Terrific Tools for Reading and Writing

1. Terrific Tools for Reading and Writing Local Assistive Technology Team (LAT)

3. What this means Any tool or device that a student with a disability uses to do a task that he/she could not do otherwise without it. It can make the task easier, faster or done in a better way. The device can be “lite” tech such as a pencil grip or as expensive as a computer.

4. Assistive Technology is a tool. It will never replace good teaching. It serves to give struggling students and those with a disability a way to be successful with the curriculum.

5. Who benefits from Assistive Tech Any student with a disability from mild to severe. Any student with reading, writing, math, communications, vision, hearing, or motor problems ESOL students Students with 504 plans Struggling students who do not qualify for ESE services

6. Assistive technology when matched correctly to a student’s need will make your job easier

7. The FCAT Benefit AT integrated with good strategies will have the greatest impact on students who score low on the FCAT These students will have the greatest effect on your school scores

8. Did you know the State of Florida allows a variety of assistive technology tools that may be used on the FCAT by students with disabilities?

9. Legal Responsibilities for ESE The school district is mandated by state and federal law (Individual with Disability Education Act) to determine if a student with disability needs assistive technology This determination is made by the IEP Team

10. AT Legislation Tech Act (PL 100 407) Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act ADA (PL 101-336) Americans with Disabilities Act IDEA-Individual with Disabilities Education Act

11. AT Evaluation for ESE Students A student may be identified by a teacher, therapist, or parent The school support team ie… teacher, SLP, OT or PT determines FIRST if the need can be met at the school level. A referral is submitted to the Local Assistive Technology Team (LATS) The LATS will review the case and either request further information from the school or set up an appointment to evaluate the student.

12. AT Purchase for ESE Students The school district is required to provide the assistive technology if it is necessary to meet IEP goals The device may go home if the IEP team determines that it is necessary to receive FAPE Some students may receive funds from private insurance or Medicaid These devices are then the property of the family

13. AT Acquisition for Non ESE Student School technology funds Other school funds Grants Community groups Fund Raiser

14. The Local Assistive Technology Team (LATS) Joanne Stidham- Speech Language Pathologist (LEAD) Lourdes Day- Technology Specialist-FDLRS Lorrie Prince –Speech Language Diagnostician Judy Sanders- Occupational Therapist –ESE

15. Contacting the LAT team The LAT team will consult and train school staff Contact them at ESE 534-0934 OR FDLRS 647-4258

16. Accommodation vs Modification Accommodation is changing HOW the student learns EX-Setting, time, length of assignment, AT General diploma Modification is changing WHAT the student learns EX-4th grade math in an Algebra class Special diploma

17. Assistive Technology Consideration Ask the right questions? What specifically does the student need to do? What is he/she currently using? What specific IEP goal must the child meet?

18. Evaluation, Practice, Opportunities, and Review AT should be evaluated in the child’s natural setting Success of AT comes with daily opportunities AT integral part of the curriculum Continuous review of technology effectiveness

19. Assistive Technology Groups Two Major Groups Assistive Technology (Curriculum and Instructional Tools) Augmentative Tools and Devices(Communication)

20. Assistive Technology Range Range Lite tech (LoTTIE Kit) Easily accessible Low cost Used by Peers High Tech Very task specific Higher cost Sometimes makes student feel “different” from peers

21. Types of Assistive Technology Reading Writing(Motor) Writing (Composing) Math Organizing/Studying Computer Access Communication Self Help

22. Reading High lighter tape Reading guides Color filters Picture /symbol text match Scan and read software Changes in text size, fonts, spacing, color and background

23. Highlighter Tape Highlighter tape can be used to highlight directions, important formulas, or to separate questions from a series of answers. Unique accommodations Cost $2.00 a roll

24. Reading Guides Reading guides can help the student track words while reading material in the FCAT booklet. Cost $ 9.00 set of 5

25. Color Filters Colored filters may help a student with perceptually based reading problems overcome print or background distortion. Cost $25 for See It Right Demo Kit

26. Reading Adapted Ruler Digital Recorder Magnifiers Reading Stand Page Tabs

27. Digital Recorder Assists a students when providing oral responses to FCAT questions. Helps the proctor accurately record each response. Cost $20.95

28. Magnifier A magnifier will enlarge images of maps, drawing, patterns and letters used in the test booklet. Cost $1.95

29. Reading Stand Reading Stands or Page Ups helps the student position the test booklet for better viewing Cost $6.95

30. Writing- Motor Aspects Pencil grips Evo or lighted pen Magic Rub Writing guides Slant boards Raised line paper Portable word processor Voice recognition

31. Pencil Grip Pencil grips encourage proper hand-pencil positioning during writing. It also provides greater comfort, legibility, speed, and reduces hand fatigue. Cost $9.95 (set) or $.50 each

32. Writing Guides A writing guide will help the student keep their writing on the lines and produce a legible response when responding in the FCAT answer book. Cost $4.50(page guide) Cost $1.50 (signature)

33. Raised Line Paper Raised Line Paper provides a student with visual or tactile guidelines. Cost $16.50

34. Portable Word Processors An alternative keyboard will help a student, who cannot respond orally or who cannot produce a handwritten response, type answers to FCAT assessment items. Cost $199.00

35. Writing –Composing Stickies Writing templates Webbing and outline software Hand held spell checkers Word processor with auditory feedback Word prediction software

36. Math Grid paper Talking Calculators Abacus / Number lines Grip ruler Math practice software

37. Math Grids Math grids provide more space for computations and help the student organize and align computational steps. Cost $10.00

38. Talking Calculator A talking calculator reads back entries and answers to aid a student who needs auditory help in calculation. Cost $20.95

39. Adapted Grip Ruler An adapted ruler will help a student with poor hand or finger dexterity grasp and manipulate a ruler for those FCAT assessment items where measurement is required. Cost $1.00

40. Organizing/Studying High lighters Color coding system Page Tabs Print or picture schedule Hand held scanners

41. Page Tab Tabs give the student an easier way to grip the page and helps the student quickly locate important material. Unique accommodation Cost $3.50

42. Computer Access Extended or mini keyboard Track balls or joystick mouse Switch Interface Voice recognition Word predication or expansion On screen scanning

43. Communication Picture symbols Voice output devices Eye gaze frame Device with speech synthesis

44. Daily Living Non slip materials Adaptive devices for feeding and hygiene Environmental Control Unit (ECU)

45. ReflectionHow can you integrate lite tech into your instruction?