A.C.T Now! Classroom Technology A ssisting C hildren with T echnology Lauren Sideri What is an Assistive Technology device? What is an Assistive Technology service?
Introduction Lauren Sideri Special Education Teacher Holten-Richmond Middle School Danvers, Mass
S.W.A.T. System-Wide Assistive Technology Grant System-Wide Assistive Technology Grant “The Story of Us”
S.W.A.T. Grant Department of Education funded MESPA- Massachusetts Elementary School Principals Association –Trained for 10 sessions OT, PT, Psych, Speech, Special Ed, Tech, Classroom Learned new assistive devices and techniques Team for Assistive Technology Assessments
What is an Assistive Technology device? “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.” IDEA
What is an Assistive Technology service? “Services are those that ensure appropriate selection, maintenance, customization and repair of equipment; those that provide technical assistance, consumer or caregiver training, and peer counseling; and those that help fund equipment through loan, rental, lease, or purchase.” IDEA
What is the responsibility of the school district in regard to assistive technology? The 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that districts provide assistive technology to all students with disabilities if it is needed for them to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The range of recommendations can be very broad and can include both low-tech solutions and the use of more complex forms of technology. IDEA
What is the SETT Framework? Guideline for gathering data to make effective assistive technology decisions. The SETT Framework considers: STUDENT ENVIRONMENT(S) TASKS TOOLS
Do you know Annie? Has trouble sitting still Makes careless errors Has trouble with fine motor skills Has minor hearing impairment Difficulty with organization and time management Low motivation
Suggestions for Annie “low-tech” Skid pad Highlighters Pencil grips Token economy Classroom audio system Headphones Stickers Paper Strips Typing practice Squeeze ball Stop watch Post its Ruler Marker Magnifier Paper Holders Double Sided Tape
Do you know Lee? Difficulty following oral directions Reading weaknesses in decoding –(i.e. skips words while reading) Difficulty with reading comprehension Encoding –Spelling Difficulty with Visual Perception Messy handwriting Quick learner, quickly forgets
Suggestions for Lee “mid-tech” / “high tech” Directions: Desk Agenda Powerpoint 1 Sample 2 Mapping: –Appleworks Visual/Spatial: –GeoSketchpad Explore Learning Gizmos Alphasmart MS Word –Sample 1 –Built-ins Talking dictionaries Visual Thesaurus Universal Access –Mac / PC Smart Notebookook
Do you know Jason? Trouble sequencing, prioritizing, and completing tasks Difficulty following oral directions Rarely finishes work Calls out answers in class Trouble getting started without cueing Easily distracted Personal area a mess Can only hold one thought at a time
Suggestions for Jason Organization –Inspiration –Online tools…Read, Write, ThinkOnline tools…Read, Write, Think –Online Homework CalendarsOnline Homework Calendars Powerpoint Alphasmart Laptop Timeliner Smartboard Features FONTS!
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Serif vs. Sans-Serif Serif Sample SAMPLE TEST Sans-Serif Sample SAMPLE TEST
Wrap-Up Informative Practical Useful Available K-12 In closing: Think about ONE thing you can change in your classroom using one of the AT suggestions that you heard today.