty keyboard and receiver in 2013-2015 He then began creating routes to destinations and also marking favorites Michael learn basic featured like: what is my address, what city am I in, Michael really quickly advanced with this unit and understood what he could do with this. After learning the basic skills he was marking (creating POI’s-Auditory) on his school campus Iphone-Michael started using his phone for texting and using the Apps on any page Michael started learning basic IOS commands on an IPad and then transitioned to his IPhone Michael is able to turn up, pair his keyboard, select the App he need and fully use the program he wants to use. Due to Michael’s speech issues(stuttering issue)he is unable to use any speech device GPS Trekker Breeze-

Resources iPad Mock Keyboard

IPhone with Keyboard IPad with keyboard IPhone with keyboard He started learning on a standard computer learning the Qwerty keyboard IPhone with keyboard Many trials of different keyboard Modifications to assist him Once we determined that due to Michael’s speech issues (stuttering prevented him from using Siri and he was not able to use the gestures due to his lack of feeling and coordination we knew we needed him to use a keyboard to type and navigate things. So we started down the road to find the right keyboard for him. His family (his mom) really was the best support. She tends to buy and try different things to find what works best for him. Michael uses modification to how he uses the keyboard. Use index finger to press

Teaching tools used that helped to achieve the goals IA’s support. Curriculum for lessons, charts O&M Specialist made a “mock” keyboard (keys were used from a broken unit) Special markers (raised glue dots) Tools IA’s support-Skilled and trained to re-enforced in goal areas ( when I am not there)- while walking to college, in class when I am not there The VA Curriculum and charts and photos on shopping trips Mock keyboard- Humanware- old keys made to practice – at school site used when O&M not there Practice, Practice, Practice.. Challenge of plugging in the unit Raised line markers were placed on his GPS receiver to help him learn to line up the charger and plug.

Summary Michael’s journey from middle school through the transition program using technology has been life changing. Allow learning to create your “next step”, if your student masters the step your teaching moves forward. If the student doesn’t, modify/adjust what you are teaching and decide if they are ready for the next step. Dream for where your student wants to go, to support them in reaching their goal. While on this journey, things may be created to get them beyond their dreams. (Michael is proof you can get there).

Resources Esynic keyboard- Bluetooth Tri-fold wireless Ultra Slim Keyboard https://www.amazon.com/Foldable-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Tri-folding-Rechargeable/dp/B00WSL8FH4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521512065&sr=8-4&keywords=%E2%80%A2%09Esynic+keyboard Humanware- - Trekker Breeze and VoiceNote :http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home Stickers- clear dots for location markers on the keyboard http://www.lssproducts.com/product/bump-dot-assorted-pack-clear/labeling-and-identification iPad stand- Older generation of Ipad stand used https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_1?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aipad+stands+and+holders%2Cp_n_condition-type%3A6461716011&keywords=ipad+stands+and+holders&ie=UTF8&qid=1521512422  

Resources AfterShokz- Bone conducting headphones- https://www.amazon.com/AfterShokz-Titanium-Conduction-Headphones-AS600SG/dp/B018XNGQOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521512493&sr=8-1&keywords=bone+conducting+headphones Sendero- VoiceNote with GPS and manuals and map upgrades http://senderogroup.com/ Keyboards-apple, misc https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Keyboard-bluebyte-Wireless-Multi-device/dp/B073JCX3NH/ref=sr_1_6?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1521512641&sr=1-6&keywords=apple+wireless+keyboard and https://www.amazon.com/Logickeyboard-XLPrint-LogicSkin-Black-Keyboard/dp/B01M1NXZVV/ref=sr_1_16?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1521512800&sr=1-16&keywords=large+print+keyboard+wireless