Assistive Technology Marla Roll, MS, OTR

1. Assistive TechnologyMarla Roll, MS, OTR December 15, 2010 Denver Options

2. Objectives for today: • Review of an assistive technology model • (HAAT) • Overview of assistive technology possibilities • Process and discussion for supporting your needs ( screening tool, etc.)

3. Assessment of Need • HAAT model – Human Activity Assistive Technology • Identify tasks – strategies and technologies to support the tasks • Cultural and social contexts ( learner style, socioeconomic status, other factors) • Physical location of the user • Screening tool seems to reflect these factors

4. HAAT defined • Human – what is the person like? What is meaningful to them, what are their strengths, etc. • Activity – what will they be doing with the technology? • Assistive technology – the stuff • Context – where will they use it? Home, work, portable, outside, etc.?

5. HAAT - diagram • The simpler the tech is to use, the less likely it is to be abandoned. Activity Assistive Technology Human Context/ Environment

6. Memory • Recording – devices that sort info that can be replayed later, e.g. short memos • Built into PDA’s, cell phones • Word completion and prediction – software that aids memory during a written communication task. • Information retrieval – PDA and cell phone schedulers Reminder alarm devices Examples are Memory message, Watch Minder

7. Time Management • Aid in planning, prioritizing, and execution of daily and time-dependent tasks. • Specialized watches, electronic time panel, Schedule Assistant software, Smart phones • Examples: adapted watches, tablet apps

8. Prompting/Cueing/Coaching • Devices or software that informs a user that an action should be taken – provides cues for how to complete the task. • E.g. to take medication • E.g. high tech prosthetics such as Coach, and ISAAC – programmed by care givers • GPS • Demo of Endeavor/ Ablelinkhttp://www.ablelinktech.com/_handhelds/pocketendeavor.asp

9. Language – reading and writing • Word prediction e.g. Co-Writer, Read & Write, Word Q( account for phonetic spelling mistakes) • Spelling checking programs e.g. Ginger • Concept Mapping - e.g. Inspiration • Examples: Inspiration and Ginger

10. Alternative Input-Means of providing input to a device or a computer • Voice recognition e.g. Dragon NS, Mac Speech • Portable note-takers e.g. Alphasmart • Pulse Pen – Livescribe • Adapted keyboards; adapted mice • Tablet PC • Examples: Alphasmart, Dragon, Livescribe

11. Alternative Output - Means of acquiring information from a device • Auditory learners – text to speech • Multi-modal – see and hear the text • Digital books – MP3 and Daisy • Scanning and reading pens • Scanning & reading software • Software to change display options • Electronic study tools – highlighting, talking dictionaries, word wizard, masking, others…. • Web Readers • Examples : Kurzweil 3000, Class Mate Reader, Intel Reader

12. Mainstream Devices: (these are not AT) • Computers • Mp3 Players • E-Book Readers • Hand Helds – smart phones • I-Pods and I-Pads – • Android Tablets • Windows Tablets

13. Consider responsibility of the environment: • Public schools – • IDEA • speaks to requirement of school districts to provide assistive technology for educational access • Section 504 of the Rehab Act • Requires an accommodation plan • TBI Trust - Consider buying technology that goes back and forth, is for personal assistance, etc…

14. Who’s responsible (con’t): • Higher Education • ADA – Title II – school must provide equal access • Section 504 of the Rehab Act – school must provide “ reasonable accommodations:. • TBI Trust - Consider covering personal devices, or devices that go beyond “reasonableness”

15. Who’s responsible (con’t): • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation • Covers “Rehabilitation technology services, including assistive technology devices, assistive technology services, and rehabilitation engineering services to address barriers encountered by an individual in attaining or retaining employment.” • Seems to vary greatly based on individual counselors knowledge and experience with AT.

16. Who’s responsible (con’t): • Workplace • Title I- requires that employers provide a “reasonable accommodation” for employees to have equal opportunities in the workplace. • Could include assistive technology accommodations.

17. Your trust dollars could greatly assist with: • Transitions: • Between school and work • Between services or between jobs • For personal assists that are not school or work related. • E.g schedulers, calendars, watches, etc…

18. Freebies: • Numerous low cost or no cost options to address scheduling, memory, etc. • See Handout • http://www.oatsoft.org/

19. Assistive Tech Process: • Use of the screening tool: • Fill out the Pre – Screen Questions • Email directly to Marla as an attachment or in the email body • Consultation around options will be provided • Recommendations for full AT assessment

20. Review Forms: • Pre-screening questionnaire • Consultation Summary

21. Consider an outcome measure in your process: • Follow – up: • Functional Outcomes are the only real measure of the success of AT devices and services!!! • Are they reading, working, speaking, etc., ?

22. Marla’s Contact Info: • mcroll03@gmail.com • Marla.Roll@colostate.edu • 970-217-1880