Assistive Technology in the Schools

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Assistive Technology in the Schools

• Kit Frank, OTRAssistive Technology
  CoordinatorTST BOCES
• April 10, 2006

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Assistive Technology in the Schools

• Mandated by law to be considered in the IEP
• allow student to remain in least restrictive
  environment and to provide access to the regular
  curriculum

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What is Assistive Technology ?

• Assistive Technology (AT) means 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 student
  with disabilities.
• (New York State Education Department, January
  2000).

Intellikeys Expanded Keyboard
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TST BOCES Assistive Technology Team

• Receive referrals from the CSE
• Evaluate students in the school environment
• Involve educational team and parents

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Asst. Tech. And Universal Design

• Assistive Technology individualized for one
  student
• Universal Design makes items available on an
  as-needed basis to any student

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Common Assistive Technology Needs in the Schools

• Reading
• Writing
• Communicating
• Adapting the Curriculum for a Learner at a
  different level
• Adapting the environment to allow access

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Most commonly used AT in the schools

• Alphasmart family of word processors
• Voice output, screen readers (computer talks)
• Word Prediction
• Adaptations to Windows

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Other AT used in the Schools

• Adapted keyboards and mice
• Alternative augmentative devices (communication
  devices)
• Literacy software
• Single switch hardware and software
• Voice input (you talk to the computer)
• Positioning, feeding, toileting aids
• Listening devices

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Goals for this presentation

• Become familiar with commonly used AT
• Know the pros and cons of each and who could use
  it
• Be comfortable to try it out with your students
• Intro to less commonly used AT

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Alphasmart devices

• Alphasmart
• Neo
• Dana

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Alphasmart

• Simple word processor
• No mouse
• 8 files
• Interfaces with computer

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Alphasmart Pros

• Quick boot-up
• Light and portable
• Durable and inexpensive
• Rechargeable model holds charge for a week
• Interfaces with computer for formatting, saving,
  printing
• Has spell checker
• Add-ons (applets) include word prediction and
  typing
• Uncomplicated, only word processing
• Attractive and cool (to some)

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Alphasmart Cons

• Small four line screen
• Word prediction and spell check less user
  friendly
• Only word processing
• Unattractive and uncool (to some)

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Alphasmart who is it for?

• Students with
• Difficulties with writing by hand
• Need for computer for writing, need portable
  device
• Ability to see the screen
• Motivation to use it
• Dont need additional features

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Alphasmart tips for use

• Charge once per week
• F keys represent 8 files
• To interface with computer plug into USB cable,
  open Word on computer, press send
• Desktop\Let.doc
• Save your documents on the computer, then delete
  from Alphasmart
• Best to print through a computer, not connect
  directly to a printer

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Neo by Alphasmart

• Same as Alphasmart but larger screen, better font
• Still has only 4 lines showing at a time
• ..\

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Dana by Alphasmart

• Basically a word processor but has other features
• Uses a stylus
• Uses Palm OS
• Larger screen, variety of fonts available
• Can save more than 8 files on the device
• Interfaces with computer by 2 methods

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Dana Pros

• Alphasmart features plus
• Easier to see text
• Includes address, memo pad, datebook
• Can add Palm programs
• Uses stylus
• Even more cool and attractive

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Dana Cons

• Distractible features
• Touchscreen is more fragile
• More complicated to use
• Stylus
• Must load software on computer to interface
• May not be cool and attractive enough

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Word prediction

• ..\Desktop\Let.doc
• Drop-down list suggests words
• Used with any writing application (ie Word,
  email)
• Voice output optional
• Configurable

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Word Prediction Tips for use

• Usually anchored list is best
• Encourage choosing by number rather than mouse
• For more advanced student, anchor list near
  bottom, use 6-9 words, they dont look at it
  until they need to

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Word Prediction Who is it for?

• Student with
• 3rd grade reading level or above
• Spelling difficulty
• and/or
• VERY slow keyboarding
• and/or
• Word omission, substitution errors

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Word PredictionPros and Cons

• Must try it first! Not for everyone
• Must be able to scan the list efficiently
• Some students find it confusing and forget what
  they wanted to say
• Some students stare at the list forever
• Helps improve spelling, may outgrow it in time

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How can you tell if AT is successful?

• Measure output before and after for
• Quality
• Quantity
• Independence
• Speed
• Data important to justify purchase

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Other AT used in the Schools

• Adapted keyboards and mice
• Alternative augmentative devices (communication
  devices)
• Literacy software
• Single switch hardware and software
• Positioning, feeding, toileting aids
• Voice input (you talk to the computer)

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Adapted keyboards

• Most computer users prefer regular keyboard
• Alphabetic layout only for user who will never
  use regular keyboard
• Portability, size issues

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Intellikeys

• Adapted keyboard
• Configurable latching, repeat,delay
• Standard and custom overlays

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Onscreen keyboard

• Use mouse (or other pointing device) to select
  keys
• Occupies part of the screen
• Configurable, should include word prediction
• Dont need to look at your hands
• Need small excursion of movement

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Joystick mouse

• Excellent for coordination difficulties
• Speed and buttons configurable
• Easy to learn for power wheelchair users, gamers

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Small mouse

• For small hand
• or
• Person with lack of movement
• Inexpensive, readily available

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Headmouse

• Control cursor with head movement
• Sensor on top of computer reads reflecting dot on
  forehead
• Can be set for dwell to click
• Used with Softtype onscreen keyboard
• Very expensive
• Not as intuitive as using hand for early learners

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Alternative Augmentative Devices (communication
devices)

• Used as part of a total communication approach
• Used to communicate what you cant communicate by
  other ways
• Enhances speech development
• Requires a team approach
• Requires team commitment

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Communication Low-mid tech

• Big Mac
• Step by Step
• Cheap Talk
• Other Recorded Voice devices

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Communication High tech

• Dynavox
• Chat PC
• Vanguard

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Literacy Software

• Not technically Asst. Tech.
• Used to support the Curriculum
• Must be reviewed by teachers to determine
  usefulness within curriculum
• Usually expensive
• Demos available

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Literacy Software

• Great for giving extra practice, reps
• Great for eliminating interactional struggles
• Enjoyable
• Rewards
• Tracks progress

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Literacy software examples

• Laureate
• Sound Reading Solutions
• HEC (Intensive phonics)
• Intellitools Literacy

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Single switch

• Used for person with limited control of movement
• Used to control toys, appliances, communication
  devices and computer
• Appropriate for all cognitive levels
• If you can find a consistent motion, we have a
  switch for you!
• Variety of shapes, amount of pressure,
  positioning options
• To make choices, must use scanning

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Single switch Scanning

• Choices are highlighted, you hit the switch at
  the right moment to choose
• Allows person with control of only one movement
  to make choices
• Cognitively challenging
• Many programs available to teach it
• Must set timing to maximize success

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Voice input Voice recognition Speech
recognition you talk to the computer

• Example Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Requires a good modern computer

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Voice input Who uses it?

• People with coordination impairments
• Severe writing impairments
• Severe spelling impairments
• Hand injuries

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Voice input Pros and Cons

• Does not do your composition for you
• Requires motivation, training, patience
• Must think about process as you write
• Younger students usually cannot control voice
  well enough
• Rarely successful in school setting

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Assistive Technology in the Schools

• Kit Frank, OTRAssistive Technology
  CoordinatorTST BOCES
• 607-257-2530 x348
• Kfrank_at_mail.tstboces.org