assistive technology geralyn fellows speech language pathologist

ASSIS

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The definition of assistive technology applied to education is extremely broad, encompassing "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.

AT is implemented for a student is greater independence and increased success towards accessing the curriculum.

WHAT

IS T

HE

INDIV

IDUALS

WIT

H

DISABIL

ITIE

S ACT?

education law that ensures public schools serve the educational needs of students with disabilities. IDEA requires that schools provide special education services to eligible students as outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

IDEA

Free

and

Appropria

te

Ecuca

tion

FAPE mandates that school districts provide access to general education and specialized educational services.

FAPE

AT CONTINUUM CHARACTERISTICS

LOW TECH MID TECH HIGH TECH

Less Sophisticated Low-cost

Tools

Relatively Complicated Mechanical

Devices

Very Advanced Computers and Digital

Devices

HIERARCHY OF TECHNOLOGY

LOW TECH MID TECH HIGH TECHKoosh Ball Special Mouse Software word

prediction

Pencil Grips Special Keyboard

Smart Board/touch screen

Velcro Books on Tape

Software voice recognition

White Boards Calculator iPad

Color Coding Slant Board Laptop Computer

Magnifiers Adaptive Scissors

Environment Controls

Picture Schedule

Switches/toys

PECS Writing Template

SETT DECISION PROCESS

Student

EnvironmentTaskTool

Student

What does the student need to do?What are the student’s abilities and special needs

CommunicationFine Motor

Gross Motor

Cognition

Learning Style

Environment What equipment and materials are available?

What is the physical arrangement?

Who are the primary people working with the student?

How is the service delivered?

Task

What are the activities? What are the critical elements of the

activity?How might modifications be made to

accommodateThe student’s special needs?

How might technology support the student’s active participation in these activities?

Tools

What no-tech, low-tech, high tech options should be considered?

What strategies might be used?

How will this be tried with the student?

WHAT ARE THE AREAS THAT THE STUDENT STRUGGLES?

1. Reading2. Writing3. Organization4. Spelling5. Visual6. Sensory7. Math8. Communication

What is the task?

Current Outcome?

What are the needs?

Assistive Technology Software for PC

SOLO Suite: Don Johnston

• Read Out Loud• Write Out Loud

• Co-Writer• Draft Builder

Software for PC

Kurzwiel

Read and Write Gold

IPAD APPLICATIONS

Organization

Homework Applications for Assignments

Graphic Organizers

Timers

Applications for Writing

CoWriter

Applications for Reading

Read2Go

Ipad Use Accessibility Speak Auto Text

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

The evaluation

Purchasing or Leasing

Selecting, customizing, adapting, applying maintaining, repairing, replacing devices

Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services

Training or technical assistance for the student/if appropriate student’s family

Training or assistance for professionals

Assistive Technology Misconceptions

All AT is Computer BasedAll AT is ComplexOnly students with severe

disabilities need ATAt Solves All ProblemsOnly AT Specialists deal

with ATAT is a one-shot process