Post on 31-Mar-2015
Making Accommodation Possible Through Assistive Technology Tools
Sue Lin, Project DirectorKarla Kmetz, Project Specialist Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
About AUCD
67 University Centers of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
38 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
21 Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (DDRC)
Research & Evaluation
Inter-disciplinary
Training
Technical Assistance and Information Dissemination
Community Services
What is Assistive Technology?
Basically, AT is anything we find helpful in our daily life. It can be a tool or an alternative method of performing a task.
Who can provide evaluation and prescriptive AT recommendations?
Rehabilitation Engineer or Assistive Technology Specialist- A professional who is specifically trained in assistive technology and who is able to determine appropriate modifications to make tasks at home, school, and/or work accessible to an individual with a disability.
Is it Assistive Technology (AT) or NOT?
Low- Tech AT
From No-tech, Low-tech to High-tech: Different Types of Page Turner ATs
Spectrum of Assistive Technology
Physical Environment
Modifications
Vehicle Modifications
Any AT in the Middle of the Spectrum
High-tech AT
High-tech AT cont. Environmental Control Systems
AT in the Service Learning ClassroomLow-Tech Hard copies of notes
provided by the instructor or other student
Outlines, double spaced, with key words provided by the teacher or note taker
Printed materials double-spaced and with larger print
tape recorders Calculators with voice
synthesizer Books on tape
High-Tech Lap top computer for note
taking Electronic spelling masters or
dictionary with voice output Word prediction software Outline software Reading and scanning
software Voice recognition software
AT in the Service Learning Classroom
Reading and Scanning Software
AT in the Service Learning Classroom
Voice Recognition
Word Prediction SoftwareWriting Tool: outline and
organize ideas
AT in the Classroom: What about MATH?
Tech Matrix: developed by Center for Implementing Technology in Education and National Center for Technology Innovation at http://www.techmatrix.org/ .
Can select subject and types of supports needed.
AT in the Classroom: What about MATH?
AT in the Service Environment Low-Tech To-do lists Date planner (electronic or
paper and pencil) and electronic reminders
Color post-it notes Quiet space Telephone with headset Organized filing system Clip board
High-Tech Alternative keyboards and mice Digital recorder Ergonomic desk, height
adjustable tables Service-site modifications Reading and scanning software Voice recognition software
AT in the Service Environments
AT in the Service Environments
Example of Work-Site Modification
Vocation: Metal Jewelry-Making
Adaptation: One-handed Operation
AT for Daily Activities – Seniors and
Independent Living
Low-tech Reacher Non-slip material Lever handles Slide or toggle switches Utensils with easy-grip
handles Mirror mounted over the
range
High-tech Clapper Universal remote
control Home automation
systems Environmental control
systems Screen magnification
software
AT for Daily Activities – Seniors and independent living
AT in the Home: More Environmental Control Systems
Activity
Service Project: Cleaning up garbage and debris on a highway.
Your Corps: 12 Service Members with and without disabilities Disabilities include:
Member with a learning disability Member who uses a manual wheelchair Member with a vision disability Member with an intellectual disability
Activity
Use the list of AT Tools you receive to design your activity with full inclusion of Service Members with Disabilities in the project.
15 minutes to discuss Two Teams:
High Tech Low Tech
AT Tools High-Tech Team Electronic dictionary Alpha Smart keyboard Word prediction software Voice recognition software Digital recorder Robotic arms Electronic reminders Automatic adjustable desks and
tables Voice control telephones Reading and scanning software Augmentative communication
device Noise cancelling headset
Low- Tech Team Reacher Non-slip material Lever handles Mirrors To-do lists Date planner Color post-it notes Quiet space Telephone with headset Organized filing system Clip board Large print
Activity
After sharing your team’s plan, answer these questions too:
Why types of service does your organization perform that may make use of these items?
How might a person without disabilities benefit from using these items? (think Universal Design!)
Assistive Technology Legislations and Funding Options
AT and Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
defines AT as both a device and a service:
Assistive Technology DeviceAny item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customize, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.
Assistive Technology ServiceAny service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Title I
VR agencies can fund a wide range of goods and services, including "rehabilitation technology" (i.e. AT) connected to a person's vocational goal.
VR services are to empower individuals to maximize employability, economic self-sufficiency, independence and integration into the work place and the community.
VR funds AT services as well as AT devices.
Title VII Part B Program in Independent Living (IL) Centers or IL Programs at VR Agencies
Provide limited funding which can be used towards AT services or equipment to eligible persons with disabilities
Assist individuals in attaining or maintaining independence in the community
Intend to assist persons who are not currently receiving services under Vocational Rehabilitation Services due to the age, severity of their disability, and/or inability to
work.
Reasonable Accommodations Federal laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination
in employment are: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
How do I ask for a reasonable accommodation?
You need to tell your supervisor orally or in writing:
1. That you have a disability;
2. How your disability interferes with your ability to do your service functions; and
3. What accommodations you need in order to conduct your service functions?
Remember: Your request for equipment must be reasonable
More information can be found at Protection and Advocacy Inc, a nonprofit organization that protects the legal rights of Californians with disabilities.
The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as Amended in 2004 (AT Act)
Support programs of grants to States to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities
Past: AT state grant program was established in 1988 as a 10-year program to enable states to create systems for improving access to AT devices through public awareness, public policy initiatives, and training and technical assistance
Present: Require states to spend a significant portion of state grants on direct AT services for individuals with disabilities
ACCESS
ACQUISITION
AT Reutilization Program
State Financing Activity
The Direct Services of AT Act of 1998 as Amended
Device Demonstration Center and Equipment Loan Program
Funding Categories
Federal and State Agencies (Department of Education, State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Independent Living Centers, Social Security Administration PASS Plans)
Reasonable Accommodations Provided by Employers Private/Non-profit Organizations (Kiwanis Club, Lion’s
Club, Knights of Columbus, Easter Seals) Bank Loan Programs and AT Act Alternative Financing
Programs
Bank Loan Programs and AT Act Alternative Financing Programs
Specialized Equipment Loan Programs at neighborhood banks Alternative Financing Program (AFP)
a. address the needs of low to middle income persons with disabilities desiring loans to purchase AT
b. create loan opportunities for those ineligible for most traditional bank loan programs due to credit history or income issues
c. support consumers through informed choice, avoidance of unnecessary debt, assistance in the application process
Community Mapping
Where are the AT resources and assets in my
community?
Who runs these organizations?
Am I eligible to access these resources?
How do I access these community resources?
Resources National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP)
http://www.serviceandinclusion.org State Assistive Technology Act Programs
http://www.ataporg.org/atap/index.php National Public Website on Assistive Technology
http://www.assistivetech.net/ Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/ University Centers for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities (UCEDD) http://www.aucd.org/directory/directory.cfm?program=UCEDD
More Resources
National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership
http://69.89.27.238/~resnaorg/taproject/RESNA.html Pass It On Center
http://www.passitoncenter.org/index.shtml ABLEDATA
http://www.abledata.com DisabilityInfo.gov
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/
Question and Comments
Karla Kmetz
Project Specialist
AUCD
kkmetz@aucd.org
Sue Lin
Project Director
AUCD
slin@aucd.org
AUCD
Website: http://www.aucd.org
Phone:
301-588-8252