Overview of Assistive Technology

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Overview of Assistive Technology

• Adams 12 School District
• Assistive Technology Team

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Assistive Technology

• is mandated by law.
• must be considered annually for every student
  with an IEP.
• may be indicated when a student is having
  difficulty achieving their IEP goals and
  objectives.

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Assistive Technology Act of 1998

• 'assistive technology 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 individuals with
  disabilities.

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Assistive Technology Act of 1998

• assistive technology service
• means any service that directly assists an
  individual with a disability in the selection,
  acquisition, or use of an assistive technology
  device.

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Adams 12 Assistive Technology Team

• Multi-disciplinary Team
• 2 Special Educators
• 2 Speech Therapists
• 1 Motor Therapist
• 1 Para-Educator
• http//www.adams12.org/at

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What does the AT Team do?

• Consultation
• Evaluation of AT Need
• AT Training
• Curriculum Adaptations Using AT
• Materials (Loan Banks)
• Programming of AT

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AT Strategies Low Tech

• Slant Board
• Electronic Spell Checker
• Tape Recorders
• Changes in text size, in spacing, in background
  color
• Calculator

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AT Strategies High Tech

• Word Processor
• Word Prediction Software
• Talking Word Processor
• Multimedia Software
• Voice Recognition Software

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AT Strategies High Tech (cont.)

• Software for Organization of Ideas
• Software with Template for Math Computation
• Electronic Books
• Books on Tape
• Screen Readers

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Teacher Resources/Tools

• Books
• News-2-You
• Boardmaker

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Books

• Every Move Counts
• Hands-On Reading
• Book of Possibilities
• Visual Strategies for Improving communication
• Picture Exchange Communication System

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News-2-You

• Weekly Online Newspaper
• Current Events
• Text with line-drawn Pictures
• Many Activities

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News-2-You Activities

• Basic Information About topic
• Places in the News
• People in the News
• Recipe, Joke, and Game Pages
• Review Page

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Boardmaker

• Database of picture symbols
• Communication Overlays
• Multiple Languages
• Classroom Adaptations

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Student Resources

• Software
• Computer Access
• Communication

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Software

• CoWriter
• WriteOutLoud
• PixWriter
• Start-to-Finish
• Microsoft Word Features
• Microsoft PowerPoint

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CoWriter

• Word Prediction
• Reduces of Keystrokes
• Works with a Word Processor

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WriteOutloud

• Talking Word Processor
• Import Electronic Text to be Read

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PixWriter

• Talking Word Processor
• Beginning Readers and Writers
• Combines Print, Graphics and Speech

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Start-To-Finish Books

• High Interest/Low Vocabulary
• Grade level 2/3 and 4/5
• Paperback
• Computer Book
• Audio Cassette

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STF 60 Titles

• Sports
• Short Stories
• Classics (Literature Adventures)
• Myths and Legends
• Mysteries
• History
• Science and Nature

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Computer Access

• Intellikeys
• AlphaSmart

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Intellikeys

• Alternative keyboard
• Programmable
• Customize overlays for individual needs

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AlphaSmart

• Stand-alone Keyboard
• Take Notes
• Write First Drafts
• Keep Assignments Organized
• Transfer Work to Computer to Edit

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Switch Access

• Switches
• PowerLink
• All-Turn-It

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Switches

• Can Emulate Mouse Clicks
• Run Single Switch Software
• Use with PowerLink for Environmental Control

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Powerlink

• Students can control their environment
• Operate appliances with a switch
• Cordless option

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All-Turn-It Spinner

• Switch activated
• Fun way to include students in general classrooms

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Communication

• Devices
• PECS
• Visual Schedules

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BIGmack

• Single message ouput device
• Large target area for visual and motor needs

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DynaVox 3100

• Dynamic, touch screen display
• Synthesized or digitized speech
• Links to other pages
• Programmable
• Built-in ECU

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Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

• Developed to functional communication skills.
• Used primarily with students who either do not
  use speech or speak with limited effectiveness.

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Visual Schedules

• Clarifies verbal information
• Develops independence
• Provides structure to accept change
• Use objects, photos, picture symbols or words

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Assistive Technology

• Alternate ways to communicate
• Access to technology
• Access to environment
• Academic modifications