Assistive Technology Assignment REBECCA ELAINE STRICKLAND SPRING – ED 505

What is assistive technology?

“ ” Assistive Technology (AT) is any device or service that helps a student with a disability to meet his/her individualized education program and to participate in the general education setting to the greatest possible extent. Source: should-ms-adelaide-know-about-assistive-technology-and-how-it-is-used-by- students-with-disabilities/at_01/

Students can use assistive technology to: Communicate Move or travel around the school Perform academic tasks Access materials Use proper seating and positioning Participate in social and extracurricular activities

What does the law saw about assistive technology?  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA ’04) defines an assistive technology device as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child and specifically excludes a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device” (e.g., a cochlear implant).  (Authority: 20 U.S.C 1401(1) or IDEA Amendments of P.L , 20 U.S.C. S 1400 et seq., 300.5)

Want to know more about assistive technology?  “Assistive technology devices can be viewed along a continuum from simple items that address problem areas to high-tech devices or equipment that solve problems. Teachers may find that they already have many items in their classrooms that could be considered AT.”  Source- resource/what-should-ms-adelaide-know- about-assistive-technology-and-how-it-is-used- by-students-with-disabilities/at_02/#content

Assistive Technology for the Hearing Impaired

Health professionals use a variety of names to describe assistive devices. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) - help amplify the sounds you want to hear, especially where there’s a lot of background noise. ALDs can be used with a hearing aid or cochlear implant to help a wearer hear certain sounds better Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices - help people with communication disorders to express themselves. These devices can range from a simple picture board to a computer program that synthesizes speech from text Alerting devices - connect to a doorbell, telephone, or alarm that emits a loud sound or blinking light to let someone with hearing loss know that an event is taking place Source: aring/pages/assistive- devices.aspx#2

Example of an Assistive Listening Device Infrared systems use infrared light to transmit sound.

Example of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices The simplest AAC device is a picture board or touch screen that uses pictures or symbols of typical items and activities that make up a person’s daily life.

Example of an alerting device Alerting or alarm devices use sound, light, vibrations, or a combination of these techniques to let someone know when a particular event is occurring.

Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired

Types of Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired  Video Magnifiers  Braille Technology (Braille displays and printers)  Optical Character Recognition Systems  Speech Systems  Magnification Programs for the Computer Screen  Source: technology/assistive-technology/123

Video Magnifiers  A video magnifier, or closed-circuit television (CCTV) system uses a stand-mounted or handheld video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor, a television (TV) screen, or a computer monitor. There is considerable versatility in types of video magnifiers available today.  Source: vision-loss/using-technology/assistive- technology/video-magnifiers-221/1235

Braille Technology  Blind or visually impaired people who read braille can use the following specialized equipment:  Braille display technology which provides access to the information on a computer screen in braille.  Braille printers that provide hardcopy information from computer devices.  Electronic braille notetakers that provide a powerful alternative to mechanical notetakers such as the Perkins Brailler or slate and stylus.  Source: vision-loss/using-technology/assistive- technology/braille-technology/1235

Optical Character Recognition Systems  Optical character recognition (OCR) technology offers blind and visually impaired persons the capacity to scan printed text and then speak it back in synthetic speech or save it to a computer. Little technology exists to interpret graphics such as line art, photographs, and graphs into a medium easily accessible to blind and visually impaired persons. It also is not yet possible to convert handwriting, whether script or block printing, into an accessible medium.  There are three essential elements to OCR technology—scanning, recognition, and reading text.  Source: loss/using-technology/assistive-technology/optical- character-recognition-systems/1235

Speech Systems  A synthetic speech system is composed of two parts: the synthesizer that does the speaking, and the screen reader that tells the synthesizer what to say. The synthesizers used with PCs are text-to-speech systems. Their programming includes all the phonemes and grammatical rules of a language. This allows them to pronounce words correctly. Names and compound words can cause problems, as they often contain unusual spellings and letter combinations.  The synthesizer is usually software that works via the computer's sound card. Some synthetic speech sounds robotic, although some can sound almost human. Synthesizers are included when users purchase a screen reader.  Source: loss/using-technology/assistive-technology/speech- systems/1235

Magnification Programs for the Computer Screen  Screen magnification software programs are loaded into the computer's memory, and remain active so as to magnify the text and graphics that appear in programs and applications run thereafter.  Source: loss/using-technology/assistive- technology/magnification-programs-for-the- computer-screen/1235

Assistive Technology for the Learning Disabled

What types of learning problems does assistive technology address? Assistive technology can address many different learning disabilities. There are AT tools to help students that struggle with listening, math, organization and memory, reading, and writing.

Assistive Technology for students that struggle with listening: Paper Based Computer Pen This technology records and links audio to what a person writes using the pen and special paper. It enables the user to take notes while simultaneously recording someone( e.g., a teacher) speaking. The user can later listen to any section of his notes by touching the pen to his corresponding handwriting or diagrams. Personal FM Listening Systems A personal FM listening system transmits a speaker's voice directly to the user's ear. This may help the listener focus on what the speaker is saying. The unit consists of a wireless transmitter (with microphone) worn by the speaker and a receiver (with earphone) worn by the listener. Source: education/assistive-technology/959-listening- tools.gs?content=959 Variable Speed Tape Recorders Tape recorders/players allow a user to listen to pre-recorded text or to capture spoken information (e.g., a classroom lecture) and play it back later. Variable-speed control (VSC) tape recorders speed up or slow down the playback rate without distorting the "speaker's" voice.

Assistive Technology for students that struggle with math Electronic Math Worksheets Electronic math worksheets are software programs that can help a user organize, align, and work through math problems on a computer screen. Numbers that appear onscreen can also be read aloud via a speech synthesizer. This may be helpful to people who have trouble aligning math problems with pencil and paper. Paper Based Computer Pen This technology records and links audio to what a person writes using the pen and special paper. It enables the user to take notes while simultaneously recording someone (e.g., a teacher) speaking. The user can later listen to any section of his notes by touching the pen to his corresponding handwriting or diagrams. Talking Calculators A talking calculator has a built-in speech synthesizer that reads aloud each number, symbol, or operation key a user presses; it also vocalizes the answer to the problem. This auditory feedback may help him check the accuracy of the keys he presses and verify the answer before he transfers it to paper. Source: education/assistive-technology/949-math- tools.gs?content=9 49

Assistive Technology for students that struggle with organization and writing Free-Form Database Software Used in conjunction with word processing or other software, this tool allows the user to create and store electronic notes by "jotting down" relevant information of any length and on any subject. The student can later retrieve the information by typing any fragment of the original note. Source: education/assistive-technology/945-organization- memory-tools.gs?content=945 Information/Data Managers This type of tool helps a person plan, organize, store, and retrieve his calendar, task list, contact data, and other information in electronic form. Personal data managers may be portable, hand-held devices, computer software, or a combination of those tools working together to share data. Paper Based Computer Pen This technology records and links audio to what a person writes using the pen and special paper. It enables the user to take notes while simultaneously recording someone (e.g., a teacher) speaking. The user can later listen to any section of his notes by touching the pen to his corresponding handwriting or diagrams.

Assistive Technology for students that struggle with reading Audio Books and Publications Recorded books allow users to listen to text and are available in a variety of formats, such as audiocassettes, CDs, and MP3 downloads. Special playback units allow users to and search and bookmark pages and chapters. Subscription services offer extensive electronic library collections. Optical Character Recognition This technology allows a user to scan printed material into a computer or handheld unit. The scanned text is then read aloud via a speech synthesis/screen reading system. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is available as stand-alone units, computer software, and as portable, pocket-sized devices. Source: education/assistive-technology/948- reading-tools.gs?content=948

Assistive Technology for students that struggle with writing Abbreviation Expanders Used with word processing, these software programs allow a user to create, store, and re-use abbreviations for frequently-used words or phrases. This can save the user keystrokes and ensure proper spelling of words and phrases he has coded as abbreviations. Alternative Keyboards These programmable keyboards have special overlays that customize the appearance and function of a standard keyboard. Students who have LD or have trouble typing may benefit from customization that reduces input choices, groups keys by color/location, and adds graphics to aid comprehension. Source: -education/assistive-technology/960- writing-tools.gs?content=960 Graphic Organizers and Outlining Graphic organizers and outlining programs help users who have trouble organizing and outlining information as they begin a writing project. This type of program lets a user "dump" information in an unstructured manner and later helps him organize the information into appropriate categories and order.

Assistive Technology for the Physically Disabled

There are assistive technology devices to help with many different aspects of being physically disabled.  The following are some examples of different types of assistive technology devices:  Aids to Daily Living  Access and Environmental Controls  Mobility  Positioning  Source: ation/learning- disabilities/strategies-for-learning- disabilities/assistive-technology- devices/

Aids to Daily Living  Special tools for daily activities, like brushing teeth, dressing or eating. This includes adapted utensils, plates and cups, non-skid surfaces, and specially designed toilet seats and shower stalls.

Access and Environmental Controls  Devices that allow increased control of the environment or that open up access to things in the environment. This includes electronic controls like switches, special keyboards or mice, and remote controls as well as things that help people get around the community, like ramps, automatic door openers, and Braille signs.

Mobility  Equipment that allows a student with a physical or visual disability to move independently and safely through the community. This includes wheelchairs, walkers, and adapted bicycles.

Positioning  Any support that helps a student with a physical disability remain in a good position for learning without becoming tired. This includes adjustable chairs, tables, standers, wedges and straps.

References assistive technology - American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/123 assistive technology devices. learning disabilities. education | PBS Parents. (n.d.). Retrieved from disabilities/strategies-for-learning-disabilities/assistive-technology-devices assistive technology tools: listening - assistive technology | GreatSchools. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/959-listening-tools.gs?content=959 assistive technology tools: math - assistive technology | GreatSchools. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/949-math-tools.gs?content=949

References cont. assistive technology tools: organization and memory - assistive technology | GreatSchools. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/945-organization-memory-tools.gs?content=945 assistive technology tools: reading - assistive technology | GreatSchools. (n.d.). Retrieved from tools.gs?content=948 assistive technology tools: writing - assistive technology | GreatSchools. (n.d.). Retrieved from tools.gs?content=960 assistive devices for people with hearing, voice, speech, or language disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved from devices.aspx#2

References cont. braille technology - American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/braille-technology/1235 IRIS | Page 1: assistive technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from know-about-assistive-technology-and-how-it-is-used-by-students-with- disabilities/at_01 IRIS | Page 2: assistive technology devices. (n.d.). Retrieved from know-about-assistive-technology-and-how-it-is-used-by-students-with- disabilities/at_02/#content magnification programs for the computer screen - American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/assistive-technology/magnification-programs-for-the-computer- screen/1235http://

References cont. optical character recognition systems - American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/optical-character-recognition-systems/1235 speech systems - American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/speech-systems/1235 video magnifiers - American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Retrieved from technology/video-magnifiers-221/1235