Rachel Bradstock

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AssistiveTechnology for Special Needs Learners

• Rachel Bradstock
• Clarke Conaway
• Justin Loureiro
• Rebecca Wabeke
• December 5, 2007

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Agenda

• The Challenge
• What is Assistive Technology?
• Assistive Technology Types and Functions
• Alternative Keyboards
• Alternative Input Devices
• Speech/Language Communication Devices
• Written Communication Aids
• Multimedia Devices
• Reading Comprehention Aids
• Conclusion

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The Challenge

• The Number of disabled students continues to
  increase.
• Using technology to advance/enhance the education
  of students with special needs.
• Converting existing Technologies into tools for
  Special Needs Students.

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What is Assistive Technology?

• Any Device or Item that can be used to increase,
  maintain or improve the capabilities of
  individuals with disabilities (Merbler
  Hadadian, 1999.)
• Technology that targets an individuals
• Development
• Physical Ability
• Social Ability
• High Level Low Level Technology
• High
• i.e. Speech Synthesizers, Alternative Keyboards
• Low
• i.e. Electronic Scissors, Picture Boards, Tape
  Recorders

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Alternative Keyboards

• An adaptive, large keyboard
• Keys can be programmed to accommodate the
  students needs
• Enables students to write and navigate computer
  software
• 4 types of Alternative Keyboards
• Programmable Keyboard
• Chording Keyboard
• Miniature Keyboard
• On-Screen Keyboard

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Alternative Keyboards

• 4 types of Alternative Keyboards
• Programmable Keyboard
• Can be customized to meet the needs of the
  student by the teacher using an overlay
  (specialized graphics)
• Chording Keyboard
• Contains fewer keys, reduces confusion to the
  user
• Miniature Keyboard
• Portable keyboard
• Reduces finger travel between keys
• On-Screen Keyboard
• Standard Microsoft Function
• Appears on the computer monitor
• Mouse is used to press the keys

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Chording Keyboard
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On-Screen Keyboard

• Standard Microsoft Windows Function
• Live Demonstration!!

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Alternative Input Devices

• Allows for participation in group activities
• Variety of switches or buttons
• Ablenet Switch
• An electronic box with a large red button
• Student can identify stop go
• Can be used to identify when a desired row or
  object is present in scanning software

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Alternative Input Device

• Alternative Mice
• Trackballs
• Often seen in Arcade Video Games
• Kidz Mouse
• Half the size of a traditional mouse
• Can be squeezed at any part of the head
• The Light Pen
• Used to draw images on a screen or run a program
  by pointing the light.

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Alternative Input Device

• Touch Screen
• New Technology
• Allows students to direct input to a computer
  using your finger
• Speech Recognition
• Spoken language is used to direct the operation
  of the computer
• Speech synthesizer is used to transform words
  stored in memory into sound patterns (human
  speech)
• Text and Data can be entered using voice commands
• Used for those without keyboarding capability

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Speech Recognition
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Speech/Language Communication Devices

• FM System
• Clarifies speech for students suffering from
  hearing impairment
• Teacher wears a transmitter and the student wears
  a receiver
• Directs the voice
• Reduces background noise
• MessageMate
• Speaks for the student allowing them to
  participate socially
• Increases the fluency of language
• DynaMyte
• Portable communication device
• Student selects images and the computer speaks

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Written Communication Aids

• For Student with Special Needs
• Word Processors
• Spell Check
• Eases the writing process
• Increases confidence in writing
• Word Prediction
• Reduces the number of keystrokes by predicting
  words
• This tool is often used in cellular text
  messaging
• Writer 4000
• Reads the words to assist the student in
  selecting the right word

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Written Communication Aids

• Writing with Symbols 2000
• Word processor that associates pictures with
  words
• Can be customized to meet the students need
• Mindmapping
• Uses words or pictures to create an idea
• Used prior to the writing process
• WebQuest
• An inquiry-oriented activity
• Reduces the stress of the research process
• Provides information on topics via the internet
• Places the focus on using information rather then
  looking for it

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Multimedia Devices

• A video iPod
• Teachers can find educational content
• Online Apple Store
• Internet
• Resource PodCasts
• Available from educational companies
• PowerPoint presentations can be transferred to
  video ipods
• iPod microphones enable students to record
  teacher lectures
• Used to administer tests
• Encourage attendance
• They are entertaining
• Students seem to retain attention longer

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Reading Comprehension Aids

• Electronic Books
• For students who cant internalize printed words
• Allows students to
• Read along
• View Pictures
• Record their voice
• Listen to Music
• View animated pictures
• Write their own story
• Scholastic Wiggle Works
• Program that allows students to determine speed,
  voice, pronunciation, definitions and language.

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Reading Comprehension Aids

• Handheld Electronic Devices
• Used for students with poor memory or
  organizational skills
• Calendars, Alarms, Electronic Organizers
• For students who cant internalize printed words
• Accelerated Reader
• Designed for older students
• Targets the appropriate reading lever
• Page Turners for students who have trouble
  maneuvering a book

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Conclusion

• Assistive Technology can greatly improve the
  quality of education for students with special
  needs
• Assistive Technology can provide students with
  special needs the necessary skills to succeed in
  their community
• Teachers must embrace new technology
• Some resist change
• Technology cannot do it alone
• Patient dedicated teachers are critical

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Questions and Answers