Assessing for Assistive Technology Needs Leyna Bencomo 2014

WHAT DO WE KNOW? Intake Specialist’s recommendations and notes. Medical opinions. IEP and outside experts’ opinions. What the student tells us they need.

WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO DETERMINE? How to Accommodate the Student

WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW? What are the student’s obstacles to learning? What goal is the student hoping to reach? What is the learning environment? What re really need to know is: What are the individual’s specific obstacles to meeting this stated goal within this particular environment

1. THE STUDENT’S GOAL Subjective Questions Classes this semester Post graduation plans Checking the LMS Are classes on degree plan Major Previous class history

2. THE CLASS ENVIRONMENT Questions Where are classes located Field trips required Visit the classroom Classroom technology Universal design Speak to the Instructor Read the Syllabus

3. Discovering The Obstacles The Private Interview Establish a rapport Allow student to get comfortable with computer Reduce anxiety Distraction free Safe zone for personal revelations

3. Discovering The Obstacles Questions to Ask Home Life / Social Life School History / Status Mode of Transportation Devices owned Work Situation Skills ◦ Reading, writing, typing, math, computer literacy ◦ Study ability ◦ Note taking ability

3. Discovering The Obstacles Objective – Observations Reading skills Writing and Notes Typing and using Computer Physical Stamina, capacity Vision and Hearing Emotional status, changes Cognitive ability, pace Learning Styles

FORMULATING THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS Summarize the Obstacles Begin working on the Solution

Solutions for Reading Obstacles Text to Speech tool Utilize picture dictionary Focusing tool Automated vocabulary lists Screen masking Teach student to create mp3 files from articles Audio books eBooks

Solutions for Writing Obstacles Mapping tool with auto outline Dictation software Dictation sofware with Digital Recorder input Smart Pen Word prediction Picture dictionary Thesaurus Vocabulary listing

Solutions for Computer Illiteracy Computer familiarity and LMS training Typing class Word processing class Braille /screen reader training Magnification, Color adjustment tools Focusing tool

Solutions for Learning Disabilities Digital Recorders Smart Pen Transcriptions for videos Picture dictionary Highlighting and summarizing tool (R&W) Visual mapping tool

Solutions for Physical and Stamina Obstacles Dictation software One-handed keyboard software ◦ Adjustable table and Ergotronic arm Oversized monitor Task lighting Ergonomic chair White noise, music Private room Alternate Mouse Screen reader and Braille for the blind Magnification and color adjustment for low vision students

CREATE A PLAN Document in the Case File Alert the Intake Specialist Send Plan and Recommendations to Student Schedule Training Appointments Coordinate any alternate media production Refer to academic tutoring department, TRIO, specialized student clubs, etc.

FOLLOW THROUGH Install and configure hardware and software in classrooms and labs. Loan the student AT equipment Keep training appointments Monitor student progress Encourage communication Visit the classroom Document all contacts. Adjust plan as needed

Assessing for Assistive Technology Needs Leyna Bencomo 2014 Contact information: Look for me at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs starting December 1, 2014