1. Assistive Technology in the Classroom Presented by Gerry Altieri Technology Coordinator Special Education Nashville Public Schools E-mail: gerry.altieri@mnps.org

3. Outline Definition of assistive technology The law and assistive technology Universal access Review a few programs and products How to incorporate universal technology into the classroom How to access assistive technology services

4. Definition of Assistive Technology Service “As used in this part, assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device”

5. Legal Mandate PL94-142 2004 IDEA Reauthorization – Assistive technology required to be discussed at all IEP meetings – Continued from 1997 reauthorization Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act – Auxiliary aids and services

6. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 Effective July 1, 2005 Purpose of IDEA ‘04 – “Findings” restated – Progress made since Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 to IDEA ’97 to IDEA ‘04

7. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE IN GENERAL– The term ‘assistive technology device’ means 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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability. EXCEPTION- The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.

8. Changes in AT Movement away from just looking at communication needs and hardware access needs Movement toward instructional strategies and relationship of technology to the individual and class (access to instruction and curriculum)

9. Assistive Technology FAPE (Free appropriate public education) Appropriate when educationally necessary Many times benefits all students Overlaps with educational technology, curriculum, and instructional strategies Is an integral part of the educational process

10. What Is the Role of Assistive Technology? Assisting the learner and the teacher in the classroom Provide the learner with the proper technology Provide training for the learner and the staff

11. Considerations and Myths of Technology Does not replace the teacher Sometimes, low tech is best Technology does not always mean better Some technologies require a skilled user Computers or any technology in the classroom do not always equal learning Technology, like instruction, needs to be individualized for the learner Software programs must match the curriculum

12. Current Brain Research and the relationship to assistive technology

13. Importance of Brain Research Knowledge about the brain and learning has expanded since about 1990 The Pet Scan has opened the window to the mind Implications for teaching and learning Relationship to universal design

14. How Learning Occurs Meaning and emotion The brain is pattern seeking The brain sorts input and decides what is important Learning occurs when you have the students attention and you engage them Need a “Hook” for engagement

15. Universal Design Started in architecture For education that means three things Means removing barriers

16. 3 Principals of Universal Design for Learning 1. Provide multiple representations of content 2. Provide multiple options for expression and control 3. Provide multiple options for engagement and motivation Adapted from the Center for Applied Special Technology web site (www.cast.org)

17. Universal Design Benefits all students, not just special needs students Shows the need for instruction to be individualized and flexible Forces us to examine our theories of instruction and assessment

18. Barriers Limited technology – Low tech to high tech Low tech to high tech Inadequate methods of instruction Limited access to media rich material Poorly designed curriculum Limited understanding of universal access Limited understanding of universal access

20. Types of AT Low Tech to High Tech Pencil grip Calculator Portable spell checker Switch Track ball Voice recognition software Scan pen Voice Output Software Mini keyboard Organizer Picture schedule Software Portable word processor Communication device Books on tape Touch Window

21. Portable word processor

22. Intellitools

23. Voice Recognition Software

24. Spell checker

25. Ipad

26. Inspiration

27. Software (Just a Few) Write OutLoud Co-Writer Read Write and Type Gold Inspiration Let’s Go Read! An Island Adventure Wiggle Works Screen Reader (Shareware)

28. Software Clicker Edmark Reading Level One and Two Attainment Software Cause and Effect Software

29. Examples of Using Assistive Technology in the Classroom For dyslexia, using a portable word processor, with a talking spell checker For students with processing disorders or ADHD, using a listening device For low vision students, using Books-on-Tape or digital material

30. Obtaining AT Information The special education teacher, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech language pathologist, school technology teacher or anyone knowledgeable about assistive technology

31. The Assistive Technology Process Always discuss assistive technology in the IEP meeting As a team brainstorm when confronted with assistive technology issues As a team think low tech to high tech As a team you may decide assistive technology is not needed As a team you may decide you need a referral to assistive technology

32. Discussing Assistive Technology at the IEP Meeting Examine – Present levels of performance – Goals and objectives – Related services – Modifications – Transition – FAPE – Parent, teacher input

33. AT Questions Will the assistive technology enable the student to meet his/her goals and objectives? Is assistive technology needed for FAPE? Can the IEP team implement the assistive technology plan? Will a referral need to be made to assistive technology for further assistance?

34. The Future of Technology Speech recognition will become common place The web will continue to grow as more resources are moved to digital form Smart devices will become more common (Ex: Ipad) Cost of emerging technology will be a problem for schools E-text or digital text is becoming common Cloud computing

35. Digital divide will occur between those connected and those not connected Handhelds or small dedicated devices will become common place

36. Question and Answer Time

37. Web sites www.ascd.org/ www.cast.org/ www.cec.sped.org/ www.closingthegap.com www.ldonline.org/ www.nashville-schools.davidson.k12.tn.us/ www.tashint.com www.//trace.wise.edu