assistive technology in the schools tools for schools : technology solutions in the classroom...
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS
TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS:
Technology Solutions in the ClassroomAnnette Carey ([email protected])
Kathy Knighton ([email protected])
West Virginia Department of Education
Office of Special Programs
2121STST CENTURY LEARNING CENTURY LEARNING
2121stst Century Learners Century Learners Who are your students? Do they all have equal access to the
learning environment? What can I do to support their learning?
Your Classroom:
15.95% of all West Virginia students are students with disabilities
67.14% of children with disabilities are in the general education classroom
Chances are your classroom has students with disabilities
Some Students need more supports than others
Assistive Technology: What do I need to remember?
For most people….. technology makes things easier.
For people with disabilities…assistive technology makes things possible.
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
How We Teach
Child behavior
What if the child does not have easy access to the input (sensory)or access to the output (communication/motor)
INPUT
10% of the population has a hearing loss
37% of children with minimal hearing loss had failed a grade
Children with unilateral hearing loss are 10 times more likely to fail a grade by age 10
UNFAIR SPELLING TEST
How did you do?
1. bath 2. pearl 3. sour 4. mouse 5. learn 6. wheat 7. vine 8. tape 9. hedge 10. mood
Input
80% of learning is through your vision
Vision and hearing are your distance senses
95% of all learning is through your distance senses
90% of learning is incidental
Learning progresses from the known to the unknown
The disability is not the Sensory Impairment
The disability is in INFORMATION GATHERING
AT In the Schools: Session Overview
Legal Aspects of Assistive Technology Legislation Implications for schools
Implementation in the Schools Overview of assistive technology
devices/services Educational interventions
Resources
Role of Assistive Technology
Tremendous potential to promote equity for students with disabilities…… independent self-confident productive integrated into school and society.
Technology is for ALL children – for students with disabilities, it may need to be more personalized.
Increase your awareness!!
What is Assistive Technology? “Any item, piece of equipment, or
product system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities”
Legal Definition: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Continuum
No-tech Use of procedures, services and existing conditions in the environment that do
not involve the use of devices or equipment. Services: physical therapy, occupational therapy or services of other
specialists.
Low-tech Less sophisticated and can include devices such
as adapted spoon handles, non-tipping drinking cups and Velcro fasteners
Medium-tech Relatively complicated mechanical devices, such as
wheelchairs
Hi-tech Devices that incorporate sophisticated electronics or computers
Categories of Assistive Technology
Daily living Use in activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, dressing, toileting, and home
maintenance.
Computer technologies Input and out- put devices that enable persons with disabilities
to use a computer.
Augmentative Communication Devices that provide a means for communication for
persons with limited speech.
Environment Control Units ECU’s (electronic systems) enable someone with limited mobility or
fine motor skills to control devices in the home or other surroundings.
Categories of AT………
Seating and positioning Accommodations to a wheelchair or seating system to provide greater body
stability, support , and the reduction pressure on the skin surface
Mobility Aids wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and other utility vehicles
used for personal mobility
Prosthetics and orthotics Replacements, substitutions or augmentation of missing or
malfunctioning body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids
Home, school and worksite modifications Adaptations, fabrications in the home, worksite or other areas
(ramps, lifts, bathroom changes) that remove or reduce physical barriers for an individual with a disability.
Sensory aids Assistive technologies enable an individual with hearing, sight, or other
sensory impairments.
Legal Aspects
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Access to the general curriculum
WV Policy 2419: Regulations for the Education of Exceptional Students
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Improve achievement for ALL students Accountability for students with
disabilities
Legal Aspects……
School districts are mandated to make assistive technology available to all students with disabilities if appropriate to receive a free, appropriate public education. IEP Team Decision Home Use Funded by district Provide devices/services
Consideration of special factors. Assistive technology must be considered for
ALL students in the special education process.
Challenges of Delivering Assistive Technology
Lack of Information Current/accurate information
Lack of Expertise Skills/Knowledge
High Rate of Abandonment 1/3 abandoned after first year
Lack of Funding Significant barrier
Inclusion and Lack of Assistive Technology
Implications for Schools
PLANNING Long range technology/special education
plans, procedures, services, and budget include assistive technology
TRAINING All staff are able to appropriately “consider”
students for assistive technology services and/or devices.
Staff trained to integrate technology in teaching to help students with disabilities gain skills and achieve higher standards (NCLB)
INCLUSION Assistive technology used to support the
inclusion of students with disabilities in regular education placements and access to the general curriculum.
Educator Responsibilities
Increasing knowledge of AT How different tools support student needs
Organizing AT implementation
Ensuring that AT is used consistently Across environments
Monitoring student progress
Communicating results to colleagues and parents
Learning more about how AT can enhance instruction and student learning
SETT Framework
Decision Making Process
Student
Environment
Tasks
Tools
Assistive Technology
Communication Picture Board, Voice Output Device
Hearing/Vision FM system, magnifier, Braille printer
Position, Access, and Mobility Walker, wheelchair, grab rails
Activities of Daily Living Adaptive eating devices, drinking devices
Environmental Controls Light switch extension, remote controlled
appliances
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
Educational choices in Assistive Technology
Instructional Use of Video & Captioning Multimedia Organizing Tools Providing Access to Portable Tools Word Prediction Technology in Early Childhood Education
Low-tech/High-tech Solutions Commercially Available Adapted Items Creative Solutions
Assistive Technology and ReadingHow Assistive Technology is used to support students in
developing literacy.
Highlighting Important Words Text Readers Changes in Text, Spacing,
Color Physical Access Speaking Spell Checkers Electronic Books Single Word Scanners
Assistive Technology and Math
Abacus/Math Line Calculator/Talking Calculator Tactile/Voice Output Measuring
Devices Math Smart Charts Low Tech Adaptations for Answering Enlarged Math Worksheets On screen Calculator Alternative Keyboards Software/Voice Recognition
Assistive Technology and Writing
Adapted Paper/Pencils Pencil Grips Rubber Stamps Word Processor Writing Guides Computer
Alternate keyboards Arm Support Mouth Stick/head pointer Scanner
Assistive Technology Tools Learning and Studying
Print or Picture Schedule Highlighting Text Recording Material Voice Output Reminders NCR Paper Low Tech Aids to Identify Materials Electronic Organizers Palm Computers Software
Highlights
We’ve come a long way…..biggest issue is not obtaining the AT Closet shelf Too complicated for student and staff
Definition of AT includes training!
TECHNOLOGY TIPS
Consider low-tech solutions first. Build a network of individuals knowledgeableknowledgeable
about equipment and low-tech strategies. Access local, regional and national resources. Consider adaptable equipment when
purchasing new technology and other educational products.
Systems should be portable.
BE CREATIVE!
TECHNOLOGY TIPS
See Equipment Tips Handout Provide print or tactile copy of screens Verbal descriptions Be cognizant of background noise Lighting enough to see…watch for glare Choose font, size, color for strong contrast Paler highlighters Uncluttered screens Described and Caption Media Program:
http://www.dcmp.org/
WV RESOURCES
WV DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (WVDE) OFFICE OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS Kathy Knighton ([email protected]) Annette Carey [email protected] Ruth Ann King [email protected] Valerie Wilson [email protected]
WV Birth to Three Program (WVDHHR) Contact: Pam Roush, (304) 558-6311, 1-800-642-9704
WV Early Childhood Resource Lending Library (ECRLL) 1-800-642-9704 http://cedwvu.org/resources/library.php
West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS)(888) 829-9426 http://wvats.cedwvu.org/
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services(304) 776-4702 http://www.wvdrs.org
CAMP GIZMO 2011
Assistive Technology Summer Camp Parents, professionals and students
learn how assistive technology can help young children (0-8) with significant and multiple developmental needs
WV Schools for the Deaf and Blind Campus Romney, WV – July 9-14 Lodging/meals provided Registration (website)
Professional Development Opportunities
RESOURCES
Article: Using Flexible Technology to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners: What Teachers Can Do
Web Resources for Assistive Technology in the Classroom Family Center on Technology and disability
http://www.fctd.info/ Assistive Technology funding in the Schools
http://wvde.state.wv.us/osp/assistivetechnology.html
TIS TECHNOLOGY TIPS WVATS Mini-grants
THANK-YOU!!!!!
04/10/23