GIT ‘ER DONE WITH ASSISTIVE

TECHNOLOGY

Tools for Success

Alice ParkerAT ConsultantCannon County Schools, TN,

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

Formal Definition“…any item, piece of

equipment, or product system whether acquired off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

(PL 100-407)

Simplified Definition“…a continuum of

tools, strategies, and services used to support student success and participation.”

WHO USES ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

Anyone

Person

with

identified

disability

All Learners can benefit

(Universal Design Learning)

Those who cannot accomplish a goal or objective or be functionally successful

without it.

“At Risk Students”

PERSON WITH IDENTIFIED DISABILITY

•Physical Disabilities•Mental Disabilities•Learning Disabilities

AT RISK STUDENTS

Those who struggle but are not identified as Special Ed

UNIVERSAL DESIGN LEARNING

“The central practical premise of UDL is that a curriculum should include alternatives to make it accessible and appropriate for individuals with different background, learning styles, abilities and disabilities in widely varied learning contexts.” Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), 2003

“Technology has great potential in providing access for all learners. Through the use of a variety of assistive technologies, students with disabilities can have the ability to access the general curriculum. When assistive technology is appropriately integrated into the regular classroom, students are provided with multiple means to complete their work.” Janet Jendron University of South Carolina AT Project “The Power of Assistive Technology

Give me a clue

Lacks

independence

Can’t reach the

goal

Most can, but one can’t

Lack of

participation

KNOWING WHAT AT TO USE

Evaluation

Trial & Error

Ask for help Learn more

USE IT AUTOMATICALLY

Consider student

preferences

Identify tools to address problem

AT Tools & Device

s

USE COLOR Colored papers Colored Overlays Colored Ink Pens Colored Markers on

White Boards Colored Tabs or Post-

its Highlighting Tape Highlighters Colored Folders Colored Stickers

Judith P. Sweeney Onion Mountain

Technology http://www.onionmou

ntaintech.com/

Go to Services then Handout and Article Downloads

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR READING

Predictable books Change text size, spacing, color Adapt books for page turning Use of pictures/symbols with text Talking electronic device/software to

pronounce challenging words Electronic Books Magnifiers

AT FOR LEARNING/STUDYING

Schedule (print or picture) Aid for finding materials (index tabs, color coded

folders) Highlight text (markers, highlighter tape, ruler) Recorded material Voice output reminders for assignments, task steps) Electronic organizers & reminders Software for organization of ideas and studying Slant Board Colored tabs, post-its to (mark place, most important) Foldables©

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR WRITING

Pencil/pen with adaptive grip Adapted paper (raised line, highlighted items) Use of prewritten words/phrases Templates Portable word processor to keyboard instead of writing Computer with word processing software Word cards/word book/word wall Pocket dictionary/thesaurus Electronic talking dictionary/thesaurus/spell checker Talking word processing Gel pens Dycem Finger spacer

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR MATH

Abacus/Math Line Enlarged math worksheets Low tech alternatives for answering Math “Smart Chart” Money calculator and Coinulator Tactile/voice output measuring devices Talking clocks/watches Calculator (with printout, large key, large display) Talking calculator Graph paper Extra Spacing

SO MUCH MORE…

Pre-scissor skills (tongs, tweezers, adaptive scissors

Strengthening (green floral foam, bubble wrap) ADHD (dycem, Velcro, mouse pads, pencil

toppers, stress balls) Vision (magnifiers, color, lighting) Hearing (Pen & Paper, Voice Amplifiers) Autism (Visual materials, simple, step by step

instruction, prompts, find motivators, social stories)

In conclusion…