Assistive Technology visual metaphor presentation

1. Assistive Technology visual metaphor presentation By: Jennifer Donnersbach EDU 309 2/18/14

2. Introduction • Assistive technology is a huge part of education today. • We have advanced instruction for all students in need of accommodations with assistive technology. • Even the most difficult disability such as blindness or deafness can be improved in the classroom via assistive technology. • The following are examples of assistive technology and how they can be used in the classroom.

3. http://www.rjcooper.com/fusion/

4. Text to speech device • This device converts text typed by a student into speech. • For any nonverbal child, this device will make a huge difference in their communication needs. • Even students that are verbal can benefit from hearing what they type. • Text to speech devices are helpful in the classroom with communication, phonics, and word recognition.

5. http://www.xda-developers.com/windows_phone/turn-your-wp7-phone-into-an-audiobook-player-with-elwpaudiobooks/http://www.xda-developers.com/windows_phone/turn-your-wp7-phone-into-an-audiobook-player-with-elwpaudiobooks/

6. AudioBooks • These books are read to the student so the student does not have to read the words on the page but can still hear the story. • Audiobooks are very helpful for blind or low vision students to understand stories. • Audiobooks are helpful to students who have trouble reading as well.

7. http://www.technologyace.com/gaming/voice-recognition-feature-upcoming-ps4/http://www.technologyace.com/gaming/voice-recognition-feature-upcoming-ps4/

8. Speech Recognition • The speech recognition device converts what a student says into text on a computer rather than the student having to use a keyboard. • This is another device that would be helpful for students to learn more about phonics and how sounds have meaning. • This device can also be of great use to those who have trouble writing their thoughts down. • Any child with low vision or blindness can also use this tool.

9. http://www.tecear.com/Comtek_Personal_FM.htm

10. Personal fm systems • This device can transmit the teacher’s voice from a microphone to a student using a hearing aid. • For a student who has difficulty hearing instruction, school can be stressful. • This device allows these students access to a lecture or any type of instruction the teacher gives. • This is important because hearing your teacher is imperative to your learning.

11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braille

12. Braille • Braille is a system of reading for low vision or blind students done by feeling raised dots on a page. • Having a blind student in the classroom can be a challenge and having a system of reading and writing will make this challenge a lot easier to manage. • Braille will ensure this child does not fall behind his/her peers in the classroom.

13. http://www.techhive.com/product/587589/kindle-keyboard-wi-fi-3g-3rd-generation-.htmlhttp://www.techhive.com/product/587589/kindle-keyboard-wi-fi-3g-3rd-generation-.html

14. Amazon kindle • An E-reader such as the Kindle, is an electronic book that offers many accommodations. • The Amazon Kindle has an option to enlarge the print for students who have difficulties reading small print. • The Kindle also gives word definitions for any word a child chooses, which makes reading difficult texts easier to understand.

15. http://02a53ed.netsolhost.com/eyedocksblog/myth-busted-colored-overlays-do-not-improve-readinghttp://02a53ed.netsolhost.com/eyedocksblog/myth-busted-colored-overlays-do-not-improve-reading

16. Color Overlays • Color overlays help children who have trouble seeing print read with a better visibility. • Some children find it difficult to read black ink on a stark white page. • These transparent color overlays turns the white a different color so that the text is easier on these children’s eyes. • This assistive technology makes reading easier on many children.

17. http://www.turningpointtechnology.com/KG/dynavox-keyguards.asphttp://www.turningpointtechnology.com/KG/dynavox-keyguards.asp

18. Dynavox • DynaVox is a system for students to use as alternative speech. Students touch a box and the device says the word or phrase for them. • This device is very helpful for any student limited in their ability to communicate. • Nonverbal students will be able to communicate with their peers as well as their teachers using DynaVox

19. http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MC769LL-Tablet-Black-Generation/dp/B0013FRNKGhttp://www.amazon.com/Apple-MC769LL-Tablet-Black-Generation/dp/B0013FRNKG

20. ipad • The iPad allows the user to access numerous apps to help with any difficulties a student is having. • Students with motor skill impairment can have access to an easy to use touch screen surface. • An iPad can also allow students to learn at their own pace and learn at their own level. • iPads are helpful at every grade level and allow for students to get help in the area they need.

21. Conclusion • These devices can be a great addition to any classroom with a child in need. • Students deserve the best learning environment available to them and assistive technology ensures exactly that. • The technology we have today is vast and only improving, it is a wonder as to what we will have in the area of assistive technology 10 years from now.

22. References • Nielsen, L. (2011, September 05). 25 incredible assistive technologies. Retrieved from http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/09/25-incredible-assistive-technologies.html • Bates, M. Hardware guide: Assistive technology for dyslexia [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/assistive-technology-for-dyslexia.html • Bertner, S. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dynavoxtech.com/default.aspx • Udell, C. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://assistivetechnology.about.com/od/ATCAT6/a/Transforming-The-Classroom-Tablets-As-Assistive-Technology.htm