Assistive Technology Overview

Linda WallinWinter 2014

Using Technology to Help Students Learn

• Simple things you can do in your classroom

• Resources if you want to learn more

• Moving from low-tech to high-tech

Definition

Assistive Technology“any item, piece of equipment, or product system,” excluding a surgically implanted device, “whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (P.L. 108-446§602 (1)(B)). Taken from O”Bannon, Blanche & Puckett, Kathleen, _Preparing to Use Technology_, Allyn and Bacon, 2007.

Definition

Web Accessibility

The degree to which people with disabilities or unusual connection methods may use the Web

Universal Design for LivingNIMAS - The National InstructionalMaterials Accessibility Standard

Definition

Universal Design for Living (UDL)

The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. (Center for Universal Design)

Definition

NIMAS2004 IDEANational Instructional Materials Accessibility Standards insure that the content of print material will be available to all, regardless of abilities.

SETT Method

• Student• Environment• Task• Technology

Look at these areas in this order to determine a person’s need

Inexpensive or Free Materials

• Paul Hami’s Blog

• Matnonline, Maryland AT Wiki

• Assistive Technology Wiki

Assistive technology is frequently grouped into low- medium- and high-tech options. This course will introduce you to all three levels.

Some Low-Tech Options

• Low-Tech means a device and/or equipment that doesn’t need much training, may be less expensive, and does not have complex or mechanical features. (Connecticut Tech Act Projects.)

• Some Sample ideas…– Pencil grips, seat cushions, ramps, bookmarks

• Pencil grips

• Cushions

• Picture Communication

8. Some Low-Tech Options

Some Low-Tech Options

• Colored Plastic for Reading-See It Right

Some Low-Tech Options

• Glue foam or erasers on pages for easy turning.

• Fidgets• Tactile key covers for VI students

Mid-Tech Solutions

• Touch Screen• Switches• Reading pen• Portable keyboards• Word-prediction software

– Co-Writer

Use of Pictures and Video

• Visual Learners (aren’t we all?)• Where can I find pictures?

– Flickr Creative Commons– Boardmaker Achieve – Google search, both for web sites with pictures and images– Draw a picture on a blank background– Digital Camera and videocamera– Webcams

• Software– Boardmaker – PixWriter / Kid Pix– Print Shop – Comic Life

Differentiation

• What do we mean? – Differentiation is modifying or altering product,

process and content to fit the different needs of the student.

– Teachers can alter the content, process, product or environment according to a student’s profile.

– Carol Ann Tomlinson has been the leader in this field.

Differentiation Products

• Kidspiration, Inspiration• Presentation Software

– PowerPoint, Keynote, many online presentation sites• Paint programs and web sites

– Tux Paint, Pixie– Comic Life

High Tech Solutions

• Text-to-speech capabilities– Write Out Loud– IntelliTalk– Universal Access Speech

• Voice-recognition software– Dragon Naturally Speaking - Windows only– SpeechVibe - Windows only– MacSpeech Dictate - Macintosh

High-tech Solutions

• Scan and Read– Kurzweiler 3000– Read & Write GOLD– WYNN– Caste Reader

• Rebus (Picture) Based Programs– Pixwriter– Picture It– Writing with Symbols– News 2 You

• Screen Readers– JAWS

Web Accessibility

• How do people connect to the Web?

• What types of disabilities do they have?

• How can I design for access by all?

Universal Access Features

• Apple Computers– System Preferences

• Universal Access

• PCs – Ease of Access Center

• Change control of cursor/mouse, visual appearance, sound, and touch