ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGYSuffolk Public Schools

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY? IDEA 2004 defines assistive technology services

(AT) as “Assistive technology device means 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.”

Suffolk Public Schools (SPS) provides assistive technology services as part of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to any student that currently has a 504 or IEP and may require assistive technology to access the general education curriculum.

WHAT ARE AT SERVICES AND WHO QUALIFIES? AT services include:

Evaluating the student in their educational environment Providing and programming devices Collaborating with additional therapies to incorporate devices Training of staff/student/parent when introducing an AT device.

Students categorized with the following disabilities may be eligible for AT services: Visual impairment Speech-language impairment Hearing impairment Print disability Cognitive impairment Written expression deficit Physical disability

AT FOR STUDENTS WITH A VISUAL IMPAIRMENT Students who are characterized with a visual

impairment that impacts their ability to access textbooks and other educational material may be provided: Software that reads text to the student Screen reader Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate

format (based on eligibility criteria) Speech recognition Software that translates speech-to-text

AT FOR STUDENTS WITH A COMMUNICATION IMPAIRMENT Individuals with a speech-language

impairment that limits their ability to communicate their wants/needs/ideas within the classroom may be provided with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system or device: Picture communication exchange Static voice output device (switches) Dynamic voice output device (computerized

device).

AT FOR STUDENTS WITH A PRINT DISABILITY OR WRITING DEFICIT A print disability that is adversely impacting a student’s ability to

read (decoding) or write (spelling) may have access to AT services including: Software that reads text to the student Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate format (based on

eligibility criteria) Handheld spelling aid Software that translates speech-to-text Portable word processor Talking word processor

Individuals who have difficulty completing written tasks due to a fine motor impairment or who require a significant amount of time to complete written assignments compared to their typically developing peers may also be eligible for AT services. Word processor Talking word processor Software that translates speech-to-text Portable word processor

AT FOR STUDENTS WITH A PHYSICAL DISABILITY

Students with a physical disability may have difficulty accessing computers and educational materials through standard means. AT devices may include: Switches used to activate devices Adaptable mouse/keyboard Portable word processor Talking word processor Speech recognition Speech-to-text software Software that utilizes pictures and words to represent

text Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate format

(based on eligibility criteria)

REFERRAL PROCESS Complete an Assistive Technology referral and consent

form on the SPS Special Education BLOG http://sped.spsk12.net/iep-resources/

Submit a hard copy to the Assistive Technology Specialist at Elephant’s Fork Elementary School

An AT planning meeting will be scheduled following receipt of these documents

AT trials will be conducted by SPS for qualified students to determine if AT services are appropriate or need to be modified

An AT review meeting will be held at the conclusion of the AT trials to add AT services and accommodations to the 504/IEP or to continue the trial period

TSR FOR AT SOFTWARE If a student is

approved for AT software a Technology Service Request (TSR) must be completed by the case manager/teacher

SPS Portal Service Requests (Maintenance, Technology) Technology Service Request (TSR)

COMPLETING A TSR Complete form

Under “Category” select “Assistive Tech. Device”

Notify the AT specialist when completed

Notify the AT specialist when software is installed so an in-service can be scheduled

SPS & APPLE PRODUCTS The SPS network/security is currently not able to support Apple

products

This would include the iPad and iPod

Why not for students when some personal Apple devices are used by staff?

An evaluation of the Apple product must be conducted by the SPS technology department to determine if use of the product will be safe and secure

In order to provide Apple products as an assistive technology tool, it would require full SPS network support

Access to the Internet/accessory devices (printer) IT personnel trained in Apple products/operating systems Additional SPS security specific to supporting Apple products

EASE OF ACCESS CENTER

Image retrieved from http://www.gadgetoz.com

WINDOWS 7 ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS

Speech Recognition Magnification

Images retrieved from MS Word Clip Art

SPEECH RECOGNITION

Allows user to control computer with voice Requires training the

computer to the user’s voice

Voice commands control applications

Located in the Ease of Access Center “Start” menu “All

Programs” “Accessories” “Ease of Access” “Windows Speech Recognition”

TRAINING WINDOWS SPEECH RECOGNITION Initial use of program will prompt tutorial and

voice training

The more it is used, the more accurate it becomes

Internal microphone for laptops with option to use external microphone or headset

External microphone for desktops

ABILITY OF SPEECH RECOGNITION Hands-free

Open programs Control mouse Insert text and images Send email Navigate the Internet

Voice commands Open list by saying “What can I say” Scroll list to find correct command

RECORDING WITH YOUR COMPUTER Speech recognition

software is for one user per account It is not able to record

other people’s statements

For recording of multiple people, utilize the Sound Recorder Located under

“Accessories” “Start” menu “All

Programs” “Accessories” “Sound Recorder”

DEMONSTRATION OF SPEECH RECOGNITION

MAGNIFICATION Allows user to

enlarge pictures and text on screen

Located in the Ease of Access Center “Start” menu “All

Programs” “Accessories” “Ease of Access” “Magnifier”

MAGNIFYING OPTIONS Full Screen

Entire screen is magnified by selected percentage

Lens Area around

the mouse is magnified

Docked Portion of the

screen is magnified and is able to be relocated/resized

MAGNIFIER OPTIONS Color inversion

Invert colors

Tracking Follow the mouse pointer Follow the keyboard

focus/text editing (if supported by program)

Follow text insertion point

Locate the magnifying glass icon to change magnifier options Also located on taskbar

DEMONSTRATION OF MAGNIFIER

ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES Additional features are available Explore them in the Ease of Access Center

“Start” “Control Panel” “Ease of Access Center”

CONTACT INFORMATION For more information about Assistive

Technology, please contact Janette Presley janpresley@spsk12.net or 757-925-6764

Visit the VDOE website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/iep_instruct_svcs/assistive_technology/index.shtml

QUESTIONS?????