2. Using Assistive Technology in the Classroom Setting Effective Strategies for Special Education Students Pamela Mitchell May 24, 2010

3. Assistive Technology Defined Assistive technology is defined as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off-the-shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (Quenneville, 2001).

4. AT in the Classroom Assistive technology has the ability to “enhance academic achievement in written expression, reading mathematics, and spelling; improving organization; and fostering social acceptance” (Quenneville, 2001).

5. Guidelines for Talking to Parents Please never suggest a specific product to a parent. If you can accommodate the parent’s need on your own, just make sure you document it on the IEP. If a parent asks for a specific product, refer them to me or Hope.

6. Assistive Technology Assessments WATI (Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative) The categories are:  Writing, including Mechanics of Writing, Computer Access and Composing Written Material  Communication  Reading, Studying and Math,  Recreation and Leisure  Activities of Daily Living, including Mobility and Environmental Control  Positioning and Seating,  Vision and  Hearing

7. AT Programs Inspiration/Kidspiration Write:OutLoud (Don Johnston) Co:Writer (Don Johnston) Draft:Builder (Don Johnston) Dragon Naturally Speaking

8. Intervention - Inspiration ® Character Analysis. 1. Use pictures and words to describe a character's actions. An action can be a character's thinking, conversation with another character or something the character did. 2. What can you infer from the character's action? What character traits does the action show? 3. Switch to Writing View to add more details about the character. Include the example and page number from the book.

9. AT/AAC Devices

10. Referral Process Email me! Call me! pmitchell@santee.k12.ca.us Complete referral packet and send to me Any background information you can give me would be helpful.