assistive technology

Assistive Technology

Dominique Quarles M.A. in Higher Education Administration Student Georgia Southern University

Objectives Teachers who view this presentation should …

0Have an overviewing understanding about working with students who have special needs, as well as resources that can enhance students' educational experience.

0Be able to identify resources and instructional practices that meet their students' individual needs; to include assistive technologies as well as approaches that do not require technology.

What is Assistive Technology?For todays lesson we will use the below definition of assistive technology as our working definition.

0 “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercial or off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (Pub. L. No. 108-446).

Lesson Introduction

You are a teacher who has a few students that require you to differentiate your instruction. Three have been diagnosed with ADHD, while one has an auditory disability, and requires a special device in order to hear. In addition, you have a number of students that have mild learning disabilities that impact all areas, especially reading and writing. As you prepare for the school year, you ask yourself, "What resources do I have in order to help me meet my students' needs?"

What Resources Do You Have? Here at Georgia Southern University the faculty and staff realize that some students may require special services and resources; therefore the university has a Student Disability Resource Center

These service are provided to accommodate all disabilities

» Access to, and training for adaptive equipment.» Accommodations for all standardized tests and professional licensure exams.» Advocacy when needed to insure provision of accommodations.» Assistance in arranging academic accommodations in classes.» Assistance in resolving physical barrier issues.» Assistance with obtaining acceptable documentation of the disabling condition.» Career counseling.» Early Registration

http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/disability/services.html


What Resources Do You Have? These service are provided to accommodate specific disabilities » Access to TDD (Text Telephone for the Deaf or speech impaired)» Access to Video Phone (for the Deaf or speech impaired)» Adapted desk for the classroom» Adaptive technology» Assistive listening devices» Books in alternative format» Braille printer» Computers with Zoom text and voice output» Disability parking» Distraction free exam space» Extended time for exams» Interpreter for the Deaf» Lab assistants» Note takers» Perkins Brailler» Print magnification systems» Readers for tests» Registration assistance (not advisement)» Scribing/proctoring services» Voice-activated Software



Where To Start?When you are made aware of a student’s disability, it is time to figure out what can be done on your part to accommodate the students special needs.

Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) can be created to better accommodate the needs of students who struggle in classes because of learning disabilities, ADHD, emotional disorders, cognitive challenges, autism, hearing impairment, visual impairment, speech or language impairment, and developmental delay

https://georgiasouthern.desire2learn.com/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?tId=626459&ou=11775


6 Steps to selecting an AT

1. Collect child and family information 2. Identify activities for participation 3. Determine what measurable indicators you will use

to benchmark success 4. Brainstorms ideas and determine which AT

solutions you would like to use5. Test out the AT solution6. Conclude is the AT solution worked



Back to the Scenario

0 In the introduction the scenario discussed students with the following disabilities that would require you to differentiate you lesson.

0ADHD (3 students)0Auditory impairment0Mild learning disabilities (reading and writing especially)

ADHD

0The Invisible Clock – This is a clock that is to be worn on the belt to avoid being able to watch it. It can be set to specific time intervals and can be helpful for students with ADHD

0When the time interval has elapsed, the student can take a break from the lesson

http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/74108.aspx

http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/74108.aspx

Hearing Impairments

0 FM Systems – This is basically a microphone that the instructor wears that sends signals to an ear piece that the students wears.

0 FM Systems allow student to hear much better without to much attention brought the situation

http://adaptivetech.tcnj.edu/resheet/deaf.htm

http://adaptivetech.tcnj.edu/resheet/deaf.htm

Mild Disabilities 0Word Processors –

Software that combines a keyboard and text feature.

0These programs can assist students with spelling, grammar, meaning and pronunciation of words

0Student can use these word processors to better than language and reading.

http://www.ehow.com/info_8586222_reading-skills-students-mildmoderate-disabilities.html

http://www.ehow.com/info_8586222_reading-skills-students-mildmoderate-disabilities.html

References

0 Pub. L. No. 108-446 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004)

0 http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/disability/services.html

0 https://georgiasouthern.desire2learn.com/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?tId=626459&ou=11775

0 http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/74108.aspx

0 http://adaptivetech.tcnj.edu/resheet/deaf.htm0 http://www.ehow.com/info_8586222_reading-skills-

students-mildmoderate-disabilities.html