Transcript AT 101: What are the basics?

AT 101: What are the basics?
By: BJ Gallagher, PhD, CCC-SLP
What is AT?
• Assistive Technology (AT) is a generic term
that includes assistive, adaptive, and
rehabilitative devices.
IDEA 2004: Section 602 (1)
(1) Assistive technology device.-• (A) In general.--The term `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
functional capabilities of a child with a disability.
• (B) Exception.--The term does not include a
medical device that is surgically implanted, or
the replacement of such device.
AT Services
• Services
▫ Evaluation
▫ Training for users, support staff & families
▫ Ordering devices or arranging specialized training
& funding
▫ Maintaining/repairing/replacement of devices
▫ Integration of the A.T. into the curriculum
Augmentative Alternative
Communication
• AAC (Augmentative Alternative
Communication) to enhance an individual's
communication and interaction with their
surroundings.
• This can include an integrated group of,
strategies and techniques, symbols, picture
boards, pencil/paper, or an electronic
communication device.
Low-Technology
• known as a "Static Display" in which
communication setup does not automatically
change when a selection is made. (e.g. software
for creating communication board consisting of
symbols).
Picture Symbols
High-tech
• such as "Dynamic Display" software-- a
communication board displayed upon a
computer monitor screen automatically changes
to a different level (board) when a selection is
made.
• Provides multiple functions to the user, many
different output methods, computer interfacing,
built-in environmental control access, and more.
AAC or
SGD=Speech Generating Devices
http://emulator.blinktwice.com//tryit/AAC or SGD=Speech
Generating Devices
Blind and Visually Impaired
• A Screen Reader software application reads
aloud information displayed on a computer
monitor screen.
• The screen reader reads aloud text within a
document, and it also reads aloud information
within dialog boxes and error messages.
• Screen Readers also read aloud and menu
selections, graphical icons on the desktop.
• http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/jaws-productpage.asp
Enlarged Screens
• Screen Magnification software enlarges the
viewing area of a computer monitor display.
Magnification levels are measured in power
levels.
• Such has 2x (2 power), and can go as high a level
as 16x magnification.
Visual Impairments
• Closed circuit television (CCTV) or video magnifier.
Printed materials and objects are placed under a
camera and the magnified image is displayed onto a
screen.
• Braille embosser. Embosses Braille output from a
computer by punching dots onto paper. It connects
to a computer in the same way as a text printer.
Low Tech Aids
Cognitive Challenges
• cognitive disability as: "a disability that impacts
and individual's ability to access, process, or
remember information."
WatchMinder®
• The messages are selected and alarm times are
set. At the appointed time, the message is
displayed and the watch vibrates for 2.5 seconds.
The schedule will repeat daily unless you make
changes.
PEATTM
• Attention Control Systems, Inc.
(Planning and Execution Assistant and Training
System) is a program designed to provide cueing
and planning assistance for people with memory
and attention disorders.
• Typical users include patients with traumatic
brain injury (TBI), neurodegenerative conditions
including Alzheimer's disease, and attention
deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• The iCommunicator 3.0
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
•
An alternative rather than a replacement for sign
language interpreters.
• may be coupled with peripheral assistive hearing
devices such as personal FM systems, hearing
aids, and cochlear implant speech processors.
Hearing Impairments
• Fire alarm paging system
• Loop system (portable and fixed) for
amplification
• Hearing Aids
• TTY
Personal Communicator
•
A Tool for Learning and Communicating in
American Sign Language.
• Converts text to ASL.
Electronic Aid to Daily Living
• Also known as ECU (Environmental Control Unit).
These are a means to interact and manipulate one or
more electronic appliance as: a television, radio, CD
player, lights, and fan etc.
• This is accomplished using voice activation, switch
access, a computer interface, and adaptations such
as X-10 units.
• A controller of a powered wheelchair can be
interfaced for accessing electronic appliances.
• Controlling electronic devices is usually with
ultrasound, infrared, AC wiring throughout the
house, radio frequency or even your eye.
Mouse Alternatives
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Eyegaze System
Move the cursor according to the user's eye movements...
Switch Adapted Mouse
A switch plugged into input acts as the corresponding button, function (click, double click)....
Foot Control Mouse
Complete control over the mouse, and cursor using both feet...
Trackballs
Stationary device, movement or rotation of the ball moves the cursor....
Head Tracking
Control over the movement of the onscreen mouse using movement of head....
Touch Pad
Cursor movement simply by dragging a finger tip across the surface.... Joystick
A "stick" for controlling cursor movements, and mouse clicks... Touch Screen
Clear plastic sheet with sensors-- attached to monitor, detects finger tip or a pointing device...
Mouse Keys
Software that transforms the traditional numeric keypad into a directional mouse....
Assorted Input Devices
Diverse group of mouse-like pointing devices with variety of characteristics...
Keyboard Alternatives
• Expanded Keyboard
Keyboards with large keys, and with customized
overlays...
• One Hand
Designed for typing with only one hand...
• Eye Gaze System
Operate a computer with eye movement...
• OnScreen
Keyboards displayed within the computer screen...
• Ergonomic
Keyboards that reduce user fatigue, discomfort...
• Mini
Miniature Keyboards less than 7 inches in width...
Keyboard
• Keyboard shortcuts and MouseKeys allow the user to
substitute keyboarding for mouse actions. Macro
recorders can greatly extend the range and
sophistication of keyboard shortcuts.
• Sticky keys allows characters or commands to be typed
without having to hold down a modifier key (Shift,
Ctrl, Alt) while pressing a second key.
“Switch Access" Scanning
• Not to be confused with a flatbed scanner for input.
Switch access uses one or more switches to select from an electronic
(set) of graphic images, symbols, and/or alphanumeric characters.
Scanning is an alternative to accessing the keyboard and mouse.
This is a slow, but functional alternative for individuals with
significant physical limitations. The individual only needs to have
consistent control of one or more anatomical sites for accessing a
single switch, or multiple switches.
At first glance, switch access might seem the easiest alternative
input technique for accessing the computer. The individual's
cognition must be considered. Simply having the ability to activate a
switch, does not mean the individual is a likely candidate for
scanning as an input method.
Direct Scan
• automatic scanning,
• step scanning,
• inverse scanning.
Selection Set
After selecting a method to scan-- a decision as
what "selection set" format is best: sequential,
• rotary
• row-column,
• group-item.
Learning Disabilites
• Low tech solutions
More ideas depending on the challenge
More ideas…
High Tech
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Talking Calculators
Open Source Software
Word Prediction
Scan and Read software
Adapted Pencils to Computers
http://cte.jhu.edu/adaptedpencils.pdf
• WATI Guide
http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/
ATResourceGuideDec08.pdf
Text to Speech
• Text-to-Speech Software
Designed for individuals with reading difficulties.
Simultaneously highlights and reading aloud of text...
• Handheld Spell Checkers
Portable, speaking electronic dictionaries, some with
"Phonetic Spell Correction", and thesaurus...
• Flatbed Scanners
Flatbeds, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
allow individuals to read aloud the page displayed onscreen exactly as the "printed" page...
• Reading Devices
Electronic, handheld text reader allows for reading textbased files from the palm of your hand...
Accessible Computer Input
• ergonomic accessories with height-adjustable
furniture, footrests, wrist rests, and arm supports to
ensure correct posture
• replace the keyboard and mouse with alternative
devices: trackballs, joysticks, graphics tablets, touch
pads, touch screens, a microphone with speech
recognition software and switch access.
Speech Recognition
• What is speech recognition?
Are you prepared for (dictating) text, and controlling other software applications, and
your computer...
• Physical Disability
A description of "hands-free" control of the computer, and speech control of other
software....
• Software
Listing of Manufacturers, and Speech Recognition products....
• Learning Disability
Speech is translated into text, eliminating the pencil and paper. But-- will it function...
• Microphones
Headset microphones of high quality, USB Pods vs. Soundcard for audio input....
• No Disability
Use a hand-held device to record while on the go, and away from your computer....
• Environment Control
Use voice recognition software on your computer to control TV, Lights, Radio, CD,
Fan....
SETT Framework
(Zobala, 1995)
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Student
Environment
Tasks
Tools
http://sweb.uky.edu/~jszaba0/JoyZabala.html
The Student
• What does the Student need to do?
• What are the Student's special needs?
• What are the Student's current abilities?
The Environment
• What materials and equipment are currently available
in the environment?
• What is the physical arrangement?
• Are there special concerns?
• What is the instructional arrangement?
• Are there likely to be changes?
• What supports are available to the student?
• What resources are available to the people supporting
the student?
The Tasks
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What activities take place in the environment?
What activities support the student's curriculum?
What are the critical elements of the activities?
How might the activities be modified to accommodate
the student's special needs?
• How might technology support the student's active
participation in those activities?
The Tools
• What no tech, low tech, and high tech options should
be considered when developing a system for a student
with these needs and abilities doing these tasks in
these environments?
• What strategies might be used to invite increased
student performance?
• How might these tools be tried out with the student in
the customary environments in which they will be
used?
Me and My Computer
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?vide
o_id=2499&title=Me_and_my_computer
One Thumb to Rule Them All
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=2140&title=One_Thumb_to_R
ule_Them_All