ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Kashia Grosser

Philosophy

“For many students with disabilities to be successful

learners in the general education curriculum, they must receive supplemental

aids and services.”

Assistive Technology fits both.

What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

It is both a device and a service. Device- the product used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of students.

Service- the services necessary to access the needs and supports the student needs for using the AT.

Purpose of AT

Gives students access to the general education curriculum.

Promotes social and extracurricular activities.

All students with an IEP must be

considered for the use of AT.

Who should be considered for AT?

IEP Team Collects Information about:

Students strengths, abilities, and skills.

Environments in which the student functions.

General education curriculum the student needs to meet IEP goals.

Information on different AT to meet these goals.

Steps in Considering AT

Observe student Review information Generate solutions Select solution(s) Develop implementation plan Consider trial period Evaluate results

IEP Team Decides:

AT is not needed.AT is needed and not being used.

AT may be needed, but not sure what type/kind.

Who pays for AT?

SchoolMedical AssistanceOther funding sourcesSchool is responsible for the maintenance.

Types of AT

Aids for daily living skills Alternative keyboard Assisted keyboard Augmentation Communication device Braille Communication device Eye gaze Headstick

Types of AT

Keyguard Prosthetics/

Orthotics Switch Voice Recognition

System

Pencil grips Raised lines on

paper PECS Weighted

Silverware

Dynavox Laptops Voice activated

LOW TECH HIGH TECH

•Access to the curriculum and development of emergent literacy skills.•Opportunities for play, movement, and parental care giving.

AT increases:

DYNAVOX

Augmentative Communication Device

“Speech generating devices and symbol-adapted special education software used to assist individuals in overcoming their speech, language and learning challenges. These solutions are designed to help individuals who have complex communication and learning needs participate in the home, classroom and community.”

What are dynavoxes?

Gives individuals a “voice.”

ALS Stroke Traumatic Brain

Injury Cerebral Palsy Autism Developmental

Disabilities

Technologies created for individuals with:

http://www.dynavoxtech.com/success/autism/details.aspx?id=76

Slade Helwig

Benefits of the Dynavox

Gives individual a voice. Communicate wants and needs.

Make requests Some individuals have become more verbal.

Communicate with family, peers, staff, etc. Relationships

Independence Improve or maintain life skills

Behavioral improvements

References

Dyal, A., Carpenter, L.B., Wright, J.V (2009). Assistive technology: what

every school leader should know. Education, 129 (3)

Dynavox. (2010) Retrieved from: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/

Default.aspxInteractive learning station aims to

bridge gap for individuals with disabilities. (2009) Exceptional Parents, 39 (8/9).

References

Larson, J.B. (2003). Minnesota assistive technology manual.

Lauden, T. (2010) Assessment and Methods for Students with Developmental Disabilities. SPED 440 [Lecture and notes] Winona, MN: Winona State University, Department of Special Education.

Parette, H.P., Stoner, J.B., Watts, E.H. (2009) Assistive technology user group perspectives of early childhood professionals. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 44(2), 257-270.