Assistive Technology in the Classroom

Session 2

Overview 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 disability

Result of legislation – significant amount of AT development in North America

Currently no analogous legislation in CanadaLevels 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 challenges

Uses jellybean switch to access her Step-by-Step communication device and Intelliswitch to connect to her laptop

Just starting to use Speaking Dynamically Pro

Bryce

Struggles with reading and writing

Uses a Macintosh desktop with Clicker 5 to develop his literacy and numeracy skills

Now able to count, play games with peers, read story books to others

Really enjoys the technology

Learn more about Bryce

Jonathan

Non-verbal Cerebral Palsy

High functioning

Uses direct selection on Pathfinder and uses not only for communication but as his cell phone!

Travis

Learning disability affecting his reading and writing

Uses laptop with Kurzweil 3000 and Dragon Naturally Speaking

Independent technology user

Has 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 aids

Computer access aids

Daily living aids

Education and learning aids

Environmental aids

Hearing and listening aids

Mobility and transportation aids

Prosthetics and Orthotics

Vision and reading aids

SET-BC AT Categories

Physical Access technologies

Intellectual Access technologies

Vision technologies

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies

Physical Access Technologies

Computing Devices and Software Options

Switches and Scanning Options

Alternate Keyboard Options

Pointing Device Options

Intellectual Access Technologies

Literacy and Numeracy SoftwareKurzweil 3000, Clicker 5, Classroom Suite 4, SOLO

Organizational SoftwareInspiration, Kidspiration, Draft:Builder

Cognitive Support TechnologiesPocket Endeavour Suite / PDA

iPrompts on iPod

Vision Technologies

Low Vision

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

Blind

Screen readers, braille translation software, notetakers, embossers

Augmentative and Alternate Communication Technologies (AAC)

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

Communication HardwareSingle message devices

Multiple message devices

Dynamic display devices

Icon sequencing devices

Text to speech devices

Break Time!

Session 2 Discussion ForumStarting your AT Implementation Plan

In your small group…Read the student profile

Discuss the questions

Decide what category of assistive technology the student needs

SET-BC

Special Education Technology British Columbia

www.setbc.org Mandate

To 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 Model

Pre-request consultation

Request for Service

Collaborative Action Plan (CAP)

Selection and delivery of technology

School based team training

Implementation and transition support

Technical 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 process

Visit the Learning Centre to learn about the many support resources for helping you learn about assistive technology

AT Online Resources

Search “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?