assistive technology introduction. basic premise: all students can participate! all students can...

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Basic Premise:

• All students can participate!

• All students can learn!

• All students can achieve!

ALL students…including students with disabilities!

Basic Premise of IDEA:

• Students with disabilities must be provided an educational program that will help the student be involved in, and progress in, the general curriculum.

Basic Premise of Assistive Technology

• Assistive technology, when coupled with universally designed curriculum, maximizes learning opportunities for students with disabilities.

Benefits to Students

• Provide access to educational materials and activities

• Modify the environment to accommodate each student’s skills and abilities

• Support each student’s need to read, write, speak, listen

• Support independence, participation and productivity across school, home and community environments

Definition of an Assistive Technology Device

“…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 children with disabilities.”(IDEA 2004, Part A, 300.5)

Definition of Assistive Technology Services

“…any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.”

Assistive technology is related to function, not to a particular disability

category. MobilityRecreationSeating/PositioningListeningSeeingSelf-careCognitive Processing

HandwritingSpellingReadingMathWritten ExpressionDaily OrganizationCommunication

Continuum from No/Low Tech to High Tech

No/Low Tech Mid Tech High Tech

SimpleLittle Maintenance

No electronics

Some MaintenanceSome Training

More Electronics

More MaintenanceMore Training

Complex Electronics

Examples of Low Tech for Reading

• Book holder• Color filters• Highlighters,

markers, post-it flags

• Braille text

Examples of Mid Tech for Reading

• Books on tape/CD• Talking dictionary• Handheld scanner

Examples of High Tech for Reading

• Talking word processor

• Scanner with OCR• Picture-supported

text

Examples of High Tech for Reading

• Multimedia formats• Interactive software

Examples of Low Tech for Writing

• Pencil grip; weighted pens

• Markers and white board• Reference material

Examples of Low Tech for Writing

• Special paper or writing surfaces

• Writing guides• Keyguard; support for

arm

Examples of Mid Tech for Writing

• Electronic spell checker

• Word processor• Braille notetaker

Examples of High Tech for Writing

• Visual organization software

• Alternate input• Word prediction

Examples of High Tech for Writing

• On-line references• Text-to-speech

feedback• Speech recognition• Braille embossing

Examples of Low Tech for Communication

• Aided Language Stimulation for comprehension

• Eye-gaze frames• Communication boards,

books or other formats

Examples of Mid Tech for Communication

• Single and multiple message devices

• Sequenced message device

• TDD (telephone devices)

Examples of High Tech for Communication

• Dynamic screen devices

• Symbol sequencing• Text-to-speech

Examples of High Tech for Hearing

• Sound field amplification

• Personal FM or infrared listening system

• Hearing aids• Cochlear implants

Examples of Low Tech for Mobility and Seating

• Cane, crutches, walker

• Ramp• Transfer board• Seating adaptations

Examples of Mid Tech for Mobility and Seating

• Specialized seating• Rollator

Examples of High Tech for Mobility and Seating

• Wheelchair• Elevator/Chair Lift• Hand Controls

Examples of Low Tech for Environmental Control and Daily

Living Skills• Adapted eating and cooking

utensils• Universal cuff• Adapted tools

Examples of Mid Tech for Environmental Control and Daily

Living Skills• Talking devices• Special lighting• Appliance controller

Examples of High Tech for Environmental Control and Daily

Living Skills

• ECU for controlling many devices

What is everyone else doing that this student is not able to do?

What (exactly) are the barriers for this student?

What has been tried to meet the student’s special needs?

Is it working?

Ask the right questions!

When Are Assistive Technology Devices or Services Necessary?

• When it is needed for the child to receive FAPE.

• When it is needed for the child to be educated within the LRE.

• When the AT devices and services will give the student access to educational activities and programs.

When appropriate assistive technologies are provided for a student, the

possibilities are endless!

The End

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: IntroductionOCALI/Ohio AT Network, 2007

Ohio AT NetworkScope of Work: To support the use of technology at each tier of support that will maximize accessibility to academic content standards to enhance learning.

Technology to maximize individual

learning

technology to improve student

performance

Academic success for all students

• The statewide collaborative network provides consistent and comprehensive professional development, technical assistance and product development/dissemination related to the use of technology/assistive technology.

• Build and sustain capacity to make data-driven decisions regarding the use of technology/assistive technology to maximize learning for all students.