Making + Tinkering with Assistive Technology

Supports..

Helping Young Children to “Do”

Let’s Participate!

DOE/OSEPAssistive Technology Use by Young Children

Model Demonstration Project2012-2018

Quick Check-in...• How would you describe your use of AT with young children?

• rarely; • sometimes; • often

• What is your level of AT skills + knowledge?• AT specialist• Adequate for the children I interact with• Need more information

• In your opinion, which children benefit most from AT supports?• Children with common developmental delays and disabilities• Children with significant delays and disabilities• Children with temporary delays

• What kind of AT do you typically look for? • Items with ‘built in’ AT supports• Simple AT+ adaptations• Complex, specialized AT• All of the above

Does AT “work”?

Despite potential AT benefits, AT is not being used…..

Model Demonstration ProjectsEducation, Technology + Media Projects

• Children develop and learn by participating in everyday home, school and community routines

• AT supports help children to more actively participate in daily routines

• AT supports are uniquely tailored to each child/family’s needs, values and routines; create a Child-specific AT Plan

• Family/teacher input is critical in selecting AT and evaluating success; ‘primary’ users

Model Basics: Why AT for Young Children?

IDEA, 2004 Definitions

• AT 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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability.�

• AT Service: “one that assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device.”

AT Resource

AT Purpose

AT for Young Children…

• looks very different than technology for youth + adults

• supports ongoing development + learning

• used primarily in child’s natural environments to support participation in daily activities

• family/teachers INTENTIONALLY select, adapt and evaluate supports

• Supports change frequently due to ongoing child development

• selected with knowledgeable service providers; can be home-made or highly specialized

PRESCHOOLERS

AT is used to support the education and learning of young children with disabilities. The IEP team must consider whether the child requires AT to meet IEP goals.

INFANTS + TODDLERS

AT is used to promote developmental (not educational or medical) needs of infants and toddlers served by the program.

OSEP Defines Purpose of AT

AT is any thing that helps a

child with a disabilityDO somethingthat s/he can’t do

without it!

Our AT Definition...

• 20-25% + of kids• High incidence disabilities

• 4-7% of population • Low-incidence disabilities

LP Model Trends…. More Kids Use AT

• AT supports participation in everyday routine activities

• Research- AT works! (Dunst Trivette, Hamby, Simkus, 2013)

• Preference for skill-building interventions

• AT addresses child’s disability

Changing Trends…. More Uses

• Context of daily activity• “AT is Everyone’s Responsibility”

• AT Specialist• Need for “more device

training”

LP Model Trends…. More Users

• User preference for off-the-shelf, modified AT

• Full range of simple to complex

• Specialized AT designed for disability

LP Model Trends…. Consider More AT

UniversallyDesigned products

+ technologies

Modifications + items with

special features

Specialty items for disability

Sources of AT…

focus on off-the-shelf AT and modifications

learn how tinkering with ordinary items can help young children participate

explore the DIY and Makers Movements

discover YOUR potential for providing AT to young children.

Today, we will...

Start with off-the-shelf(universal) items

• Items with flexible, adaptable features

• Use items in new, multiple ways

IS IT AT?

Impact of Universal Design – Design for ALL

• Increased options of affordable, easy to use, enhanced features, designed for more users

• Example: To focus + attend a child requires seamless, tight clothing due to sensory issues.

• Where can you find it?

• Which would you buy?

TARGET$5-18

May, 2018

SPIO (online)$129-220

Consider Crowdfunding Options: The Vidget

Crowd Funding Examples

Tapping into your personal network of family and friends to fund needed assistive technology

Maker Movement: Technology based extension of the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Culture

The Maker Movement: This convergence of independent inventors, designers, tinkerers and DIY-ers are sharing ideas, tools, and workspaces as they create new devices. Typical interests enjoyed by the maker culture include technology-oriented pursuits such as electronics, robotics, 3D printing, as well as more traditional activities such as metalworking, woodworking, and traditional arts and crafts.

Maker Movement: Mobility

Maker Movement: Bumbo Wheelchair

Sharing what you know…..InstructablesA DIY online community to share what you make

Other Maker Movements:

Adaptive Design & Fabricate

BellyTime for Lilly Lynn

DIY!!! Modify

available items…use them in new ways!

Sources: friends, families, colleagues, professional magazines, etc.

WHY DIY ???

• not new to AT practice• COST: less expensive + less isolating• fast and easy• CUSTOM design: changes as child’s needs

change in natural environments• USERS: families, teachers and friends know

the child best: consider preferences, abilities, challenges, and changes

• DIY is empowering! Solve problems, build confidence share know how

Outcome: 2 ½ and almost walking

Feature Match:• Look for matching height cart• Increase stability• Add weights• Secure to carpet in home

• Add velcro to wheels• Create play scenarios• Gradually remove velcro as

strength + balance develop

DIY: Customized Mobility

Outcome:Not using symbols yet?

Feature Match:• tactile objects from child’s

experience• progress from 3D to 2D to picture

symbols

Object Communication Cards

Outcome: Outside/active communication

Feature Match:• Durable, light, non-electronic

outside material

• Use a piece of a pool noodle to display communication pictures or symbols

• Tape them on or cut a slit to hold them; laminate

Pool Noodle Communication

Outcome: Communicate + play

Feature Match:• high contrast• flexible, easy,quick• use with toys+ objects• communicate with

changeable photos, symbols

Velcro Boards

Materials: Foamcore, Showloop/veltexhook tape adhesive

1. Paint your blocks (solid or with

pictures on two sides). Allow blocks

to dry.

2. Use sticky back Velcro. Measure the

amount of Velcro you will need to

wrap around each block once. Cut

two pieces of Velcro (hook + loop).

3. Wrap both pieces of velcro around

each block.

4. Find a container (box, drawer) in

which to store your blocks, line with

show loop. Design a scene; PLAY!

Velcro Story BlocksOutcome: Play

Outcome: bath time communication- choices, requests, “all done”

Feature match:• Waterproof, sealed kickboard,

kneelpad

• Symbols• gallon zip bag, tape• pictures, photos, drawings

Waterproof Communication Board

Tots n Tech Pinterest

Outcome: communication portability

Materials:• Plastic lacing• 2 links• Velcro showloop/

veltex• iPad with case• AAC app

Carry Strap for iPad with AAC app

Outcome: improve app accuracy

Materials:• Take a picture of the

screen layout. • Lay wikistix in matching

row/column pattern• Place on transparent

projector paper

iPad App Keyguards

Customized Grips

Outcome: make it easier to use activity tools

Feature match: considertexture, softness, durability, feedback

Materials:• Sponge hair rollers• Model magic• Foam tubing

Outcome: sit upright, keep toys, materials within reach

Materials:• laundry basket• pool noodles, paper

rolls, as needed• toy clips, links

Laundry basket sitting support

Outcome: safe walking shoes

Materials: • Slippers, soft shoes

• Hot glue for skid-proof, grip bottoms

Non-slip for new walkers

Activity Sequences + Schedules

Outcome: know what to do next

Materials:

• foam door hanger• Clothesline, pins, • Key ring• picture/symbols

DIY ResourcesPinterest: social media platform commonly used for DIY ideas… SEARCH TERMS…YouTube: watch and share DIY projects

Sensory Bagfor babies• Search for ways to explore

textures without getting messy

• Search for sensory bags

• Use on floor, table or window for letting light through

DIY: Sensory BagsMaterials:• large Zip-lock freezer bags (use two

for each Bag) • A range of small objects to go inside

the bag like: Buttons, pom-poms, beads, buttons, glitter, soft rubber creatures, or basically anything without sharp edges.

• Strong masking tape or Duct tape • 1-3 cups of gel for each bag

Directions:Put gell and small objects in the bag. Seal and insert into second bag- upside down. Reseal. Reinforce opening (or whole bag) with duct tape. Squish and have fun!

DIY: Geo Boards

Materials:• Cork board• Extra large pegs• Rubber bands

Chewy Necklaces

Search for sensory chewing, teething

Materials:• vinyl tubing, shoelace• wooden or silicone

bead(s)• thin knee socks

LET’S DIY!

Fidgit Balloons• Search for sensory play-

fidgit balloons

• Quiet, washable, mouthable

• For filling… consider child tactile preferences + strength

DIY: Fidgit Balloons

3. Use a funnel1. Buy Balloons and blow to stretch

4. Tie off the end 5. Draw a face or decorate

• Fillers: flour, lentils, corn starch and water/glue, bird seed, sand, play dough balls, rice, couscous

2. Select a filler

5. Cover with 2 more balloons

YouTube subscriptionsFor AT use with Young Children

• ATKansas videos- for use with young children Search for content

• List of materials• Step by step directions• Related videos available

• Subscribe to best sites

Making a Switch Adapted Toy

ATK (4:15)

ATKansas YouTube Channel

AT in NH: iCreATeAuthor: Therese Willkomm

Subscribe to AT in NH…• Universal Cuff• Cup holder• iPad stand• Book page holder• Etc, etc

iLean

Tots n Tech Channel

DIY…Infant Sensory Mobile

Thinking DIY…

DIYHow can you change/adapt/modify this chair to help a child who needs

• Foot rest• Wiggle release• Quiet when moved• Active positioning • To be separate from others

IDEAS

Bouncy Bands or linked rubber bands

Disc o sit

Inflatable alternative

Sitting Support

Foot rest

Materials:• Chair

• Box 2-3” height

• Put holes in the top front big enough to fit the front legs of the chair in them

Tots n Tech

DIY…

How many ways can you use pool noodles for increased participation?• Communication?• Moving? • Positioning?• Using other materials or tools?• Helping to remember or

understand or engage?

Using Pool Noodles- inexpensive- easy to find (seasonal)- cut with a butter knife,

scissors- trial and re-use

REMEMBER…

AT helps families + teachers help kids...

...and YOU are a necessary part of the process

Do you know a child who’s struggling to participate?

Consider AT & helpmake it happen!

Any Questions?

DIY TIPS?

Best Resources?

Susan MistrettJohan deBesche

Let’s Participate! Projectwww.letsparticipate.org