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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS
TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS:
Technology Solutions in the ClassroomKathy Knighton ([email protected])
Annette Carey ([email protected])
West Virginia Department of Education
Office of Special Programs
Extended and Early Learning
West Virginia 21st Century Schools
Learning for All……Whatever It Takes Who are your students? Do they all have equal access to the
learning environment? What can I do to support their learning?
Your Classroom:
17% of all West Virginia students are students with disabilities
63.6% of children with disabilities are in the general education classroom
Chances are your classroom have students with disabilities
Some Students need more supports than others
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
How We Teach
Child behavior
What if the child does not have easy access to the input (sensory)or access to the output (communication/motor)
INPUT
10% of the population has a hearing loss
37% of children with minimal hearing loss had failed a grade
Children with unilateral hearing loss are 10 times more likely to fail a grade by age 10
UNFAIR SPELLING TEST
How did you do?
1. bath 2. pearl 3. sour 4. mouse 5. learn 6. wheat 7. vine 8. tape 9. hedge 10. mood
Input
80% of learning is through your vision
Vision and hearing are your distance senses
95% of all learning is through your distance senses
90% of learning is incidental
Learning progresses from the known to the unknown
The disability is not the Sensory Impairment
The disability is in INFORMATION GATHERING
Assistive Technology in the Schools
Legal Aspects of Assistive Technology Legislation Implications for schools
Implementation in the Schools Overview of assistive technology
devices/services Educational interventions
Resources
Role of Assistive Technology
Tremendous potential to promote equity for students with disabilities…… independent self-confident productive integrated into school and society.
Technology is for ALL children – for students with disabilities, it may need to be more personalized.
Increase your awareness!!
What is Assistive Technology? “Any item, piece of equipment, or product
system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities”
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Assistive Technology
The Assistive Technology Continuum
No-tech
Low-tech
Medium-tech
Hi-tech
No-Tech Assistive Technology
No-tech solutions make use of procedures, services and existing conditions in the environment that do not involve the use of devices or equipment.
These might include services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or the services of other specialists.
Low Tech Assistive Technology
Low-tech items are less sophisticated and can include devices such as adapted spoon handles, non-tipping drinking cups and Velcro fasteners.
Medium Tech Assistive Technology
Medium-tech devices are relatively complicated mechanical devices, such as wheelchairs.
High Tech Assistive Technology
High-tech devices incorporate sophisticated electronics or computers.
Categories of Assistive Technology
There are many types of assistive technology to aid individuals in all aspects of life.
Daily living
Daily Living aids are for use in activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, dressing, toileting, and home maintenance.
Computer technologies
Computer technologies are input and out- put devices that enable persons with disabilities to use a computer.
Augmentative Communication
Augmentative Communication devices provide a means for communication for persons with limited speech.
Environment Control Units
ECU’s (electronic systems) enable someone with limited mobility or fine motor skills to control devices in the home or other surroundings.
Seating and positioning
Seating and positioning accommodations to a wheelchair or other seating system to provide greater body stability, trunk /head support and an upright posture, and the reduction pressure on the skin surface (cushions, contour seats, lumbar supports).
Mobility Aids
Manual and electric wheelchairs, mobile bases for custom chairs, walkers, three wheel scooters and other utility vehicles used for increasing personal mobility.
Prosthetics and orthotics
Replacements, substitutions or augmentation of missing or malfunctioning body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids (splints, braces, etc.)
Home, school and worksite modifications
Home and workplace modifications are structural adaptations, fabrications in the home, worksite or other areas (ramps, lifts, bathroom changes) that remove or reduce physical barriers for an individual with a disability.
Sensory aids
Sensory assistive technologies enable an individual with hearing, sight, or other sensory impairments.
Universal Design for Instruction (UDI)
Universal Design Design products &
environments to meet a wide range of needs
Ex: ramps, curbs, automatic doors
Architectural concept
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Make learning goals
achievable by wide range of individuals
Built into instructional design/operating systems of educational materials Not added on after the
fact
Legal Aspects: Legislation
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Access to the general curriculum
WV Policy 2419: Regulations for the Education of Exceptional Students
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Improve achievement for ALL students Accountability for students with disabilities
Legal Aspects……
School districts are mandated to make assistive technology available to all students with disabilities if appropriate to receive a free, appropriate public education. IEP Team Decision Home Use Funded by district Provide devices/services
Consideration of special factors. Assistive technology must be considered for ALL
students in the special education process.
Challenges of Assistive Technology
Lack of Information Current/accurate information
Lack of Expertise Skills/Knowledge
High Rate of Abandonment 1/3 abandoned after first year
Lack of Funding Significant barrier
Inclusion and Lack of Assistive Technology
Implications for Schools
PLANNING School district’s long range technology and special education
plans, procedures, services, and budget include assistive technology.
TRAINING All staff are able to appropriately “consider” students for
assistive technology services and/or devices. Staff are trained to integrate technology in teaching to help
students with disabilities gain skills and achieve higher standards. (NCLB)
INCLUSION Assistive technology is used to support the inclusion of
students with disabilities in regular education placements and access to the general curriculum.
Educator Responsibilities
Increasing knowledge of AT How different tools support student needs
Organizing AT implementation
Ensuring that AT is used consistently Across environments
Monitoring student progress
Communicating results to colleagues and parents
Learning more about how AT can enhance instruction and student learning
Assistive Technology
Communication Picture Board, Voice Output Device
Hearing/Vision FM system, magnifier, Braille printer
Position, Access, and Mobility Walker, wheelchair, grab rails
Activities of Daily Living Adaptive eating devices, drinking devices
Environmental Controls Light switch extension, remote controlled
appliances
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS Educational choices in Assistive Technology
Instructional Use of Video & Captioning Multimedia Organizing Tools Providing Access to Portable Tools Word Prediction Technology in Early Childhood Education
Low-tech/High-tech Solutions Commercially Available Adapted Items Creative Solutions
Assistive Technology and ReadingHow Assistive Technology is used to support students in
developing literacy.
Highlighting Important Words Text Readers Changes in Text, Spacing, Color Physical Access Speaking Spell Checkers Electronic Books Single Word Scanners Resources
http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/3071 http://www.tcnj.edu/~caties/documents/ATChecklistWATI.pdf
Assistive Technology and Math
Abacus/Math Line Calculator/Talking Calculator Tactile/Voice Output Measuring Devices Math Smart Charts Low Tech Adaptations for Answering Enlarged Math Worksheets On screen Calculator Alternative Keyboards Software/Voice Recognition
Assistive Technology and Writing
Adapted Paper/Pencils Pencil Grips Rubber Stamps Word Processor Writing Guides Computer
Alternate keyboards Arm Support Mouth Stick/head pointer Scanner
Assistive Technology Tools Learning and Studying
Print or Picture Schedule Highlighting Text Recording Material Voice Output Reminders NCR Paper Low Tech Aids to Identify Materials Electronic Organizers Palm Computers Software
CAMP GIZMOCAMP GIZMO
CAMP GIZMO…..CAMP GIZMO….. GIZMO LABS
Computer Augmentative communication Mobility/play Sensory Integration/CVI Resource Library
KIDS CAMP (Inclusive) Child care coordinators/workers Adapt Activities
WORKSHOPS Variety of topics from assistive technology
regulations to switch making WVU Feeding Team
CAMP GIZMOCAMP GIZMO
Assistive Technology Summer Camp Parents, professionals and students learn how assistive
technology can help young children (0-8) with significant and multiple developmental needs
WV Schools for the Deaf and Blind Campus Romney, WV 220 Participants (135 adults/85 children) Lodging/meals provided
Professional Development Opportunities WVU SLPs/OTs/PTs Karen Haines – WVU Class CEUs, Grad Credit from MU and WVU
Technology Tips
Consider low-tech solutions first. Build a network of individuals knowledgeableknowledgeable
about equipment and low-tech strategies. Access local, regional and national resources. Consider adaptable equipment when
purchasing new technology and other educational products.
Systems should be portable.
BE CREATIVE!
TIS Technology Tips
See Equipment Tips Handout Provide print or tactile copy of screens Verbal descriptions Be cognizant of background noise Lighting enough to see…watch for glare Choose font, size, color for strong contrast Paler highlighters Uncluttered screens Described and Caption Media Program:
http://www.dcmp.org/
Resources
Article: Using Flexible Technology to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners: What Teachers Can Do
Pathways to Learning for Students with Cognitive Challenges
AT 101: Assistive Technology Glossary Universal Design for Instruction Web Resources for Assistive Technology in the
Classroom Assistive Technology Funding in the Schools TIS TECHNOLOGY TIPS WVATS Mini-grants
WV RESOURCES West Virginia Department of Education
Office of Special Programs Contact: Annette Carey ([email protected]) Kathy Knighton [email protected]
1-800-642-8541, (304) 558-2696 West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
WV Birth to Three ProgramContact: Pam Roush(304) 558-6311, 1-800-642-9704
WV Early Childhood Resource Lending Library (ECRLL) 558-53881-800-642-9704
West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS)1-800-841-8436, www.ced.wvu.edu
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation ServicesContact: Bev Binford, (304) 776-4702http://www.wvdrs.org, 1-800-642-8207
Thank-you!
04/10/23