Introduction to Assistive Technology Adapted from FDLRS-Technology State Loan Library Mark Cerasale – Administrator Diane Penn - Technology Specialist

What is FDLRS-TSLL?  A specialized center in the FDLRS Network  Operate loan library  Operate demonstration lab  Maintain a web-site  Conduct Awareness Trainings Florida Diagnostic Learning Resources System Technology State Loan Library

What is Assistive Technology? “ Any device and/or service that is determined to be educationally necessary for a child to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) & helps these individuals to interact with the world around them!”

WHY?? The Law states that you must address assistive technology needs on the IEP To best serve the needs of the student Assistive technology is not just for the most severe student, students with mild disabilities can benefit from assistive devices ( IDEA) Section of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations

For people with normal abilities, technology makes doing things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes doing things possible. (Mary Pat Radabaugh, RESNA, 1990)

Assistive Technology Legislation  PL (1975) FAPE - Free & Appropriate Public Education  PL (1983) Pre-school  PL (1988) Tech Act- Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act  PL (1990) ADA - Americans with Disabilities Public Access  PL becomes IDEA (1990,1997) & reauthorization of IDEA 2004: AT & transition

Things to Consider Before Looking at AT Student Environment Tasks Tools

Student What does Student need to do? What are the Student’s special needs and current abilities

Environment Instructional and physical arrangements? Special concerns? Materials and equipment available Supports available daily to student and people working with studend Attitudes and expectations of people? Will it affect student’s performance?

Tasks Activities occurring in student’ natural environment What is everyone else doing Critical elements of activities How can activities be modified to accommodate student’s special needs?

AT Continuum

The AT Continuum Focus on problem areas defined by: the task the need associated with that task different environments in which that task is done Decide on a full continuum of low to high tech tools.

The AT Continuum TasksNeedsEnvironments Low Tech Mid Tech High Tech Decision Variables Tools to Try First, determine which areas are still problematic for the student. Second, determine what need is associated with the problem area. Without this step, you can’t find the best tool. Finally, look at each environment in which the tool might be used. Remember that different environments might require different tools.

The AT Toolbox Approach

Assistive Technology Categories Computer Access Environ. Controls AAC Assistive Listening Visual Aids Mobility Recreation Leisure Play Positioning Self Care Computer- based Instruction

No tech  Highlighter tape  Colored overlays  Stamps  Unique rulers  Battery operated items  Positioning aids  Look at other ways to use something. Have fun and be creative!

The LoTTIE (Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education) Kit Used with students who have special needs. Used in the field of assistive technology evaluation Provides tools that help with reading, math, and organizational skills LoTTIE Kit Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education

Low Tech   Simple technology- few moving parts, low maintenance, low cost  Simple communication devices  Switches  Battery Device Adaptors  Switch operated devices

High Tech  Generally higher cost  More maintenance  Frequently electronic (computer, AAC device, power chair)  Usually part of a range of solutions with the no tech and low tech  Frequently requires more supports including: training for both student, school staff and others involved in student’s life

Computer Adaptations Try built-in adaptations first Enlarge font Change color of background or font Sticky or slow keys Sound or visual alerts Mouse speed Enlarged cursor On-screen keyboards Enlarge display Speak information on screen Simplified desktop ***************************************************************** ******* Start>Programs>Accessories>Accessibility OR Start>Control Panel>Accessibility Options

 Eye Gaze  Alternative Mice  Alternative Keyboard  Voice recognition  Braille  Switches  Instructional software Computer Based Instruction   Written expression  Spelling  Basic Reasoning  Organizational skills Computer Access

Visual Aids Magnifiers Braille Screen readers Large print Symbols & Signs

Enlarged Keyboards Alternative Keyboards Mini Keyboards One-handed Keyboards Ergonomic Keyboards Programmable Keyboard On-Screen Keyboards

Alternative Mice   Track ball  Touch Window  Click options  Head pointing  Joysticks  Mouse keys  Track pad, alternate pointing devices  Change mouse action in control panel

Augmentative & Alternative Communication Visual strategies/symbols Speech output devices Print output devices Manual communication boards

Assistive Listening Hearing aids TTY - text telephone Visual alerting system Amplification systems

Self Care Recreation/Leisure/Play Environmental Controls Positioning Mobility

Self Care Eating Bathing Dressing Toileting Grooming Cooking

FDLRS-TECH FDLRS-FIMC Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired –Tampa FDLRS-RMTC Resource Materials & Technology Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – St. Augustine FDLRS-TSLL Technology State Loan Library-Sanford WHO CAN HELP?

Don Johnston- SOLO softwarewww.donjohnston.com Set BC – Special Education Technology-British Columbia setbc.org/default.html setbc.org/default.html ATA - Alliance for Technology Access FAAST – Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology LoTTIE Kits – Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education Resources Kurzweil - Dragon Naturally Speaking -

Contact Us at: Mark Cerasale -Administrator/Program Specialist Diane Penn – Technology Specialist

Exploration Time to explore equipment and devices Q/A