Assistive Technology San Francisco Region Health and Wellness Conference May 10-12, 2006

2 Assistive Technology WHAT? Any item, piece of equipment, or product that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with a disability. EXAMPLES: –Low Tech (eye glasses, magnifier, color coded items, graphic organizers, grab bars…) –Mid Tech (real time captioning, modified utensils, screen modification software, Braille materials…) –High Tech (text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, FM or Loop system, powered wheelchair, remote controlled appliances, )

3 Accessibility  Learning Environment –Curriculum, materials, teaching methods, assessments, participation, progress …  Training Environment –Curriculum, materials, teaching methods, assessments, participation, progress …  Working Environment –Mobility, skills needed, tasks performed  Living Environment –Mobility, tasks/skills needed for independence

4 Overview of Presentation  Rationale for Assistive Technology  Demonstration of low, mid, and high tech  Ideas from the audience  Resources

5 Why Assistive Tech?  Increased independence  Often times it is a low cost solution to access issues  Increased learning & mastery  Provides “just in time” solutions  Provides multi-modal teaching and learning opportunities

6 Demonstration  Low tech –Magnifiers, fraction ruler, colored overlays, graphic organizers, calculator, cassette recorders, pencil grips  Mid tech –Talking tape measure, 5-function wall scanner, electronic spell checker, reading pen, writing templates, talking word processor  High tech –Reading programs, organizational software, text- reader programs, voice recognition software…

7 Ideas from the Audience…  What have you tried?

8 Resources  Job Accommodation Network (JAN)  = Searchable database of AT resources  = Links to adaptive freeware and shareware  = Center for Applied Special Technology  = text-reader program (demonstrated)

9 Staff Resources  Humanitas, Michelle Day - disability program technical assistance ext 409  TCE, Stephanie Bradley - learning disabilities technical assistance or  Humanitas, Diane Fairchild – Learning Disabilities Consultant or  SIATech, Carole Fisher – ELL Coordinator or