Transcript Assistive Technology for Transitioning to Post Secondary

Assistive Technology for
Transitioning to
Post Secondary Education, Life
and Work
Webinar
September 20, 2011
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Presenters
Kathy Adams OTR/L, ATP
Maine CITE Coordinating Center
[email protected]
Deb Dimmick, M.Ed., ATP
ALLTech
[email protected]
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Webinar Info &Tips for Attendees
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This webinar will be recorded/archived
The power point is on your computer screen
CART, captioning is being provided
You are listening to the presenters over the
phone
• Please mute your phone line: press * 6
• The Chat box is on the left column
– ….this is where you will type in your
questions/comments during the webinar
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This webinar
will examine how high school students
who use assistive technology (AT)
can achieve greater independence,
improve access to learning, living
independently and working
productively.
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Webinar Objectives
• Federal laws that impact the acquisition of AT used by
students
• How students with disabilities can effectively use AT to
meet the challenges of transitioning on to post
secondary education, independent living or work.
• AT devices that facilitate learning, independence and
productivity.
• Maine & national resources for AT services & funding
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Laws that Impact AT
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Rehab Act of 1973/Section 504
IDEA, amended in 2004
AT Act of 1989, amended in 2004
Americans with Disabilities Act 1990
Maine Human Rights Act
No Child Left Behind
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….More Laws*
• Perkins Vocational & Technical
Education Act
• Fair Housing Act
• Hearing Aid Compatibility Act
• Telecommunications Act
• Workforce Investment Act
• Social Security “Ticket to Work”
*From fctd.info
AT in Maine
• Maine CITE is Maine’s State AT
Program
• There are AT Programs in all states
• AT Programs were created by the Federal
AT Act and are funded through RSA
• Visit mainecite.org
• There are many AT organizations in Maine
in the AT Consortia
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AT Partners in Maine
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ALLTech
TEC
Alpha One (Adapted Driving Evals)
IRIS Network
Mainely Access
Maine Center on Deafness
Pine Tree Society
CARES
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AT Program’s Core Mission
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Public Awareness/Information about AT
Interagency coordination to promote AT
Training on AT…..access & acquisition
Technical assistance on AT with policy
makers, consumers and providers
• Statewide collaboration
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Goals of the AT Program
Maine CITE works to improve access to
and the acquisition of AT in 4 areas:
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Education
Employment
Community Living
Information Technology &
Telecommunications
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AT is ……
• AT Devices are any item, piece of equipment, or
product--whether acquired commercially or
customized--that is used to increase, maintain or
improve the functional capabilities of a person
with a disability
• AT Services help a person learn about AT
options and decide if using AT will benefit them
Using AT can maintain, increase, maximize
safety, productivity, independence,
learning……
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AT can be Low Tech to High Tech
Cost more –
complex features
computerized
No cost –
no
mechanics
Low
Tech
Mid
Tech
Low cost – less
complex, may
involve some
mechanics or
electronics.
High
Tech
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AT Devices may include:
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Computer hardware & software: switches/access aids
Alerting devices
Braille & Low Vision devices
Prosthetics & orthotics
Standing & walking aids
Manual and power wheelchairs
Communication devices, telephones, ipads/tablets
Adapted sports/recreation equipment
Adapted cars and vans with lifts
Home access modifications: ramps, lifts, stair glides,
elevators
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More…..AT
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CART (real time captioning—onsite or remote)
Large print books, Digital e-books
Hand held magnifiers, CCTVs
Braille software-printer
Adapted pencils-pens
Voice activated software
Large key calculator
Assistive listening systems
Power door openers…lever door handles
Raised toilets/grab bars
Adapted eating utensils
Lift equipped school buses
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Re-using & Recycling AT
An emerging issue due to funding
restrictions
Buy and Sell used AT
visit getATstuff.com
Maine’s first AT refurbishing-recycling program
TEC-Assist @ TEC
tecmaine.org
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Rehab Act (amended)
• AT is part of the State VR Plan
• AT is provided in the Rehab process
• People with disabilities are presumed eligible for
VR
• Disability does not diminish the person’s right to
live independently, make choices, be productive
and pursue work
• AT needs must be addressed in the IPE
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Rehab Act cont.
• Increased employment of people with
disabilities will increase need for training,
supports, AT and reasonable
accommodation in the workplace
• School site & Worksite AT assessment
is part of the IPE
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Transition Planning
• AT considerations & needs are addressed in the
IEP at school
• Make AT part of the IEP
• Make AT assessment part of the IEP
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Look at low tech vs high tech solutions
What AT is the student now using
How will AT impact/improve function
Identify vendors of AT …will they service the device?
***Identify time for AT training to learn how to use the
AT…..for the student, family and key staff
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Audience Question
As VR Transition Councilors,
...what do you find your students need
for AT?
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AT Services
• AT Consultation & AT Assessment
• Augmentative Alternative Communication
(AAC) Assessment
• Professional Development
• AT Loans & AT Demonstrations
• Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)
Technical Assistance
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People…
Of all ages and abilities
With a variety of disabilities which include:
Learning
Developmental
Autism
Physical
Sensory
ADD/ADHD
VR Case Study - Paige
Consumer:
Paige
Disability:
Learning: Reading & Writing
Goal:
College, Special Educator
Technology:
Voice Recognition, TT/Speech
VR Case Study - Mike
Consumer:
Mike
Disability:
Muscular Dystrophy
Goal:
College, Graphic Design
Technology:
Voice Recognition, Trackpad
Demonstration
• Livescribe Pen livescribe.com
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Demonstration 2
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking
nuance.com/dragon
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Paying for AT
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Soc Sec PASS Plans
Soc Sec 1619B Program
Soc Sec Ticket to Work
State BRS
Special Education
Health Insurances….Maine Care
– must document medical necessity
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Paying for AT – cont’d
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Low Interest Loans/Financing
Maine’s mPower Loan Program
The Digital Credit Union dcu.org
Muscular Dystrophy Association
MS Society
Travis Roy Foundation
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AT Resources Nationally
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Job Accommodation Network
Disabilityinfo.gov
Business Leadership Network
Rehab Engineering Society of North America
abledata.org lists thousands of AT devices
passonline.org details on PASS program
Rehab Engineering Research Center on Workplace
Accommodation
• telework.com
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Audience Question
What vendors do you use in Maine for AT
services?
Any questions…comments??
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Thank you!
Please fill out the Evaluation Form
[email protected]
[email protected]
ALLTech 207-321-6080
alltech-tsi.org
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