1. NY State APSE 2013 Supported Employment Training Institute Promoting Vocational Independence Through Assistive Technology Presented by Lisa Tebo, OTR/L, ATP ADK Abilities lisatebo@adkabilities.com

2. Today’s Learning Objectives Gain a general understanding of assistive technology (AT) and how it is selected Become familiar with areas that may be addressed through AT Review a variety of tools that are readily available to promote independence in the work place

3. What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology Services Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Assistive Technology Device Any item, piece of equipment or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of an individual with a disability AT falls on a continuum LOW TECH HIGH TECH

4. Areas addressed by AT Communication Reading, Writing & Math Self-Help Skills Physical Access Mobility & Positioning Recreation Executive Functioning

5. Who uses “Assistive Technology”?

6. How is AT selected? Person Environment Tasks Tools Modified from the SETT Framework, Zabala 2002

7. Let’s Explore: Tools That Promote Efficiency, Independence and Success

8. Symbols, pictures and videos Audio recordings Communication aids –Low tech communication boards –Simple communication devices –Advanced AAC devices Communication

9. Modifications to environment, tools or objects –Built-up handles, velcro, Dycem Alternate computer access –Operating system accessibility features –Adaptive keyboards and mice, touchscreen –Speech recognition –Alternate access (i.e. switches) Physical Access

10. Adaptive equipment Checklists Social stories Timers & reminders Self-Help Skills

11. Symbols, pictures, videos & audio Specialized software –Text-to-speech –Speech-to-text –Word Prediction Handheld spellers and scanners Smartpens Adaptive calculator (enlarged or talking) Money identifier Reading, Writing & Math

12. Talking clocks/watches Visual schedules Digital calendars –Google Calendar –Picture Planner Organizational apps –NotifyMe Online reminder service –Memo to Me Executive Functioning Time Management

13. Visual Supports Social stories, flipbooks, videos Pocket Mods Voice Cue Recorder Timers Watch Minder Sensory Breaks & Fidgets Executive Functioning Task Completion & Sustained Attention

14. Executive Functioning Organization of Materials Color coding Adequate storage containers Duplicate sets Electronic storage

15. LOW VISION / BLINDNESS Enlarged computer monitors Operating system accessibility features Magnification software Screen readers Handheld scanners CCTV

16. Keys to Success Involve “key players” in decision making Provide explicit instruction on use of tools or strategies Model appropriate use Monitor and make changes as needed

17. Resources Rehab Research and Training Center - www.worksupport.com www.worksupport.com AbleData - www.abledata.comwww.abledata.com Alliance for Technology Access – www.ataccess.org www.ataccess.org UNH Institute on Disability – http://www.iod.unh.edu/PriorityAreas/assis tivetechnology/resources/iPadApplications AccessoriesandModifications.aspx http://www.iod.unh.edu/PriorityAreas/assis tivetechnology/resources/iPadApplications AccessoriesandModifications.aspx