Assistive Technology and Special Education

Compiled by:Charles Yum

Megan AndersonJeremy Nack

Lauren ShepardLeslie Rojas

On Assistive Technology and Special Education

Charles Yum

“The efficient and effective use of assistive technology can be as basic a skill for students with disabilities as reading, writing, and arithmetic”

“providing students with disabilities with a ‘level playing field’ in every area of life accomplishment.”

www.pluk.org

“Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or and event.”

- Heidi-Hayes Jacobs, Educational Assistant

“There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology, but if the teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails.”

Nancy Kassebaum, U.S. Senator

Assistive Technology:The Tech/Talk TM

$570Available at Technology for Education

http://www.tfeinc.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=412

Megan Anderson

Tech/Talk TMA “multi-level augmentative and alternative communication

device designed to aid communication through direct selection. Using “Real-Voice” technology, the Tech Series

provides speech playback at a high audio quality”

• Water Resistant • External Speakers • Light Weight/ Portable • Carrying Case • Easy clean • Up to 96 Messages! • Rechargeable battery

Megan Anderson

Assistive Technology:ProxTalker

$2,395Available at Technology for Education

http://www.tfeinc.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2485

Jeremy Nack

ProxTalkerThe Logan ProxTalker is an assistive communications device

that will increase independence in communication because it talks to the reader.

Its features:• Storage capacity of more than 10,000 words• Strings 5 words together to form a sentence• Compatible with any picture-exchange system• Can be used for communication or classroom teaching• Water Resistant• Adjustable Volume• On-board microphone for adding words• USB connectivity

Jeremy Nack

Assistive Technology Funding

Medicare: Pays for medical services for those who cannot obtain health care any other way.

– You are eligible to receive these services automatically if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)

– Depending on which state you live in the state-run Medicaid program may offer additional help

– State’s individual Medicaid programs can offer additional help

Lauren Shepard

• Special Education & Public Schools: For Children as old as twenty-one public school’s special education programs can be a helpful source of funding –  To receive funding a written request should be submitted to the

Individualized Education Program(IEP)

• Local communities often have charitable, religious, and civic organizations available to help

Additional Resources:

• http://www.disability.gov/technology/funding_sources• http://www4.nau.edu/ihd/AzTAP/AzTAP.asp

• http://www.disabilityresources.org/AT-FUNDING.html• http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html

Lauren Shepard

Additional Options