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Assistive Technology: It’s Everywhere!

Discover the definition of Assistive Technology (AT) and its importance in education, accessibility, and independence. Explore the diverse categories of AT devices and learn the IEP consideration process. Understand how AT services support individuals with disabilities and enhance their quality of life. Gain insights into supporting legislation and the essential role of AT in various areas of daily living. Empower individuals of all ages and abilities through the use of AT to achieve success and inclusion.

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Assistive Technology: It’s Everywhere!

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  1. Assistive Technology:It’s Everywhere!

  2. Goals: • Understand the definition of AT and AT services • Become aware of the categories of AT devices • Learn the process for consideration of AT in the IEP

  3. Is this AT?

  4. What’s the big deal? Assistive Technology can…. • Assist in learning & provide access to general education curriculum • Make environments accessible • Provide access to activities • Increase independence • Improve quality of life

  5. Who benefits from AT? • Anyone with an identified disability • Anyone who would experience greater success with an accommodation or modification (that includes you and me!)

  6. Supporting Legislation • Rehabilitation Act of 1973 • Education of the Handicapped Act of 1975 and 1986 Amendments • Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 and 1997 Amendments • Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 • Assistive Technology Act of 2004 • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (P.L. 101-476) 1990 and 1997 Amendments ( P. L. 105-17), plus IDEA 2004 (P.L. 108-446), signed into law in 2005; took effect October 2006

  7. What is Assistive Technology? The law places equal weight on Devices and Services

  8. Assistive Technology Device “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 the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.” (IDEA 2004)

  9. No and Light Tech Devices • Simple devices with few moving parts • Can be purchased at a hardware store, selected from a catalog, or fabricated using tools and materials which can be found in many well equipped hardware stores

  10. No Tech Devices Post-it Notes and a Highlighter Calendar and Schedule

  11. Light Tech Devices Adapted Silverware Time Timer Switch Toy

  12. Mid Tech Devices Go Talk BIGmack Start to Finish Library Kidspiration

  13. High Tech Devices • High tech devices usually incorporate some type of computer chip. • A hand held calculator is an AT device.

  14. HighTech Devices IntelliKeys Alternative Keyboard TechTalk Dynavox AlphaSmart Vanguard

  15. Assistive Technology (AT) Service “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.

  16. AT Service includes… The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment.

  17. AT Service includes… Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities.

  18. AT Service includes… Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices.

  19. AT Service includes…. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs

  20. AT Service includes…. • Training and technical assistance for a child with a disability or if appropriate, that child’s family, and • Training and technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers ...

  21. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of IDEA 2004 • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of IDEA 2004 mandates that assistive technology be “considered” in the Individual Education Plans (IEP) of all children who have recognized disabilities.

  22. AT will help with…..

  23. Body Support, Alignment, & Positioning Side Lyer Corner Chair Mobile Floor Sitter

  24. Other Positioning Systems Wedge Positioning System High/Low Chair

  25. Mobility and Movement Gait Trainer Stander Power Wheelchair

  26. Activities of Daily Living Zipper Pull Bath Chair Adapted Utensils Potty Chair

  27. Sports, Leisure and Recreation Adaptation Swimming Ring Bowling Ramp Adapted Bowling Ball Scooter

  28. Seeing and Hearing White Cane Audio Ball Kurzweil Reading Program Hearing Aid

  29. Items that assist with hearing Wireless doorbell and telephone signaler Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker Wireless TTY Amplified Telephone

  30. Assisted Listening Devices FM System Portable listening device

  31. Environmental Control Wireless TV remote control Switch Toy Alert System

  32. Computer Access Trackball Joystick Touchscreen Alternative Keyboards

  33. Computer Access Intellikeys Keyboard with keyguard

  34. Organization PDA Schedules Time Timer iPod

  35. Reading & Writing Pencil grips SlantBoard Raised line paper Stamps

  36. OtherReadingSolutions Reading Bar Page up Highlighter tape

  37. Possible Solutions Reading Bar BarMagnifier Hand-heldspell-checker Reading Pen

  38. Portable word processors QuickPad NEO

  39. Reading and Writing Write: OutLoud Pix Writer Word

  40. Math Coinulator Talking Calculator Math Software

  41. Talking Ruler Project calculator

  42. Communication Communication Book Community Ring Talking Photo Album TechTalk Message Mate

  43. Communication Hip Talker Step by Step Dynamyte

  44. Considerationof AT

  45. Who makes the AT decision? The IEP team will be the decision makers as to how or when assistive technology will be included in a student’s educational plan.

  46. How will I know if my student needs AT? Questions to Consider: • What task do we want this student to do, that she or he is unable to do at a level which reflects his/her skills and abilities? • Is the student currently able to complete those tasks with special strategies or accommodations? • Is assistive technology currently being used? (WATI, 2000)

  47. Things to consider when selecting tools • Based upon assessment, natural environment considered • Consider the student and family and their preferences and involve them in choosing the most appropriate AT • Make sure the AT is age-appropriate and easy to use • Design the AT to fit the student and avoid using existing AT if it’s not appropriate. • Training is included

  48. More questions to consider • Would the use of assistive technology help the student perform this task: • more easily or efficiently? • in the least restrictive environment? • with less assistance from others? (WATI, 2000) • In Virginia, will assistive technology provide greater access to the general education curriculumand Standards of Learning?

  49. How is AT included on the IEP? • Present Levels of Educational Performance • Goals, Benchmarks, and Objectives • Specially designed instruction • Related Services • Supplemental Aids • Accommodations and Modifications

  50. Resources available • Cumberland County AT team members • VDOE’s T/TAC at VCU • Assistive Technology Blog http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/

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