UWA ED505 Assistive Technology Assignment

1. Assistive Technology AssignmentED 505 Created by Amanda Wolcansek

2. Explanation of Assistive Technology • Anassistive technology service is“any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.” (Iris Center, 2015) • So, it can be something simple, like a specially shaped pen, to complex, like a software system, as long as it is helping a child with a disability succeed in school.

3. Law in Regard to Assistive Technology • School children with disabilities are protected under a law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IDEA defines ‘assistive technology device’ as “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 functional capabilities o a child with a disability.” (20 U.S.C. 140(1))

4. Law continued • IDEA defines an ‘assistive technology service’ as “any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such terms includes- 1. the evaluation 2. purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices 3. selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing 4. coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices 5. Training or technical assistance for such child, or the family of such child 6. Training or technical assistance for professionals” (20 U.S.C. 140(2))

5. Law Continued • Another term used frequently when speaking about assistive technology is FAPE, or free appropriate public education. In short, students with disabilities must receive necessary education and services without cost to the child or their family.

6. Hearing Impaired • FM Systems allow students to listen directly to the teacher while blocking out the background noises so common with hearing aids. The teacher wears a transmitter, the student wears a receiver, and a wireless transmitter broadcasts the signal. The microphone can also be used for movies or other audio sources, and is small and convenient. • Sound Field Systems are similar to FM Systems, except the teacher’s voice is transmitted through speakers throughout the room, so all students can hear.

7. Visually Impaired • A computer with a Braille keyboard enables a VI student to take notes in class, complete written assignments, and record anything else they deem helpful throughout their school day. • A synthetic speech system, usually known as a text-to-speech program, works to read aloud the words from the computer screen. This enables students to follow along and complete assignments, and to interact completely in the lesson. • Simple “hacks”, like zooming in on the text on the computer screen past the standard 100%, can help many students who are partially blind. Many PCs also have a function to enlarge the text when you press Ctrl and scroll up on the mouse. This man is visually impaired due to acute diabetes, and uses ZoomText 9.0 (Magnifier and Reader) and Kurzweil 1000 (Scanner and Reader).

8. Learning Disabled • Slant boards are helpful for kids with ADHD (by creating focus). These can also be a simple “hack”, by purchasing a 3” (or greater) three ring binder, and even super gluing a pencil along the edge to keep material from slipping off. • Electronic math worksheets are online software programs that help students organize and work through math sets. The work can also be read aloud by using a speech synthesizer. • Headphones help an LD student focus on the teacher and block out distracting background noise.

9. Physically Disabled • Slant board helps kids with visual impairments (easier to see), and posture difficulties (doesn’t stress a weak neck). • Magnifier • Reacher • Chair inserts • Adapted toilet seats • Standing aids • Alternative keyboard • EZ Grip-soft grip that slides on the pen to reduce hand pain

10. Reference Page • Slideserve(http://www.slideserve.com/) • American Foundation for the Blind. (2015). Assistive Technology. Retrieved from http://www.afb.org/info/living-with-vision-loss/using-technology/assistive-technology/123 • Wright, Peter W. D., and Wright, Pamela Darr. (2014). Assistive Technology. Retrieved from http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/atech.index.htm • IDEA 2004, Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition, p.49. • Bright Hubs Inc. (2012). Adjustable Writing Slant Boards for Special Needs Classrooms. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-inclusion-strategies/76678-about-adjustable-writing-slant-boards/

11. References Continued • Quesada, Lee. Philippine Headline News Online.2007. [Dennis on computer] Retrieved from http://www.newsflash.org/staff/ • South Carolina Assistive Technology Program. (2013). What is Assistive Technology and How is it Used in Schools? Retrieved from http://www.sc.edu/scatp/cdrom/atused.html • Bright Hubs Inc. 2012. Slant board. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-inclusion-strategies/76678-about-adjustable-writing-slant-boards/#imgn_0 • WETA Public Broadcasting. (2015). Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An Overview. Retrieved from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview • California Ear Institute. (2014). Classroom Assistive Listening Devices. Retrieved from http://www.californiaearinstitute.com/hearing-device-center-listening-device-classroom-bay-area.php