Introduction to Assistive Technology AT

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• Introduction to Assistive Technology (AT)
• 2/15/06

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Definition of AT Device

• Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers
  to "...products, devices or equipment, whether
  acquired commercially, modified or customized,
  that are used to maintain, increase or improve
  the functional capabilities of individuals with
  disabilities...", according to the definition
  proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998

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Examples

• Pencil grips and specialized paper
• Computers
• Wheelchairs
• Speech Generating Devices
• Highlighters
• Adapted spoons, scissors, toys, etc.
• Hearing aids

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Definition of AT Services

• any service that directly assists a child with
  a disability in the selection, acquisition, or
  use of an assistive technology device.

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Examples

• Funding
• Maintenance and repair
• Training/Instruction
• Introduction of the device
• Trial use and data collection
• Device transfer at times of transition

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

• www.cast.org
• Universal Design for Learning slides

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Perspectives on Assessment

• Data-based
• Student interview
• Hey, Can I try that? www.wati.org
• Personal Choices www.onionmountaintech.com
• Prepared assessment protocols
• SETT framework
• Continuous use of data

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Transfer of AT at times of Transition

• www.aea9.k12.ia.us/assistivedwlds.html

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Light Technology (Low Tech) Examples
Pencil grips Adapted rulers Highlighter
tape Communication boards Specialized paper NCR
paper
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High Technology Examples

• Speech Generating Devices (Augmentative and
  Alternative Communication AAC Voice Output
  Communication Aid VOCA0
• Digital recorders
• Computers for text to speech
• Computer for speech to text (speech recognition)
  Demonstration

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Examples of AT from specific categories
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Daily living and recreation

• Infrared lock
• Switch-activated CD player
• Switches for control of electrical items and
  computers

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Expressive Communication

• Single entry and sequential entry communication
  device
• Mid-level communicaiton devices
• Full-language communication devices
• Boardmaker

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Academic Support

• Written expression
• Predictive software (e.g. CoWriter)
• Onscreen keyboard
• Homophone support
• Slide shows (BuildAbility)

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Information Organization

• Outline software
• Pencil/paper or computer graphic organizers
• Note cards
• Web organization

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Note-Taking

• Letter Practice (StartWrite)
• NCR Notebooks
• Fill-in-the-blank study guides
• Various types of special paper
• Whiteboard captures

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Research/Reports

• Organization of research (Read and Write Gold
  Fact Folder)
• Organization of research (low-tech cards)

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Prepared Forms

• Templates (Word)
• Telephone notepads

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Study Skills

• Highlighter functions (e.g. Kurzweil)
• Removable highlight tape and highlighters
• Dictionary (e.g. WYNN)

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Math

• Calculators (Talking Calculators/large keys)
• Computer calculator versions
• IntelliTools products
• Graph paper
• Math Star
• Manipulatives
• Adapted rulers
• BlockCad

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Reading

• Interactive Story Books
• Scan and Read text support
• Start to Finish Books
• File conversion (text to MP3)

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Computer Adaptations

• Accessibility features (Windows)
• Easy Access (Macintosh)
• Alternate Keyboards
• Alternate Mice
• Positioning (easels)
• Portable word processing (e.g. Dana)

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Mobility

• Room design
• Powered mobility
• Manual chairs
• Support
• Vision-related mobility aids (make it auditory)
• Hearing-related mobility aids (make it visual)

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Hearing

• Room amplification
• FM systems
• Personal aids/accessories related to the Cochlear
  Implant (but not the implant itself!)

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Vision

• Colored screens and contrast
• Reading Guides
• Magnifiers
• Visual accommodations in computer programs
• Color size spacing font type
• Speed of reading
• Word presentation (word, sentence, paragraph)

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Cool Websites

• North Pole http//www.northpole.com/Clubhouse/Game
  s/ and www.northpole.com
• Bubble Wrap http//www.aea9.k12.ia.us/05/at_mouse
  _skills.php
• Priory Woods
• http//www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/