1. The Evolution of Michael’s Assistive Technology Journey
Leslie Bailiff
Orientation and Mobility Specialist, C.O.M.S., M.A.

2. Michael London

3. Michael-Background
Born with hyperinsulinism (means the amount of insulin in your blood is higher).
After the episode, had his pancreas removed.
He is Type 1 Diabetic.
Severely visually impaired and has a speech delay (Stutter)

4. Michael’s Vision Impairment
Michael’s visual acuity is 20/1700 measured in both eyes with a reduced contrast sensitivity.
Michelson test and other assessment tools
UC Berkeley Special Vision Assessment Clinic yearly testing

5. Michael’s O&M services
Michael has been receiving O&M since kindergarten
Most of his current O&M service is a blend of technology and travel in the community.
He is attending a local community college and takes a variety of classes
He is enrolled in the workability program
Over the years, he has worked on a variety of O&M skills not related to technology
With his transition program he also travels ( 1.5 miles away from the school) into Community in small groups (with a one-on-one) outing with his class
Human guide, Basic cane skills, Car and seatbelt familiarization, Cardinal directions, Landmarking and learning new campuses, Street crossing, A.P.S, Clock face Directions, Compass directions, Intersection analysis, Customer service, Independent purchases (with photos) in a local store

6. A.T. Vision and O&M Goal history
O&M- Goals worked on
Grade/AT used
Goals
2011/2012
Middle School: Humanware notetaker with Qwerty keyboard
- Michael will turn on, start up, connect and listen to at least 3 features about his environment using a GPS – (goal focused on the device)
2013/2014
High School: Given direct instruction and the use of a GPS unit, (Humanware notetaker with Qwerty keyboard)
Michael will create a POI (point of interest) on the GPS unit
Michael will create and travel a route (on HS campus) using a note taker with GPS device
2015/2016
High School: Given direct instruction and the use of a GPS unit, (IPhone/IPad with Apps )
create a POI (point of interest) on the GPS unit then listen to it
Michael will find and create a route from his home to the closest Bank ATM using GPS technology
2017/2018
Transition Program: Goals in progress: IPhone with Apps
-Tap Tap See, Be My Eyes AI Facial Recognition in a mobility environment Apps
As a Specialist writing goals is always a challenge. I always think to myself where do I want this child to be in 1 year. I always want to over challenge a child. But I always want them to meet the goal. Every year Michael and (over met) met the goal and has been waiting more to challenge him.

7. Michael’s O&M Technology
Michael started out using the Trekker Breeze
Michael then moved to the Voicenote GPS with Qwerty keyboard
Michael also used an IPad with gestures, then a keyboard (with Bluetooth) with Maps/GPS programs
Michael is currently using an IPhone 8 with Bluetooth keyboard (Esynic-folding)
Apps he is using: Seeing AI, Be My Eyes, Tap Tap See, Near By Explorer, Google Maps,
Bone conducting headphones
1st –Treker Breeze- 1x-
2nd- Voicenote- years
3rd Ipad with stand with blue keyboard
4th Iphone with a number of keyboards

8. GPS Trekker Breeze- (Humanware) Voicenote (Humanware)
Michael was first introduced to this device (2011)
Voicenote (Humanware)
Michael transitioned to the Voicenote with a Qwerty keyboard and receiver in
IPhone with Esynic-folding Keyboard (2014-present)
Michael started learning basic IOS commands on an IPad and then transitioned to his IPhone
Breeze-This device was a challenge for him because it did not have a keyboard and the device had trouble connecting and took a long time starting up
He has very exited about hearing auditory information about the intersection, cardinal directions, the unit would describe the intersection and some basic environmental information, but he wanted more.
Voicenote-Michael transitioned to the Voicenote with a Qwerty keyboard and receiver in
He then began creating routes to destinations and also marking favorites
Michael learn basic featured like: what is my address, what city am I in,
Michael really quickly advanced with this unit and understood what he could do with this.
After learning the basic skills he was marking (creating POI’s-Auditory) on his school campus
Iphone-Michael started using his phone for texting and using the Apps on any page
Michael started learning basic IOS commands on an IPad and then transitioned to his IPhone
Michael is able to turn up, pair his keyboard, select the App he need and fully use the program he wants to use.
Due to Michael’s speech issues(stuttering issue)he is unable to use any speech device
GPS Trekker Breeze-

9. Resources
iPad
Mock Keyboard

10. IPhone with Keyboard IPad with keyboard IPhone with keyboard
He started learning on a standard computer learning the Qwerty keyboard
IPhone with keyboard
Many trials of different keyboard
Modifications to assist him
Once we determined that due to Michael’s speech issues (stuttering prevented him from using Siri and he was not able to use the gestures due to his lack of feeling and coordination we knew we needed him to use a keyboard to type and navigate things. So we started down the road to find the right keyboard for him. His family (his mom) really was the best support. She tends to buy and try different things to find what works best for him. Michael uses modification to how he uses the keyboard.
Use index finger to press

11. Teaching tools used that helped to achieve the goals
IA’s support.
Curriculum for lessons, charts
O&M Specialist made a “mock” keyboard (keys were used from a broken unit)
Special markers (raised glue dots)
Tools
IA’s support-Skilled and trained to re-enforced in goal areas ( when I am not there)- while walking to college, in class when I am not there
The VA Curriculum and charts and photos on shopping trips
Mock keyboard- Humanware- old keys made to practice – at school site used when O&M not there
Practice, Practice, Practice.. Challenge of plugging in the unit
Raised line markers were placed on his GPS receiver to help him learn to line up the charger and plug.

12. Summary
Michael’s journey from middle school through the transition program using technology has been life changing.
Allow learning to create your “next step”, if your student masters the step your teaching moves forward. If the student doesn’t, modify/adjust what you are teaching and decide if they are ready for the next step.
Dream for where your student wants to go, to support them in reaching their goal. While on this journey, things may be created to get them beyond their dreams. (Michael is proof you can get there).

13. Resources
Esynic keyboard- Bluetooth Tri-fold wireless Ultra Slim Keyboard
Humanware- - Trekker Breeze and VoiceNote :
Stickers- clear dots for location markers on the keyboard
iPad stand- Older generation of Ipad stand used

14. Resources AfterShokz- Bone conducting headphones-
Sendero- VoiceNote with GPS and manuals and map upgrades
Keyboards-apple, misc
and