Assistive Technology

By

Tammy Stephens

Introduction

“As technology has come to play an increasingly important role in the lives of all persons in the U.S., in the conduct of business, in the functioning of government, in the fostering of communication, in the conduct of commerce, and in the provision of education, its impact upon the lives of the more than 50 million disabled individuals in the U.S. has been comparable to its impact on other Americans”

Technology Provides a Lifeline

“Assistive technology can be the lifeline that increases a student’s opportunities for education, social interactions, and meaningful employment.”

What is FAPE?

“FAPE” is the acronym for Free and Appropriate Public Education

FAPE Mandates that school systems provide access to general education and specialized educational services

FAPE Requires that disabled children receive support free of charge as is provided to their non-disabled peers

FAPE Requires that the quality of educational services provided be EQUAL to those provided to non-disabled students

FAPE Encourages the delivery of support and related services to be provided in the general education setting whenever possible

FAPE Facts:

Special education services are provided

1.At public expense2.Under public supervision and

direction3.Without charge to the parent

or guardian

Children with disabilities are provided

1.Modifications2.Accommodations3.Support services under their

IEP’s(These allow them to have

access to and benefit from instruction so they can meet the standards of the State Education Authority)

FAPE Facts:

The district must provide a program that1.Complies with the procedural requirements of IDEA2.Addresses the child’s unique needs as identified by evaluations , observation, and the student’s educational team3.Is coordinated to ensure that the child is able to make adequate progress in the educational setting

The disabled student must have access to non-academic and extracurricular activities equal to those provided to non-disabled peers

IEP & 504 Plans:

Students who qualify for the learning disabilities classification are entitled to a FORMAL PLAN that describes how the school will support your child’s educational needs.

IEP- individual Education Program – “Each public school child who receives special education and related services MUST HAVE AN IEP.”

504 Plan-is named for the section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that BROUGHT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE DISABLED INTO THE MODERN ERA

Schools receiving federal funds are obligated to serve students under 504; however no federal funds are provided to directly support offering section 504 services.

Applicable law:The Assistive Technology Act was first passed by Congress and signed by The President as the Technology-Related Assistance “The Assistive Technology Act of 1988 (PL101-407). It is often called the Tech Act for short and has been reauthorized in 1994,1998 and 2004. The most current version of the Act is authorized through 2010.”

Purpose of the tech act

“ THE TECH ACT IS INTENDED TO PROMOTE PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF, AND ACCESS TO, ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY(AT) DEVICES AND SERVICES.The Act seeks to provide AT to persons with disabilities, so they can more fully participate in education, employment and daily activities on a level playing field with other members of their communities.The Act covers people with disabilities of all ages, all disabilities, in all environments.”

PUBLIC LAW 105-394

STANDARDIZES definitions of :Assistive technologyAssistive technology devices Assistive technology services

PL 108-364:

Public Law 108-364 is the 2004 reauthorization of The Act.

Also known as The Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act

State AT Projects:Under the law, each U.S. state and territory receives a

grant to fund an Assistive Technology Act Project (ATAP).

These projects provide services to persons with disabilities for their entire life span, as well as to their families or guardians , service providers and agencies and other entities that are involved in providing services such as education and employment to disabled persons .

definition:

An assistive technology service is defined as any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Examples of AT Services:

An evaluation of the AT needs of an individual , including a functional evaluation of how AT would help the individual

Purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing the AT device

Selecting , designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, replacing or donating an AT device

Coordinating and using physical or occupational therapy with AT devices under an IEP or rehab plan

Providing training or technical assistance for a disabled individual, family members or care-givers to maximize the usefulness of the device

Training or technical assistance for educators, rehab professionals and employers

A service that expands access to technology, including email and internet, to disabled persons

Definition:

• “The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 defines Assistive technology Device as

“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 the functional capabilities of a child with a disability .”

Just what are assistive devices anyway?

Assistive devices include any device that disabled children (or adults) might use to help them learn and function more effectively.

The number and variety of devices is seemingly limitless (or limited only by budget constraints) .

We are bound only by our creativity and willingness to trouble-shoot, problem solve and look for ways to remove barriers faced by the disabled.

The spectrum of devices runs a gambit from inexpensive, no-tech solutions (like changing how you unroll the toilet paper off the dispenser) to extremely complex, expensive, customized devices like custom wheelchairs and posture support systems. Honestly it encompasses everything in between.

Exploring Assistive Technology Devices

Access and environmental control

Remote controlsRampsCurb cuts Elevators Automatic door openersHandicapped parkingHandicapped accessible

restrooms

Special keyboardsModified miceBraille signsDigital thermostatsAutomatic timersDigital Home management

systems that work with smart phone apps to operate garage doors, security systems, etc.

Aids to daily living:

Used for daily activities like bathing, dressing , physical transfers from one place to another (from bed to a wheelchair or in the bathroom ) personal grooming, brushing teeth, or eating.

Adapted cooking or eating utensilsWeighted dishes or silverware, cups with lids, and non-slip pads that offer

additional control for self- feedingDevices that enable one to perform tasks like donning socks, zipping or

buttoning shirts or pants that are part of dressing oneselfAdapted grooming toolsRoll in shower stalls, bath seats that fit over- the- tub, hand-held shower

wands, raised commode seats, grab bars, portable bedside commodes( adult potty chairs)

Most insurance companies do not cover items that are “ behind the

bathroom door” with the exception of the bedside commode

Aids to Daily Living

HANDICAPPED PARKING

Never park in a designated handicapped parking space without the required permit---

Just a minute is 60 seconds too long.

Mobility

Equipment that allows a student with a physical or visual disability to move independently and safely through the community.

Manual or Power WheelchairsWalkersRoll-atorsCanesScootersAdapted bicycles

Pediatric Ultra-lite Wheelchair

Addresses the mobility needs of physically disabled or mobility impaired students

Numerous options may be customized to reflect individual needs and/ or preferences.

1) Color2) Seating /positioning & back supports

with nylon fabric upholstery velcro tabs

3) Arm Rests/ Foot Rests/Support Straps4) Handle Extensions5) Backpack, Cup holders, Storage Bags

and Side or Under The Seat Pouches6) Tires/Rims/ Wheels

Basic Manual wheelchair with steel frame and pleather upholstery--- aka rent-a -wreck

Positioning Technology

Any support that allows a student with a physical disability to maintain his posture and/ or sit in a proper position that facilitates learning without becoming fatigued.

These Technologies typically complement supplement other devices like wheelchairs to improve or maintain posture and/ or body position

Adjustable chairsCushionsBeanbag chairsMatsTables/ desksStandersWedges or pillowsSupport straps/ belts

EXAMPLES OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES:

HEARING AIDS AND AMPLIFICATION DEVICES ALLOW THE HEARING IMPAIRED TO HEAR WHAT IS GOING ON IN CLASS

Assistive Listening:

Supports that help a student that is either deaf or has a hearing loss.

Hearing aidsAmplifiersClosed captions on televisionTTYTTDSign Language Interpreter Services

Types of hearing aids

In the Ear-Custom hearing aid that fits in the outer portion of the ear (this kind was popularized by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980’s)Tinnitus- designed to relieve ringing in the earsHearing amplifiers -amplify sound In the Canal- custom hearing aid that fits in the ear canal. Smaller portion (shell) shows in the outer earBehind -the –ear- the world’s most common hearing aid style. Available in power, mini and standard types

Completely –in-the –canal- only the small removal handle of the hearing aid shows outside of the ear canal

Receiver-in-the-canal- small & discreet

Invisible products- rest in the second bend of the ear canal where no one can see them

Made for I phone- connect directly to your iphone, ipad or ipod touch via the tru-link app

wirelessly streams music, movies, phone calls directly to your hearing aid

Hearing aidsThis particular style (pictured) is referred to as a behind the ear aid. This is still the most commonly used type of hearing aid. As the name suggests the ear mold fits into the ear canal and is connected via small tube to the amplification device that fits behind the ear. By Placing the device behind the ear the hearing organs of the middle ear can be stimulated and sounds amplified to enhance sound for the hard of hearing. It typically operates on a Zinc-air button-style battery. A dead battery is frequently the source of device failure.

Hearing Aid Batteries:

Hearing aid batteries are widely available in many supermarkets, pharmacies, and the local Dollar General Store.

They are both color coded and numbered. (# 13 is orange, for example)Different aids use different size batteries. Batteries are typically replaced @ once weekly. The typical cost of batteries varies from @$1.00 to $2.00 each

and come in packages of 4 or more depending on brandIf a loud piercing sound is heard coming from the device air is

getting in. Try repositioning the aid in the ear.

A Tutorial :How to change a Hearing Aid Battery

Remove the aid from the ear and place it on a table.(away from small children or pets to mitigate the potential choking hazard)

Open the battery door and invert the aid to let the old battery fall out or remove it with the magnetic wand provided.

Carefully discard the depleted battery in a trash can away from children (batteries are a choking hazard for small children)

Open the dial-type battery package and remove a battery from the back.

Peel protective paper backing off the batteryPlace the new battery into the slot in the battery door and carefully

close the door (some devices come with a magnet-tipped wand that can be used to change batteries if the wearer lacks manual dexterity)

Sound should be coming from the aid now. Check by placing your fingertip over the air vent – it should squeal

loudly (feedback from the amplifier) to let you know it is workingReinstall aid in the ear

Examples of Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired

GLARE-REDUCTION SCREENS, SCREEN MAGNIFIERS AND/OR BRAILLE NOTE -TAKING DEVICES MAY ENABLE VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE MORE FULLY

Visual Aids: supports that give a student with visual difficulties access to information

Large print booksBooks on tapeMagnifiersTalking computer software Braille type writers or keyboardsEye Glasses Contact lensesTalking spell checkers, dictionaries, thesaurus

Slate and Braille StylusBig Button or Talking Cell

phones Tactile DotsTask LightingTalking Watches, clocksCanesStereo HeadphonesTape recorders& cassettesTalking glucose metersLabel readers

Magnifying glass

Hand held magnifiers, commonly referred to as magnifying glasses , are among the simplest and most familiar devices used by the visually impaired.

Ideal for short-term spotting tasks (reading a prescription bottle, looking up a phone number)

Some lenses also have an attached light source

The hand-held magnifier design uses a handle that is attached to a lens through which the user will view an object, text, or image.

Because the user has the ability to adjust the distance between the lens and the object, hand-held magnifiers can be used to easily compensate for slight differences in uncorrected nearsightedness or farsightedness.

tactile dots

Tactile dots allow the low vision individual to “see by touch”Dots come in a variety of sizes and colors (black ,

white ,orange )The adhesive backing allows them to be stuck to a variety of

household objects to facilitate independent useCan be put on home appliances like the cooktop, stove,

microwave, washer & dryer to facilitate completing laundry, cooking tasks ,etc.

Works for the coffee maker, can opener, toothbrushes, shower curtains, calculators, cell phones

Alternative/Augmented Communication:

Supports that allow the child who can not speak , or whose speech is not easily understood by others, to communicate.

Picture boardsVoice output communication devicesComputers and communication software packages

Assistive Communication Devices

Slant boardsBig pencils or pensOver-size crayons Hi-lightersTab dividersLanguage translation devicesHead pointersBook standsPage turners

Pictures, photographs, objects devices

Modified mice or keyboardsJoysticksOn-screen keyboardsSticky notesSmart PhonesTape Cell phones

EXAMPLES OF ASSISTIVE

TECHNOLOGY:VOICE-RECOGNITION SOFTWARE THAT TURNS THE SPOKEN WORD INTO TYPE ON A COMPUTER SCREEN MAY PERMIT STUDENTS WHO SUFFER MOBILITIY OR SPEECH IMPAIRMENTS, PARALYSIS OR SPASTICITY OF THE LIMBS TO COMMUNICATE THEIR THOUGHTS AND DESIRES MORE EFFECTIVELY.

EXAMPLES OF ASSISTIVE

TECHNOLOGIES:TECHNOLOGY PACKAGES THAT ALLOW THE SEVERELY DISABLED TO CONTROL COMPUTERS SIMPLY BY FOLLOWING LETTERS AND COMMANDS ON THE SCREEN WITH THEIR EYES

Technology for Learning & Studying:Post-it notesHi-lighter pens Day plannerGraphic organizersFolded page devicesClosed captioned text

Multi-media Text reading softwareTalking word processorsWord scanners TabletsWhite out pensErasers

WELCOME!

STUDENTS COME IN EVERY SHAPE ,SIZE, AND TYPE. They learn at different rates , too. Teaching can be tailored to compensate for the different learning needs of most children inside the regular classroom.

Not a one size fits all answer…

• The level of guidance and support necessary for individual students in the classroom varies widely. Students may need anything from physical, verbal or visual prompts to high-tech devices and services .

• The goal of assistive technology devices and services is to allow the disabled student to receive the training and support that is necessary to reach his potential.

References:

1. “Assistive Technology Act” National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities.nichcy.org http://nichcy.org/laws/ata.pages1-4. Retrieved 8-27-2014.

2. “Assistive Technology in the Classroom/ Helping Challenged Kids Get The Most From Learning.” Education World . http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml. pages1-3. Retrieved 8-25-2014.

3. “Assistive Technology Devices ” PBS Parents . org. http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/strategies-for-learning-disabilities/assistive-technology-devices/

4. “Assistive Technology to Meet K-12 Student Needs” North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te7assist.html . Retrieved 8/25/2014.

5. “Beltone ’ s Best Selling Hearing Aids ”. http://www.beltone.com/products/products.aspx. Retrieved 8-26-2014.

References:

6. “Find Hearing Aids .”pages 1-4. http://www.starkey.com/hearing-aids. Retrieved 8-26-2014.7. “Hand-Held Magnifiers”. Eschenbach . Pages 1-3. http://www.eschenbach.com/products-hand-held-magnifiers.html. Retrieved 8-26-2014.8. “IEP & 504 Plan Individualized Education Program” The National Center for Learning Disabilities http://ncld.org/students-disabilities/iep-504-plan.pages1-12. retrieved 8/26/2014.

References:

9. “Quickie 2 wheel chair” http://www.sunrisemedical.com. Retrieved 8-28-2014.

10. “What Is Assistive Technology and How Is It Used in Schools ?” SC Curriculum Access Through AT . Pages 1-4. South Carolina Assistive Technology Program USC School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Center for Disabilities Resources University Center for Excellence. http://www.sc.edu/scatp/cdrom/atused.html retrieved 8/27/2014.

11. “What Is FAPE, and What Can It Mean For My Child ?” National Center for Learning Disabilities < http:// ncld.org/parents-child-disabilities/ld-rights/what is fape-what can it mean-my-child.> pages 1-3. retrieved 8-26-2014.