Assessing for Assistive Technology NeedsLeyna Bencomo 2014

WHAT DO WE KNOW?

Intake Specialist’s recommendations and notes.Medical opinions.IEP and outside experts’ opinions.What the student tells us they need.

WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO DETERMINE?

How to Accommodate the Student

WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW?

What are the student’s obstacles to learning? • What goal is the student hoping to reach? • What is the learning environment?

• What re really need to know is: What are • the individual’s specific obstacles • to meeting this stated goal • within this particular environment

1. THE STUDENT’S GOAL

Subjective Questions

• Classes this semester• Post graduation plans

Checking the LMS

• Are classes on degree plan

• Major• Previous class history

2. THE CLASS ENVIRONMENT

Questions

• Where are classes located

• Field trips required

Visit the classroom• Classroom technology• Universal design

Speak to the Instructor

Read the Syllabus

3. Discovering The Obstacles

The Private Interview

Establish a rapport Allow student to get

comfortable with computer

Reduce anxiety Distraction free Safe zone for personal

revelations

3. Discovering The ObstaclesQuestions to Ask

Home Life / Social Life School History / Status Mode of Transportation Devices owned Work Situation Skills

◦ Reading, writing, typing, math, computer literacy

◦ Study ability

◦ Note taking ability

3. Discovering The ObstaclesObjective – Observations

Reading skills Writing and Notes Typing and using Computer Physical Stamina, capacity Vision and Hearing Emotional status, changes Cognitive ability, pace Learning Styles

FORMULATING THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS

Summarize the ObstaclesBegin working on the Solution

Solutions for Reading Obstacles

Text to Speech tool Utilize picture dictionary Focusing tool Automated vocabulary lists Screen masking Teach student to create

mp3 files from articles Audio books eBooks

Solutions for Writing Obstacles

Mapping tool with auto outline

Dictation software Dictation sofware with

Digital Recorder input Smart Pen Word prediction Picture dictionary Thesaurus Vocabulary listing

Solutions for Computer Illiteracy

Computer familiarity and LMS training Typing class Word processing class Braille /screen reader training Magnification, Color adjustment tools Focusing tool

Solutions for Learning Disabilities

Digital Recorders Smart Pen Transcriptions for videos Picture dictionary Highlighting and

summarizing tool (R&W) Visual mapping tool

Solutions for Physical and Stamina Obstacles

Dictation software One-handed keyboard software

◦ www.onehandkeyboard.org

Adjustable table and Ergotronic arm

Oversized monitor Task lighting Ergonomic chair White noise, music Private room Alternate Mouse Screen reader and Braille for

the blind Magnification and color

adjustment for low vision students

CREATE A PLAN

• Document in the Case File

• Alert the Intake Specialist

• Send Plan and

Recommendations to Student

• Schedule Training

Appointments

• Coordinate any alternate

media production

• Refer to academic tutoring

department, TRIO, specialized

student clubs, etc.

FOLLOW THROUGH

• Install and configure

hardware and software in

classrooms and labs.

• Loan the student AT

equipment

• Keep training appointments

• Monitor student progress

• Encourage communication

• Visit the classroom

• Document all contacts.

• Adjust plan as needed

Assessing for Assistive Technology NeedsLeyna Bencomo 2014

Contact information: Look for me at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs starting December 1, 2014

unknown@UCCS.edu