Technology in the Deafblind Project Jackie Brennan Nov. 2, 2007.
Technology in the Deafblind Project
description
Transcript of Technology in the Deafblind Project
Technology in the Deafblind Project
Jackie Brennan
Nov. 2, 2007
PA Deafblind Project
Federally and State funded Services free to families and service
providers Serves children and youth ages birth-21 Currently 424 students on PA census 90% of students have additional disabilities
PA Deafblind Project Goals Increase family participation as informed decision makers Establish a network of parents and family resources Enhance the local capacity to develop and implement
effective educational programs for students who are deafblind
Conduct early, accurate, and ongoing identification of children and youth who are deafblind or at risk for deafblindness
Coordinate with state and national resources for effective program services.
Project Activities
Weekend Family Learning Conference PA Parent Listserv Quarterly newsletter Project SPARKLE Leadership Network Technical Assistance to families and
educational teams
Using Assistive technology with students who are deafblind or who have multiple disabilities
Blind and Visually Impaired Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communication Access technology
Why use Assistive Technology
Provide access to toys, appliances, equipment, typical technology
Receptive Communication Expressive Communication
What Assistive Technology do you use?
Blind and Visually Impaired
Computer with speech output or screen magnification
CCTV Mountbatten Electronic Brailler Scanner Refreshable Braille Display
Deaf and Hard of Hearing FM System Sound Field Hearing Aids TTY/TDD Amplification Devices Environmental Alerts Blackberry and other text messaging Devices
Communication Devices
Big Mack Rocker Switch Cheap Talk Dynavox Go Talk Hip Talk Software such as Board Maker
Access Technology
Simple switches to access toys and equipment
Environmental controls Adapted Keyboards IntelliKeys
AbleNet BookwormAbleNet Bookworm
Picture by Deirdre Walsh and Elizabeth Torre, Perkins School for the Blind
PaTTAN Short Term Loan Program
A library of assistive technology and resource materials available to schools for trial and evaluation
PaTTAN STL
Assistive Technology Kits– Augmentative Comm.
– Computer access
– Written Comm.
– Environmental Controls
– Technology for the Sensory Impaired
Resource Materials– Deafness/Hearing Loss
– Educational Interpreter
– Deafblindness
– Reading
– Progress Monitoring
– Secondary Transition
– Behavior
– Other Disability Areas
Who can Borrow Kits ?
PA Educators employed or contracted by school districts and specialized schools
Therapists employed or contracted by school districts and specialized schools
How To Borrow a Kit
http://www.pattan.net/resources/shorttermloan.aspx
PaTTAN/Resources/Short Term Loan or
PaTTAN/Supporting Students/Short Term Loan
Searching for a Kit
Search by Category Search by Title
www.pattan.net
Select by category
Receiving Equipment on Loan
Items shipped to school by UPS Assistive technology on loan for 6 weeks Resources on loan for 4 weeks Return mailing label included for UPS pick
up Loan program free of charge
Why use the Short Term Loan Program
Equipment evaluation Trying equipment before purchasing Resources for professional development Resources for staff training
Assistive Technology gives are students access to people,things, and activities.
Assistive technology is the key to open the doors for learning and fun.