Assistive Technology:What You Need To Know

TOPS II

Wendy HomlishBonnie Young

Assistive Technology ConsultantsCLIU 21

What is Assistive Technology?

A system of tools which match a person’s needs,

abilities, and tasks

What Areas Might be Improved with Technology?

• Communication• Participation(academic/play/

recreation)• Computer Access• Environmental Control• Productivity – including writing• Academic Outcomes – including

reading and math

Additional Areas Improved By Assistive Technology

• Visual Impairments• CCTV• Braille Notetakers• Screen Readers

• Hearing Impairments• FM Systems

• Mobility

The BIG Questions

• Which students need assistive technology?• Those for whom AT is necessary to

receive FAPE and to make progress in their educational program

• What kind of technology is needed?• Determined on a case by case basis• Related directly to what is needed for a

student to receive FAPE

Guiding Principles

• Primary goal of AT is the enhancement of capacities and removal of barriers to performance.

• AT can BE a barrier!• AT is related to function, not disability• The least complex intervention needed to

remove barriers to performance should be the first consideration

• Assessment and intervention form a continuous, dynamic process

Levels of Assistive Technology

• No Tech Solutions

• Low Tech Solutions

• High Tech Solutions

No Tech Solutions

• Might include• Eye or finger pointing• Knocking on the door• Manual signing• Prompt hierarchy

• ECT (Environmental Communication Teaching Training)

• Environmental Arrangement

Low Tech Solutions

• Handwriting w/ pen or pencil• Modified eating utensils• Basic wheelchair/stroller• Manual communication boards

• Communication notebooks• Communication wallets

• Visual cues and strategies• Single message vocal output devices

High Tech Solutions

• Motorized wheelchair

• Using an adapted computer

• Dedicated vocal output devices (commercially manufactured)

Communication:What is AAC?

• Used to describe communication modes other than verbal speech• Sign language• Gestures• Alphabet systems• Symbol or picture systems• Vocal output systems

Augmentative Communication

Any approach designed to enhance an individual’s already existing speaking skills. Not designed to replace existing communication abilities, but rather to support them.

Alternative Communication

Those communication approaches that are an individual’s primary means of communication. Utilized when an individual possesses no oral communication abilities.

Candidates for AAC

• Congenital disabilities• CP• Autism• Mental retardation• Developmental apraxia• Sensory impairments• Traumatic brain injury• Apraxia-severe unintelligble speech

Central Goal of AAC

• To communicate messages so users can interact in conversations

• Participate at school, home, work, recreational activities

• Establish and maintain social roles• Meet personal needs

Including the Student Who Uses AAC• Structure the environment to

support communication• Proper positioning• Access to AAC• Access to partners• Involvement in motivating activities

• Respond to the individual’s communication attempts

• Confirm the intended message

Including the Student…

• Ensure shared focus of attention• Provide opportunities for

communication• Wait and provide enough time to

communicate• Model appropriate use of AAC

Manual Communication Board

Single Message Output

Mid Tech

Hi-Tech Vocal Output Device

VIDEO

Computer Access

• Touch Window• Switches• Alternate Mouse Input• Alternate Keyboards

• Maltron Keyboard• IntelliKeys• On-screen Keyboards• Mini-keyboards

Interfaces

Switches

Michael Phillips

Alternate Keyboards

ELINA

Alternate Pointers/MiceVideo

Environmental Control

• Provides ability to control aspects of one’s environment, including:• TV• VCR• Computer• Lights• Radio

Environmental Control-TV/VCR

Writing Tools-Production• Keyboarding

programs

• Ultra Key • Type to Learn• Free downloads

• Word Processors (MS Word)

• templates• auto correct

features• forms

• Portable Writing Devices

• Neo• Dana• The Writer

Neo /Dana

www.alphasmart.com

Writing Tools-Process

• Talking word processing programs• Write:OutLoud/SOLO• Read & Write• Premiere Accessibility Suite• Free Programs-Word Talk, etc.

• Utilities: • Thesaurus• Dictionary-”Look Up”

• Word prediction programs• Co:Writer• WordQ• Read & Write• Premiere Accessibility Suite

Reading Difficulties

• Learning disabilities• Dyslexia• Read slowly, must re-read to

extract meaning.• Struggle to decode unfamiliar

words• Fatigue easily, break frequently

Scan and Read Programs

•WYNN - (What You Need to Know Now)- w/OCR software

•Kurzweil 3000- w/OCR software

Text-To-Speech

• Talking Word Processors

• Talking Web Readers

• Browse Aloud

• Click, Talk – FireFox add on

Study & Organization

• Problem -Times Issues

• Keeping track of time• Keeping track of assignments• Difficulty with long term projects• Hallmark of ADD/ADHD

Tools To Try

• Time Timer• Visual Schedules• Print Schedules• Vibrating light/sound timer• Pocket Mod• Watches with alarms• Calendar programs

Study & Organization

• Problem -Spatial

• Difficulty organizing physical space− Notebooks, lockers, desks, backpacks

• Often “can’t find” materials• Loses important things

Tools to Try

• Highlighters/Highlighter tape• Colored notebook paper• Colored coded folders & book

covers• Accordion files

Study & Organization

• Problem -Attention• Attending to task long enough to

finish• Hear only part of instructions

• Have only some of the tools needed

• Get only part of the assignment• Require recueing

Tool To Try

• Color-font, paper, etc.• Non-verbal cueing• Talking calculators/dictionaries• Highlighters/tape

Study & Organization

• Problem -Sequencing & Memory• Remembering & carrying out steps

• Skip steps• Lose track• Need to start over

• Overwhelmed with too many steps• Memory problems

Tools To Try

• To do list-paper/electronic• Rubrics• Visual cue reminders• Digital reminders• Checklists

Study & Organization

• Problem -Prioritization• Can’t define what’s important• Don’t know what to study• Don’t know what to keep/throw out• Don’t know what assignment to start

first

Tools to Try

• Color code for importance• Red hot=first• Cool blue=wait

• Check list• Calendar-color coded

Study & OrganizationHI-Tech

• Kidspiration/Inspiration• Outline view-Word/Power Point• Electronic Flashcards

• Power Point• On line

Acquisition of AT

• ACCESS funds• Medical Assistance (AAC only)

• District Purchase• Statewide Bid• Student specific

• Classroom budget• Multi-student use within a classroom

− Software− Switches− Simple AAC devices

Ten Tips for Paraeducators

• Let students make mistakes & take risks

• Watch your voice & volume• Maintain student dignity• Communicate & consult with

caregivers• Facilitate peer relationships

Ten Tips

• Help the classroom teacher• Ask for help• Give as few prompts as possible• Help students to create authentic

work• Enable students to make choices

You Can Make a Difference!

It’s up to YOU………….Will you: • Facilitate or hinder participation• Have a positive impact on students• Remove barriers or create barriers• Help create an active and meaningful

environment for ALL STUDENTS!!