Assistive Technology Marla Roll, MS, OTR December 15, 2010 Denver Options

Objectives for today: Review of an assistive technology model (HAAT) Overview of assistive technology possibilities Process and discussion for supporting your needs ( screening tool, etc.)

Assessment of Need HAAT model – Human Activity Assistive Technology Identify tasks – strategies and technologies to support the tasks Cultural and social contexts ( learner style, socioeconomic status, other factors) Physical location of the user  Screening tool seems to reflect these factors

HAAT defined Human – what is the person like? What is meaningful to them, what are their strengths, etc. Activity – what will they be doing with the technology? Assistive technology – the stuff Context – where will they use it? Home, work, portable, outside, etc.?

HAAT - diagram The simpler the tech is to use, the less likely it is to be abandoned. Assistive Technology Activity Human Context/ Environment

MemoryMemory Recording – devices that sort info that can be replayed later, e.g. short memos ◦ Built into PDA’s, cell phones Word completion and prediction – software that aids memory during a written communication task. Information retrieval – PDA and cell phone schedulers Reminder alarm devices Examples are Memory message, Watch Minder

Time Management Aid in planning, prioritizing, and execution of daily and time-dependent tasks. Specialized watches, electronic time panel, Schedule Assistant software, Smart phones  Examples: adapted watches, tablet apps

Prompting/Cueing/CoachingPrompting/Cueing/Coaching Devices or software that informs a user that an action should be taken – provides cues for how to complete the task. ◦ E.g. to take medication ◦ E.g. high tech prosthetics such as Coach, and ISAAC – programmed by care givers ◦ GPS  Demo of Endeavor/ Ablelink

Language – reading and writing Word prediction e.g. Co-Writer, Read & Write, Word Q( account for phonetic spelling mistakes) Spelling checking programs e.g. Ginger Concept Mapping - e.g. Inspiration  Examples: Inspiration and Ginger

Alternative Input-Means of providing input to a device or a computer Voice recognition e.g. Dragon NS, Mac Speech Portable note-takers e.g. Alphasmart Pulse Pen – Livescribe Adapted keyboards; adapted mice Tablet PC  Examples: Alphasmart, Dragon, Livescribe

Alternative Output - Means of acquiring information from a device  Auditory learners – text to speech  Multi-modal – see and hear the text  Digital books – MP3 and Daisy  Scanning and reading pens  Scanning & reading software  Software to change display options  Electronic study tools – highlighting, talking dictionaries, word wizard, masking, others….  Web Readers  Examples : Kurzweil 3000, Class Mate Reader, Intel Reader

Mainstream Devices: (these are not AT) Computers Mp3 Players E-Book Readers Hand Helds – smart phones I-Pods and I-Pads – Android Tablets Windows Tablets

Consider responsibility of the environment: Public schools – IDEA ◦ speaks to requirement of school districts to provide assistive technology for educational access Section 504 of the Rehab Act ◦ Requires an accommodation plan  TBI Trust - Consider buying technology that goes back and forth, is for personal assistance, etc…

Who’s responsible (con’t): Higher Education ADA – Title II – school must provide equal access Section 504 of the Rehab Act – school must provide “ reasonable accommodations:.  TBI Trust - Consider covering personal devices, or devices that go beyond “reasonableness”

Who’s responsible (con’t): Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Covers “Rehabilitation technology services, including assistive technology devices, assistive technology services, and rehabilitation engineering services to address barriers encountered by an individual in attaining or retaining employment.” Seems to vary greatly based on individual counselors knowledge and experience with AT.

Who’s responsible (con’t): Workplace ◦ Title I- requires that employers provide a “reasonable accommodation” for employees to have equal opportunities in the workplace. ◦ Could include assistive technology accommodations.

Your trust dollars could greatly assist with: Transitions: ◦ Between school and work ◦ Between services or between jobs For personal assists that are not school or work related. ◦ E.g schedulers, calendars, watches, etc…

Freebies:Freebies:  Numerous low cost or no cost options to address scheduling, memory, etc.  See Handout 

Assistive Tech Process: Use of the screening tool: 1. Fill out the Pre – Screen Questions 2. directly to Marla as an attachment or in the body 3. Consultation around options will be provided 4. Recommendations for full AT assessment

Review Forms: Pre-screening questionnaire Consultation Summary

Consider an outcome measure in your process: Follow – up: Functional Outcomes are the only real measure of the success of AT devices and services!!! Are they reading, working, speaking, etc., ?

Marla’s Contact Info: