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Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology. Suffolk Public Schools. What is Assistive Technology?.

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Assistive Technology

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  1. Assistive Technology Suffolk Public Schools

  2. What is Assistive Technology? • IDEA 2004 defines assistive technology services (AT) as “Assistive technology device means 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 a child with a disability.” • Suffolk Public Schools (SPS) provides assistive technology services as part of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to any student that currently has a 504 or IEP and may require assistive technology to access the general education curriculum.

  3. What are AT Services and who qualifies? • AT services include: • Evaluating the student in their educational environment • Providing and programming devices • Collaborating with additional therapies to incorporate devices • Training of staff/student/parent when introducing an AT device. • Students categorized with the following disabilities may be eligible for AT services: • Visual impairment • Speech-language impairment • Hearing impairment • Print disability • Cognitive impairment • Written expression deficit • Physical disability

  4. AT for students with a visual Impairment • Students who are characterized with a visual impairment that impacts their ability to access textbooks and other educational material may be provided: • Software that reads text to the student • Screen reader • Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate format (based on eligibility criteria) • Speech recognition • Software that translates speech-to-text

  5. AT for students with a communication Impairment • Individuals with a speech-language impairment that limits their ability to communicate their wants/needs/ideas within the classroom may be provided with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system or device: • Picture communication exchange • Static voice output device (switches) • Dynamic voice output device (computerized device).

  6. AT for students with a print disability or writing deficit • A print disability that is adversely impacting a student’s ability to read (decoding) or write (spelling) may have access to AT services including: • Software that reads text to the student • Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate format (based on eligibility criteria) • Handheld spelling aid • Software that translates speech-to-text • Portable word processor • Talking word processor • Individuals who have difficulty completing written tasks due to a fine motor impairment or who require a significant amount of time to complete written assignments compared to their typically developing peers may also be eligible for AT services. • Word processor • Talking word processor • Software that translates speech-to-text • Portable word processor

  7. AT for students with a physical disability • Students with a physical disability may have difficulty accessing computers and educational materials through standard means. AT devices may include: • Switches used to activate devices • Adaptable mouse/keyboard • Portable word processor • Talking word processor • Speech recognition • Speech-to-text software • Software that utilizes pictures and words to represent text • Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate format (based on eligibility criteria)

  8. Referral Process • Complete an Assistive Technology referral and consent form on the SPS Special Education BLOG http://sped.spsk12.net/iep-resources/ • Submit a hard copy to the Assistive Technology Specialist at Elephant’s Fork Elementary School • An AT planning meeting will be scheduled following receipt of these documents • AT trials will be conducted by SPS for qualified students to determine if AT services are appropriate or need to be modified • An AT review meeting will be held at the conclusion of the AT trials to add AT services and accommodations to the 504/IEP or to continue the trial period

  9. TSR for AT software • If a student is approved for AT software a Technology Service Request (TSR) must be completed by the case manager/teacher • SPS Portal Service Requests (Maintenance, Technology) Technology Service Request (TSR)

  10. Completing a TSR • Complete form • Under “Category” select “Assistive Tech. Device” • Notify the AT specialist when completed • Notify the AT specialist when software is installed so an in-service can be scheduled

  11. SPS & Apple Products • The SPS network/security is currently not able to support Apple products • This would include the iPad and iPod • Why not for students when some personal Apple devices are used by staff? • An evaluation of the Apple product must be conducted by the SPS technology department to determine if use of the product will be safe and secure • In order to provide Apple products as an assistive technology tool, it would require full SPS network support • Access to the Internet/accessory devices (printer) • IT personnel trained in Apple products/operating systems • Additional SPS security specific to supporting Apple products

  12. Ease of Access Center Image retrieved from http://www.gadgetoz.com

  13. Windows 7 Accessibility Options Speech Recognition Magnification Images retrieved from MS Word Clip Art

  14. Speech Recognition • Allows user to control computer with voice • Requires training the computer to the user’s voice • Voice commands control applications • Located in the Ease of Access Center • “Start” menu  “All Programs” “Accessories”  “Ease of Access” “Windows Speech Recognition”

  15. Training windows speech recognition • Initial use of program will prompt tutorial and voice training • The more it is used, the more accurate it becomes • Internal microphone for laptops with option to use external microphone or headset • External microphone for desktops

  16. Ability of speech recognition • Hands-free • Open programs • Control mouse • Insert text and images • Send email • Navigate the Internet • Voice commands • Open list by saying “What can I say” • Scroll list to find correct command

  17. Recording with your computer • Speech recognition software is for one user per account • It is not able to record other people’s statements • For recording of multiple people, utilize the Sound Recorder • Located under “Accessories” • “Start” menu  “All Programs” “Accessories”  “Sound Recorder”

  18. Demonstration of Speech Recognition

  19. Magnification • Allows user to enlarge pictures and text on screen • Located in the Ease of Access Center • “Start” menu  “All Programs” “Accessories”  “Ease of Access” “Magnifier”

  20. Magnifying Options • Full Screen • Entire screen is magnified by selected percentage • Lens • Area around the mouse is magnified • Docked • Portion of the screen is magnified and is able to be relocated/ resized

  21. Magnifier Options • Color inversion • Invert colors • Tracking • Follow the mouse pointer • Follow the keyboard focus/text editing (if supported by program) • Follow text insertion point • Locate the magnifying glass icon to change magnifier options • Also located on taskbar

  22. Demonstration of Magnifier

  23. Additional Accessibility Features • Additional features are available • Explore them in the Ease of Access Center • “Start” “Control Panel” “Ease of Access Center”

  24. Contact Information • For more information about Assistive Technology, please contact Janette Presley janpresley@spsk12.net or 757-925-6764 • Visit the VDOE website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/iep_instruct_svcs/assistive_technology/index.shtml

  25. Questions?????

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