Assistive Technology in the Classroom

Session 2Overview of Assistive Technology

Presentation Agenda Definition of Assistive Technology Student Examples Categories of Assistive Technology AT Support from SET-BC AT Online Resources

Assistive TechnologyAny item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Examples: adapted mouse, switch, screen magnifier, SGD, text reader, F/M system

IDEAIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act

United States legislation – amended in 2004 to IDEIA

School districts, by law, MUST provide assistive technology to any student having a classified disabilityResult of legislation – significant amount of AT development in North America Currently no analogous legislation in Canada

Levels of AT service provision and support vary widely between provinces

Think about this…Do you think we need this type of legislation in Canada?What do you think the various implications might be if it were put in place?Would it make your job easier or more challenging?

JelissaVery capable visually impaired high school studentDual medium user – braille and large print

JAWS, Magic, Kurzweil 1000, Accessible Graphing Calculator, Braillenote 32

JohnGrade 12 student with acquired quadriplegiaGifted video maker completed regular programAccesses laptop and software using Jouse joystick and on-screen keyboardAlso uses voice recognition and Kurzweil 3000 for reading and writing

Shannon15 year old student with multiple physical and communication challengesUses jellybean switch to access her Step-by-Step communication device and Intelliswitch to connect to her laptopJust starting to use Speaking Dynamically Pro

BryceStruggles with reading and writing

Uses a Macintosh desktop with Clicker 5 to develop his literacy and numeracy skillsNow able to count, play games with peers, read story books to othersReally enjoys the technology

Learn more about Bryce

JonathanNon-verbal Cerebral PalsyHigh functioningUses direct selection on Pathfinder and uses not only for communication but as his cell phone!

TravisLearning disability affecting his reading and writingUses laptop with Kurzweil 3000 and Dragon Naturally SpeakingIndependent technology userHas discovered the joy of reading!

Watch this…Now that you’ve heard about some examples of students using assistive technology successfully, check out a video of a young girl using a joystick, switch and onscreen keyboard to write.

Me and My Computer (Elina) (4:14 min)

See if you can figure out how she is able to write on the computer…

Break Time!

AT CategoriesCommunication aidsComputer access aidsDaily living aidsEducation and learning aidsEnvironmental aidsHearing and listening aidsMobility and transportation aidsProsthetics and OrthoticsVision and reading aids

SET-BC AT CategoriesPhysical Access technologiesIntellectual Access technologiesVision technologiesAugmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies

Physical Access TechnologiesComputing Devices and Software OptionsSwitches and Scanning OptionsAlternate Keyboard OptionsPointing Device Options

Intellectual Access TechnologiesLiteracy and Numeracy Software

Kurzweil 3000, Clicker 5, Classroom Suite 4, SOLOOrganizational Software

Inspiration, Kidspiration, Draft:BuilderCognitive Support Technologies

Pocket Endeavour Suite / PDAiPrompts on iPod

Vision TechnologiesLow Vision

Screen magnifiers, talking word processors, text readers, CCTV, room viewers

BlindScreen readers, braille translation software, notetakers, embossers

Augmentative and Alternate Communication Technologies (AAC)

Communication SoftwareBoardmaker/Plus/SDP, Picture It!, Gus

Communication HardwareSingle message devicesMultiple message devicesDynamic display devicesIcon sequencing devicesText to speech devices

Break Time!

Session 2 Discussion ForumStarting your AT Implementation PlanIn your small group…

Read the student profileDiscuss the questionsDecide what category of assistive technology the student needs

SET-BCSpecial Education Technology British Columbiawww.setbc.org

MandateTo provide support to public and recognized independent school based teams implementing assistive technology with students with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, visual impairments or communication disorders including autism.

SET-BC Service Delivery ModelPre-request consultationRequest for ServiceCollaborative Action Plan (CAP)Selection and delivery of technologySchool based team trainingImplementation and transition supportTechnical support and equipment maintenance

Session 2 ActivitySpend 10 minutes exploring the SET-BC site (http://www.setbc.org)

Visit the Service Delivery area to learn about the SET-BC processVisit the Learning Centre to learn about the many support resources for helping you learn about assistive technology

AT Online ResourcesSearch “assistive technology”Search individual technologies (e.g. “Dana”)Search individual disabilities (e.g. “autism”)Search AT vendors (e.g. “Mayer Johnson”)Search AT leaders (e.g. “Linda Burkhart”)

Session Summary ActivityLink to Session 2 Summary Activity Session 1 Summary Activity

Will be emailed to you after this session!

Any Questions? How are you feeling?