1. Revisioning Inclusive Classroom Environments with AT
Dr. Raymond T. Heipp
Senior Program Manager for Special Education
School Health

2. We ALL Use AT! Visual Impairments Auditory Discrepancies Communication
Glasses/Contacts
Screen enlargements
Auditory Discrepancies
Volume Controls
Microphones and speakers
Communication
Pens/Pencils
Texts

3. Myths Surrounding AT Always specific to an individual student
Clunky and looks like technology
Expensive
Either follows the student or is only used with that specific type of special need

4. Realities Need for desensitization for typical students
AT can be repurposed
We have many of these items already in the school!
Simple may be better in ALL cases
Therapeutic exercises are good for ALL students

5. Starting Point Inventory what you already have and use it!
Be aware that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” device!
We get annoyed by those who say “Think outside the box,” because the box is comfortable and warm!
Amortize any costs you might incur for additional devices to include creating least restrictive environments
My favorite words:
Duct Tape
Velcro

6. Switches Repurpose for classroom interactions
Understand the variety of switches out there!

7. Differentiated switch uses
Standard switch
Answer button
Toy activator
Battery Interupter
Soldering
Pad-style switch
Cause-effect
Digital Page Turning
TEACHING SWIPE MOVEMENT!

8. More differentiated switch uses
Movement Sensor switch
Cause-effect
Activation of sounds
Proximity switch
Cause-effect
PowerPoint

9. AAC Decontextualize the idea of an AAC device
Use as an early literacy support mechanism
Cross-pollination

10. GoTalk-QuickTalker-Tech/Talk in classrooms
Story telling (read alone)
Core Vocabulary review
Math problems
Periodic Table
Foreign Language learning
Historical facts/dates

11. ProxTalker/ProxPad additional uses
Read-alone stories
“Magic square” choice activities
Sentence structuring in early literacy
Review games
Simulation life skills activities

12. Easy Talk-Big Mac-TalkTrak-Talkibles
Classroom instructions
Vocabulary training
Teacher usage (feedback)
Social interactions

13. Computer Access
Creating the inclusive environment with things you might already have
Variety leads to desensitization along with training
Students become the school and community advocates

14. TAPit Accessibility for most students
Even those in wheelchairs/walkers
Multi-touch along with intentional touch
Lesson presentation
“Big Book” reading in libraries
Mobile

15. Specialized Styluses Stylus training Pencil grips
All computer interactions
Via stylus

16. Bluetooth Connected Devices
Wireless mice/keyboards used walking around room
Trackballs for scrolling down pages
Handsfree devices for interaction like Glassouse

17. Vision assistance Easier reading for all 21st century skills
Beginnings of scientific discovery

18. Sensory Feedback and Focus
Good for every student (and adult!)
Not all fidgets are created equally
Sensory feedback can aid in learning
Perceived play can increase attention

19. Fidgets in the classroom
Appropriate
Focus and attention
Limited distraction
Therapeutic
Not-so-much
Cute toy
Not much to offer

20. Sands and Rice and Stones, Oh My!
YES, they are working for all ages and classrooms!

21. Play and its positive outcomes
Increased attention for proprioceptive feedback
Therapeutic results for all
Sensory breaks refocus the mind

22. Dr. Raymond T. Heipp