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Assistive Technology. Jennifer Hart Polly Foley Erin Tantillo. What is Assistive Technology?. Devices used by children and adults with disabilities. Designed to compensate for functional limitations.
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Assistive Technology Jennifer Hart Polly Foley Erin Tantillo
What is Assistive Technology? • Devices used by children and adults with disabilities. • Designed to compensate for functional limitations. • Enhance and increase learning, independence, mobility, communication, environmental control and choice.
Types of Technology • Low-Tech-Equipment and other supports readily available in schools, including off-the-shelf items to accommodate the needs of students. • High-Tech - Supports students who may need more specialized equipment and support services beyond basic assistive technology, often students with low incidence and/or significant/severe disabilities.
Low-Technology for High-Incidence Disabilities:LD/Communication Disorders/MR • Liquid paper • Pencil grips • Raised-line paper • Post-it notes • Highlighters
Misspeller’s Dictionary • Index tabs • EZC reader- reading strips • Hand-held tape recorder
High-Technology for high-incidence disabilities: LD/Communication Disorders/MR • Word prosessor (Quickpad, Alphasmart) • Reading and writing software • Multi-media software (powerpoint, Inspiration)
Assistive Technology for Students with BD • WatchMinder • Behavior modification through video
High-Tech Resources for Hearing Impairments • Link-it array microphone system • Chatpack desktop sound field system • Tactaid
Hearing Impairments- Resources • www.handspeak.com • www.abcdeaf.com
Orthopedic Impairments • Communication boards • Modified mouse • Switches • Keyguard • Altered keyboard
Autism • Digital camera • Picture making software
Visual Impairments- high -tech Help • Mobility Aid • Braille Machine
Visual Impairments-low-tech assistance • Voice recognition software • Position in classroom • Text to speech software • Braille translation software
Working with technology • Opt for open-ended devices • Try lowest technology first • Collaborate with other teachers • Collaborate with parents
Working with Technology Cont. • Ensure that devices used by students are age and gender appropriate • Use the assistive technology even if it is new to you • Know School district policy concerning equipment • Be willing to ask for training on equipment • Experiment with assistive technology
In Class Application • Computers- can be either low tech or high tech often it depends on the software. Computers can enrich students’ education and assist all students in maximizing their interests. • Instructional assistants- large array of computer software for all ages. • EXAMPLES: teaching mathematics, supporting student journal writing, strategic reading. • Motivational tool • Means for adaptive communication • Data collection tool • Portfolio • Teacher record keeping • Teacher communication
IEPS- Individual Education Programs • IEP software- enables educators to write the IEP electronically • State and local IEP policies and forms- needed for intervention assistance teams, special education referral, IEPs, and other special education activities. • RESOURCE: Additional IEP software Council for Exceptional Education http://www.cec.sped.org/bk/catalog.htm
INCLUDE • Identify environmental, curricular, and instructional classroom demands. • Note student learning strengths and needs. • Check for potential areas of student success. • Look for potential problem areas • Use information gathered to brainstorm instructional adaptation • Decide which adaptation to implement • Evaluate student progress • http://www.closingthegap.com
Cooperative learning and Peer relationships • Cooperative learning- helps overcome barriers on cooperative learning group that are heavily based on reading skills or quick communication. • Peer relationships- dialogue journals and problem-solving videos
Collaboration • Sharing of information among colleagues, traditionally when professionals interact face to face or over the phone. • Internet- enables professionals from all over the country and other countries as well to share ideas, ask questions, and provide support to others. • “A Practical Guide for Educators” http://www.lab.brown.edu/public/ocsc/collaboration.guide
Additional Assistive Technology Links • Useful Websites for Teachers Technology for everyone Assistive technology for students with disabilities Assistive technology consideration Innovation without boundaries
BIBLOGRAPHY • Friend, M. & Bursuck, W. D., (2002). Including Students with Special Needs. Boston: Pearson Education Co. • http://www.assistivetech.com/ • www.abledata.com • Krick, W. “Enable Mart;” Mindnautilus.com. 1999-2004. Mindnautilus.com 05/30/04http://www.enablemart.com • Davis, J. “Assistive Technology.” Sitequest.com. 2004. Sitequest.com 05/30/04.http://www.sightquest.com • Brawley, R., “Assisitive Technology.” California Department of Education. 04/27,/04. CDE 05,/30/04. http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/pn/sm/assistech.asp • Rowley, B. “Family Village School.” Wisc.Edu. 11/03/03. Wisc.Edu 05/30/04 http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/education/at.html