module 6 assistive technology

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SASCHA SANDERLIN Working with Special-Needs Students and Assistive Technology

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Page 1: Module 6 assistive technology

SASCHA SANDERLIN

Working with Special-Needs Students and Assistive

Technology

Page 2: Module 6 assistive technology

Introduction

As teachers of a diverse student population, we need to be aware of how to help students gain the most from their education. With special needs students in every classroom, a regular education teacher needs to know pertinent information and resources to be effective. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce and review concepts pertaining to IEPs and assistive technology.

Page 3: Module 6 assistive technology

Presentation Outline

Overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Who qualifies? What is the process to implementation?

Overview of Assistive Technology Resources Practices of high- and low-level technology

Review of Key Phrases

Page 4: Module 6 assistive technology

IEP (individualized education program)

As part of the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), parents of kids with special needs can: be eligible for special individualized services be part of their child’s educational team to set goals

(kidshealth.org)

Page 5: Module 6 assistive technology

Who qualifies for an IEP?

Students with functional or learning difficulties

Common reasons include: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Hearing impairment Visual impairment Speech impairment Emotional disorders, and more

(kidshealth.org)

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How will the school provide for these services?

Least restrictive environment- special-needs students should stay in the regular classroom

-or- wherever their needs are met the best, such

as a resource room.

(kidshealth.org)

Page 7: Module 6 assistive technology

The Referral and Evaluation Process

1. Any person makes a referral to the school counselor or psychologist

2. Data collected from parents, student, observations and performance

3. Strategies suggested4. Student tested for disability5. Disability has to impair function at school6. School team will determine eligibility

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…Process (cont.)

School team members may include:PsychologistSpecial education teacherOthers that relate to the child’s specific need

(kidshealth.org)

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Parents have rights in every part of the process

Choice in child’s assessmentReview of the report before IEP is finalizedCollaboration on a plan that best meets their

child’s need Quick processMediation and legal representationChoice of place of education

(kidshealth.org)

Page 10: Module 6 assistive technology

Implementing an IEP

Many services can be providedDepending on the goals, services may be

hands-on or an a consultative basis onlyIEP is reviewed annually

(kidshealth.org)

Page 11: Module 6 assistive technology

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” ("Building a Legacy“, 2006)

Page 12: Module 6 assistive technology

Another definition of assistive technology

“Assistive technology or adaptive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology)

Page 13: Module 6 assistive technology

Six steps to identifying resources and practices to use assistive technologies

1. Collect information from the child and family2. Identify the activities that need assistive

technologies3. Establish a baseline of current activity to measure

success of assistive technology4. Brainstorm and view resources such as

Assistive Technology Resources or "Ramp up to Access"

5. Try out the intervention6. Reflect on success and make modifications

*This is a process that will take time and modifications*

(The six steps from "Learning Disabilities Online“)

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Technological resources that can enhance students' educational experiences

Online collaboration tools such as zoho (http://www.zoho.com/collaboration-apps.html)

BrailleEnlarged textsOn-screen readersHardware constructed for a specific purpose

such as a music instrument played using a joystick (Enabling Dreams)

Devices found on GaDOE "Assistive Technology Devices" site

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Instructional practices that meet students individual needs

Help students learn assistive technologies as early as possible so they can move on to learning content, not the technology (Enabling Dreams)

Use response systemsRead text to the student to complete a taskPreferential seatingExtended time

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Assistive technologies that meet students’ individual needs

On-screen readers (Webanywhere) Headsets or other hearing assistive technology

(asha.org)Touch screens ("Touch Window“) Word processing with its various functions

such as spell checkE-books

(http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-1/assistive.htm )

Page 17: Module 6 assistive technology

Low-Tech approaches

Graphic organizersCopies of outlines of lectures and notes

(http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-1/assistive.htm

)

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Review of key phrases

Assistive technology – any assistive tool to enhance the education of people with disabilities

IEP – (Individualized Education Plan) a plan of action for an education team to help students with disabilities

Universal design – design a lesson in a way to create the widest range of utility for all learners (modified definition from "Let's play Projects“)

Page 19: Module 6 assistive technology

Review of key phrases (cont.)

Least restrictive environment – “IDEA's mandate that children with disabilities be educated to the maximum extent appropriate with nondisabled peers.” (Courts)

Inclusion – special-needs students have a right to be included in a regular classroom along with their peers

Mainstreaming – “the child will be educated with nondisabled peers when appropriate, but not necessarily exclusively in general education.” (Courts)