1. Assistive Technology ED 347 Teaching With Technology Most information taken from: Assistive Technology Training Online http://at-training.com/registered/default.asp Michigan’s Assistive Technology Resourses http://www.matr.org/

2. Assistive Technology Definition Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. Technology Act (IDEA 1998)

3. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) Any assistive technology devices that are necessary to ensure FAPE must be provided at no cost to the parents and the parents cannot be charged for normal use or wear and tear.

4. Technology may offer solutions when... Print size is too small Too much information is on the page or screen Students handwriting is slow and legibility is poor It's difficult to hear all that is being said Text needs to be read aloud in order to complete assignments Organizational skills are weak Manipulatives are difficult to locate and interact with Alternate tasks and materials are required to achieve academic outcomes (i.e., class projects, written and verbal tasks and assessments). http://at-training.com/registered/ATBasics/Hardware/SimpleModifications/school.asp

5. Input Devices How the computer is controlled Switches Mouse devices Keyboards and Keyboard Aids Head Pointing Systems Operating Systems Adaptations Reading and Writing Software Nancy Beukema (WMU pt3 PowerPoint) Nancy Beukema (WMU pt3 PowerPoint)

6. Switches Button Plate or tread TogglePneumaticGrasp Air cushion Karen is able to participate in this cooking activity by pressing a switch to turn on the blender. The environmental control unit provides the interface between the blender and the switch. Switches with special interfaces can be used to control anything electronic from toys to televisions to computers. This area of assistive technology where switches provide a means to independent control of electric or battery-operated devices is often referred to as "Environmental Control Systems". http://at-training.com/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/intro/introprimaryusage.asp

7. Mouse Devices Mouse Alternatives Trackballs Touch pads Touch Screens Mouse Pens iFeel™ Mouse (Logitech)Logitech

8. Onscreen keyboard TheTouchWindow is especially effective with first time computer users, early learners, and students with developmental and/or physical disabilities. Studies show that students learn faster with better retention when they are engaged in the process. The TouchWindow is easy for all students to use, and will keep them actively involved in learning. http://www.riverdeep.net/products/special_needs/touch_window.jhtml http://www.riverdeep.net/products/special_needs/touch_window.jhtml

9. Keyboards Alternative Keyboards Alternative Keyboards Programmable Keyboards Programmable Keyboards Keyboard Shortcuts Keyboard Shortcuts

10. Keyboard Aids Keycaps are key labels with 1/2" letters, numbers, etc., which can make keys easier to see. These labels are available in either black print on white background or white on black and do include special keyboard keys. Keycaps are also available as Brailled key labels that can be used to train blind users to learn keyboarding skills.

11. Keyboard Aids Keyguards These devices, designed for individual keyboards, have finger-sized holes and fit securely over the keys. They are used to prevent accidental key presses by helping a student be more accurate in selecting the correct key. The student can slide her hand across the keyguard and then locate and depress a single key. They are most often made of plastic, but can be found in metal versions. Keyguards are available for most standard keyboards as well as alternate keyboards and Augmentative Communication devices.

12. Keyboard Aids Typing Aid Many students with disabilities can use a standard keyboard but may be under constraints of typing with one hand, with only one or two fingers, with a head pointer, mouthstick or handstick because of poor motor control. Designed for students with limited grasp, this device slips on and off the hand easily and tightens with a Velcro® strap. It has a rubber tip for non-slip touching of the keys.

13. HHHH eeee aaaa dddd P P P P oooo iiii nnnn tttt iiii nnnn gggg S S S S yyyy ssss tttt eeee mmmm ssss For users who are unable to use their hands to control the cursor on the screen or to use the keyboard, Head Pointing systems are available. Scientific American Frontiers: http://www.pbs.org/saf/1205/segments/1205-4.htm http://www.pbs.org/saf/1205/segments/1205-4.htm

14. Operating Systems Adaptations Display Display options allow the user to adjust sizes and colors of window titles, scroll bars, borders, menu text, icons and other elements Mouse Mouse settings allow the mouse pointer to be resized to normal, large or extra-large. Customizing pointer color or adding animation also increases the pointer's visibility. Keyboard Keyboard settings offer options to slow down or turn off the key repeat rate. This is also where you can change the keyboard layout to Dvorak or change the keyboard language for ESL students. Sound Sounds associated with computer actions can be adjusted with the volume control on the bottom menu bar.

15. Accessibility Options Computer operating systems also include built-in accessibility features that are designed specifically to assist persons with disabilities when using a keyboard or mouse. These optional settings may need to be downloaded from the Systems CD. These utilities can make interacting with software easier by giving a student increased control. Accessibility options have been built into software and operating systems to provide equal and reasonable access to the world of computers. The following features are available: Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, Mouse Keys, RepeatKeys, Sound Sentry. Programs/Accessories/Accessibility Accessibility Wizard: helps you configure your computer for your vision, hearing and mobility needs Magnifier: Options for built-in screen magnification

16. RRRR eeee aaaa dddd iiii nnnn gggg a a a a nnnn dddd W W W W rrrr iiii tttt iiii nnnn gggg S S S S oooo ffff tttt wwww aaaa rrrr eeee Talking Word Processors Text and Screen Readers Scan to Speak Programs Screen Magnifications Word Prediction Speech Recognition Printing

17. Assistive Technology Assignment- Modified You will need to submit a PowerPoint Presentation on assistive technology that shows an understanding of Assistive Technology. The PowerPoint lesson must include at least five slides and each slide must have at least one photo or other graphical image on it. Your mini lesson should also include a beginning title slide, one or more information slides, a sample product slide, and a simple bio page at the end. The lesson should include "action buttons" that direct the student through the lesson. Students are encouraged to use slide transitions, animations, and sound effects. Be sure to read about the legal issues that you should consider when you copy files off the internet.