Transcript Assistive Technology - NIU College of Education

Assistive Technology
Jennifer Hart
Polly Foley
Erin Tantillo
What is Assistive Technology?
• Devices used by children
and adults with
disabilities.
• Designed to compensate
for functional limitations.
• Enhance and increase
learning, independence,
mobility, communication,
environmental control and
choice.
Types of Technology
• Low-Tech-Equipment and other supports readily
available in schools, including off-the-shelf items
to accommodate the needs of students.
• High-Tech - Supports students who may need
more specialized equipment and support
services beyond basic assistive technology,
often students with low incidence and/or
significant/severe disabilities.
Low-Technology for High-Incidence Disabilities:
LD/Communication Disorders/MR
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Liquid paper
Pencil grips
Raised-line paper
Post-it notes
Highlighters
• Misspeller’s Dictionary
• Index tabs
• EZC reader- reading
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strips
Hand-held tape
recorder
High-Technology for high-incidence
disabilities: LD/Communication Disorders/MR
• Word prosessor
(Quickpad,
Alphasmart)
• Reading and
writing software
• Multi-media
software
(powerpoint,
Inspiration)
Assistive Technology for
Students with BD
• WatchMinder
• Behavior
modification
through video
High-Tech Resources for Hearing
Impairments
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Link-it array
microphone system
Chatpack desktop
sound field system
Tactaid
Hearing Impairments- Resources
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www.handspeak.com
www.abcdeaf.com
Orthopedic Impairments
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Communication boards
Modified mouse
Switches
Keyguard
Altered keyboard
Autism
 Digital camera
 Picture making software
Visual Impairments- high -tech
Help
 Mobility Aid
 Braille Machine
Visual Impairments-low-tech
assistance
Voice recognition
software
Position in classroom
Text to speech
software
Braille translation
software
Working with technology
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Opt for open-ended
devices
Try lowest
technology first
Collaborate with
other teachers
Collaborate with
parents
Working with Technology Cont.
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Ensure that devices used
by students are age and
gender appropriate
Use the assistive
technology even if it is new
to you
Know School district policy
concerning equipment
Be willing to ask for
training on equipment
Experiment with assistive
technology
In Class Application
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Computers- can be either low
tech or high tech often it depends
on the software. Computers can
enrich students’ education and
assist all students in maximizing
their interests.
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Instructional assistants- large
array of computer software for all
ages.
EXAMPLES: teaching
mathematics, supporting student
journal writing, strategic reading.
Motivational tool
Means for adaptive
communication
Data collection tool
Portfolio
Teacher record keeping
Teacher communication
IEPS- Individual Education Programs
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IEP software- enables educators to
write the IEP electronically
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State and local IEP policies and
forms- needed for intervention
assistance teams, special
education referral, IEPs, and other
special education activities.
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RESOURCE: Additional IEP
software Council for Exceptional
Education
http://www.cec.sped.org/bk/catalog.
htm
INCLUDE
Self paced:
Opportunity for full
independence in
testing
TRAINING
TESTING
Improve It
TRAINING
Prove It
TESTING
2001-2002
OUTCOMES
RECORD KEEPING /
DOCUMENTATION
INFORMATION RECORDED
IN DATABASE
Percentage scores
Time involved in training
Tests and Training Titles
Bar graphs
One page summary of
Teacher / Assistant
directed testing
Individual one-on-one training
with teacher or assistant
Proficiency Levels
(in Database)
student’s skill and use of
adaptive technology
Computer class B101
Other classes in school
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Identify environmental, curricular, and instructional classroom demands.
Note student learning strengths and needs.
Check for potential areas of student success.
Look for potential problem areas
Use information gathered to brainstorm instructional adaptation
Decide which adaptation to implement
Evaluate student progress
http://www.closingthegap.com
Cooperative learning and Peer
relationships
∞ Cooperative learning- helps overcome barriers on
cooperative learning group that are heavily based on
reading skills or quick communication.
∞ Peer relationships- dialogue journals and problemsolving videos
Collaboration
Sharing of information among
colleagues, traditionally when
professionals interact face to
face or over the phone.
► Internet- enables professionals
from all over the country and
other countries as well to share
ideas, ask questions, and
provide support to others.
► “A Practical Guide for Educators”
http://www.lab.brown.edu/public/o
csc/collaboration.guide
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Additional Assistive Technology Links
► Useful
Websites for Teachers
Technology for everyone
Assistive technology for students with
disabilities
Assistive technology consideration
Innovation without boundaries
BIBLOGRAPHY
• Friend, M. & Bursuck, W. D., (2002). Including Students with Special
Needs. Boston: Pearson Education Co.
• http://www.assistivetech.com/
• www.abledata.com
• Krick, W. “Enable Mart;” Mindnautilus.com. 1999-2004.
Mindnautilus.com 05/30/04http://www.enablemart.com
• Davis, J. “Assistive Technology.” Sitequest.com. 2004.
Sitequest.com 05/30/04.http://www.sightquest.com
• Brawley, R., “Assisitive Technology.” California Department of
Education. 04/27,/04. CDE 05,/30/04.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/pn/sm/assistech.asp
• Rowley, B. “Family Village School.” Wisc.Edu. 11/03/03. Wisc.Edu
05/30/04 http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/education/at.html