Assistive Technology Jennifer Hart Polly Foley Erin Tantillo

What is Assistive Technology? Devices used by children and adults with disabilities. Designed to compensate for functional limitations. Enhance and increase learning, independence, mobility, communication, environmental control and choice.

Types of Technology Low-Tech-Equipment and other supports readily available in schools, including off-the- shelf items to accommodate the needs of students. High-Tech - Supports students who may need more specialized equipment and support services beyond basic assistive technology, often students with low incidence and/or significant/severe disabilities.

Low-Technology for High-Incidence Disabilities: LD/Communication Disorders/MR Liquid paper Liquid paper Pencil grips Pencil grips Raised-line paper Raised-line paper Post-it notes Post-it notes Highlighters Highlighters

Misspeller’s Dictionary Misspeller’s Dictionary Index tabs Index tabs EZC reader- reading strips EZC reader- reading strips Hand-held tape recorder Hand-held tape recorder

High-Technology for high-incidence disabilities: LD/Communication Disorders/MR Word prosessor (Quickpad, Alphasmart) Reading and writing software Multi-media software (powerpoint, Inspiration)

Assistive Technology for Students with BD WatchMinder Behavior modification through video

High-Tech Resources for Hearing Impairments Link-it array microphone system Link-it array microphone system Chatpack desktop sound field system Chatpack desktop sound field system Tactaid Tactaid

Hearing Impairments- Resources

Orthopedic Impairments Communication boards Modified mouse Switches Keyguard Altered keyboard

Autism DDDDigital camera PPPPicture making software

Visual Impairments- high -tech Help  Mobility Aid  Braille Machine

Visual Impairments-low-tech assistance Voice recognition software Position in classroom Text to speech software Braille translation software

Working with technology Opt for open-ended devices Opt for open-ended devices Try lowest technology first Try lowest technology first Collaborate with other teachers Collaborate with other teachers Collaborate with parents Collaborate with parents

Working with Technology Cont. Ensure that devices used by students are age and gender appropriate Ensure that devices used by students are age and gender appropriate Use the assistive technology even if it is new to you Use the assistive technology even if it is new to you Know School district policy concerning equipment Know School district policy concerning equipment Be willing to ask for training on equipment Be willing to ask for training on equipment Experiment with assistive technology Experiment with assistive technology

In Class Application Computers- can be either low tech or high tech often it depends on the software. Computers can enrich students’ education and assist all students in maximizing their interests. Computers- can be either low tech or high tech often it depends on the software. Computers can enrich students’ education and assist all students in maximizing their interests. Instructional assistants- large array of computer software for all ages. Instructional assistants- large array of computer software for all ages. EXAMPLES : teaching mathematics, supporting student journal writing, strategic reading. EXAMPLES : teaching mathematics, supporting student journal writing, strategic reading. Motivational tool Motivational tool Means for adaptive communication Means for adaptive communication Data collection tool Data collection tool Portfolio Portfolio Teacher record keeping Teacher record keeping Teacher communication Teacher communication

IEPS- Individual Education Programs IEP software- enables educators to write the IEP electronically State and local IEP policies and forms- needed for intervention assistance teams, special education referral, IEPs, and other special education activities. RESOURCE: Additional IEP software Council for Exceptional Education htm htm

INCLUDE ☺ Identify environmental, curricular, and instructional classroom demands. ☺ Note student learning strengths and needs. ☺ Check for potential areas of student success. ☺ Look for potential problem areas ☺ Use information gathered to brainstorm instructional adaptation ☺ Decide which adaptation to implement ☺ Evaluate student progress ☺

Cooperative learning and Peer relationships ∞ Cooperative learning- helps overcome barriers on cooperative learning group that are heavily based on reading skills or quick communication. ∞ Peer relationships- dialogue journals and problem- solving videos

Collaboration ► Sharing of information among colleagues, traditionally when professionals interact face to face or over the phone. ► Internet- enables professionals from all over the country and other countries as well to share ideas, ask questions, and provide support to others. ► “A Practical Guide for Educators” csc/collaboration.guide csc/collaboration.guide

Additional Assistive Technology Links ► Useful Websites for Teachers Technology for everyone Technology for everyone Assistive technology for students with disabilities Assistive technology for students with disabilities Assistive technology consideration Assistive technology consideration Innovation without boundaries Innovation without boundaries

BIBLOGRAPHY Friend, M. & Bursuck, W. D., (2002). Including Students with Special Needs. Boston: Pearson Education Co. Krick, W. “Enable Mart;” Mindnautilus.com Mindnautilus.com 05/30/04http:// Davis, J. “Assistive Technology.” Sitequest.com Sitequest.com 05/30/04. Brawley, R., “Assisitive Technology.” California Department of Education. 04/27,/04. CDE 05,/30/ Rowley, B. “Family Village School.” Wisc.Edu. 11/03/03. Wisc.Edu 05/30/04