UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20161 for Learners with Special Needs ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY for Learners with Special Needs Carol Magliocco and Amy Norton

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20162 Assistive Technology is any...  tool  equipment  device  modification  adaptation

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20163 Designed to allow a person with a disability to:  Develop  Maintain  Improve  the ability to perform an activity independently and successfully

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20164 Assistive Technology includes the construction or modification of a setting to make it accessible, such as... k ramps k bathroom rails and grab bars k automatic doors k curb cuts

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20165 Assistive Technology can be used in a variety of settings k School k Home k Work k Community

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20166 Assistive Technology Ranges f rom Low Tech... k Pencil grips k Extended door latches k Built up handled utensils k Picture cards for communication k Highlighter tapes and pens k Raised line paper

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20167 Assistive Technology... To Mid Tech... k Portable word processors k Hand held spelling aids, dictionaries k Graphing and talking calculators k Personal organizers k Simple voice output devices

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20168 Assistive Technology... to High Tech k Motorized wheelchairs k Computers with text reading software k Vans with lifts and adapted controls k Speech output augmentative/alternative communication systems

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/20169 Assistive Technology is included in a variety of federal laws and regulations, including: k Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) k Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Amendments k Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) k The Technical Assistance Project

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Assistive Technology in the educational environment refers to: k Assistive technology devices k Assistive technology services k Evaluation in the functional environment k Selection, adaptation or customization of the device k Training and support k Repair and maintenance

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ With the reauthorization of IDEA; Assistive Technology MUST be considered in the IEP of learners with special needs

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Assistive Technology devices can be classified into categories k Cognitive or learning devices k Augmentative alternative communication devices k Positioning and mobility devices k Environmental control and ADL devices

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Cognitive or Learning Technologies k Switch operated toys and computer access k Alternative computer access modes k Vocal or alternative output devices k Software designed or adapted for special needs learners

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Switch operated toys offer the opportunity for the child who is physically challenged to learn through play k Readiness skills k Choice making k Cause and effect k Computer access k Switch interface to allow access to “typical” and adapted software k Switch activation as means of alternate access k Scanning k Discover switch k On-screen keyboard

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Switch operated software

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Assistive Input Device Mouse alternatives and adaptations k Programmable mouse k Programmable trackballs k Joystick control k Touchpads k Touch screen k Scanning cursor

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Assistive Input Device Keyboard alternatives and adaptations k Keyboard modifications k keyguards k moisture guards k high contrast or coded keyboards k Alternative keyboards k ergometric design k touch sensitive keyboards k one-handed keyboards k mini-keyboards k alternative keyboard with overlays, Intellikeys & Ke:nx

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Alternative keyboard used to access MathPad, a template based math software program

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Assistive Input Device Voice recognition - We’re not there yet k Requires a combination of hardware and software k Input requires user to speak words, letters and commands into headset k Software must be trained to particular users pattern of phoneme usage and pronunciation k Current systems require above average cognitive ability to operate at a functional rate of speed

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Assistive Output Devices k Devices for the visually impaired k Speech synthesis k Screen enlargers k Hardware k Software k Braille printers k Adaptations for the Hearing Impaired k Visual alerts

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Assistive Devices and Software k Assistive Software k Word Processors k Text Readers k Organizational Aids k Spreadsheets k Templates k Assistive Devices k Portable word processors k Hand held spelling aids, dictionaries etc. k Calculators

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Assistive Software Word Processing Features k Word Prediction k Talking word processors k Spell check k Grammar Check k Abbreviation expansion k Macros

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Word Prediction Co:Writer - Positive Features k Works with most word processing programs k Allows adjustment as to type of prediction k Permits flexibility as to number of predictions displayed k Offers levels of complexity within built-in dictionary as well as customization of dictionary k Performs word abbreviation and expansion

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Word Prediction Co:Writer - Not So Positive Features k Split screen for display of predicted words can be visually distracting k Requires user to have the ability to toggle back and forth between word processing program and word prediction k Student may take the predicted word rather than own idea

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Talking Word Processors Features to consider k Choice of readback options k Voice choices, rates and pitch k Text and background options k Interactive spell checking v Did you know that Claris works has built in text reading capabilities? Explore the menus and see if you can discover how. v Microsoft Office 98 Word has speech output capabilities and offers on the Mac a wide range of Macintalk voice selections

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Text Readers Two basic types k One type reads any selected text within a program or CD k Second type requires importing of data into e-text k Once in e-text can vary background, text and highlight for increased visual as well as auditory input k Recent advances allow reading of accessibly designed graphics - important for universal web access

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Check it out on the web textHELP 98 Check it out on the web k Screen Reading k Speaking thesaurus k Contextual word prediction kand more!

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Templates k Provide a basic structure or framework on which the work is to be accomplished k Can be pre-programmed for automatic functions, such as name and date k Built in to the design can be proper placement of next word or number k Shortcut for routine tasks typically done with paper and pencil

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ Key to successful technology k Find the technology that best fits the needs of the user k Make sure that those involved with the student have the training and support necessary to integrate the technology into the students educational program k Ensure that the environment allows the student to access the technology whenever needed

UConn Special Education Technology Lab6/12/ “The success of technology has more to do with people than machines. All the right parts and pieces together won’t work miracles by themselves. It is people who make technology powerful by creatively using it to fulfill their dreams.” “The success of technology has more to do with people than machines. All the right parts and pieces together won’t work miracles by themselves. It is people who make technology powerful by creatively using it to fulfill their dreams.” The Alliance for Technology Access The Alliance for Technology Access