A SSISTIVE T ECHNOLOGY Suffolk Public Schools

W HAT IS A SSISTIVE T ECHNOLOGY ? IDEA 2004 defines assistive technology services (AT) as “Assistive technology device means 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 a child with a disability.” Suffolk Public Schools (SPS) provides assistive technology services as part of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to any student that currently has a 504 or IEP and may require assistive technology to access the general education curriculum.

W HAT ARE AT S ERVICES AND WHO QUALIFIES ? AT services include: Evaluating the student in their educational environment Providing and programming devices Collaborating with additional therapies to incorporate devices Training of staff/student/parent when introducing an AT device. Students categorized with the following disabilities may be eligible for AT services: Visual impairment Speech-language impairment Hearing impairment Print disability Cognitive impairment Written expression deficit Physical disability

AT FOR STUDENTS WITH A VISUAL I MPAIRMENT Students who are characterized with a visual impairment that impacts their ability to access textbooks and other educational material may be provided: Software that reads text to the student Screen reader Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate format (based on eligibility criteria) Speech recognition Software that translates speech-to-text

AT FOR STUDENTS WITH A COMMUNICATION I MPAIRMENT Individuals with a speech-language impairment that limits their ability to communicate their wants/needs/ideas within the classroom may be provided with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system or device: Picture communication exchange Static voice output device (switches) Dynamic voice output device (computerized device).

AT FOR STUDENTS WITH A PRINT DISABILITY OR WRITING DEFICIT A print disability that is adversely impacting a student’s ability to read (decoding) or write (spelling) may have access to AT services including: Software that reads text to the student Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate format (based on eligibility criteria) Handheld spelling aid Software that translates speech-to-text Portable word processor Talking word processor Individuals who have difficulty completing written tasks due to a fine motor impairment or who require a significant amount of time to complete written assignments compared to their typically developing peers may also be eligible for AT services. Word processor Talking word processor Software that translates speech-to-text Portable word processor

AT FOR STUDENTS WITH A PHYSICAL DISABILITY Students with a physical disability may have difficulty accessing computers and educational materials through standard means. AT devices may include: Switches used to activate devices Adaptable mouse/keyboard Portable word processor Talking word processor Speech recognition Speech-to-text software Software that utilizes pictures and words to represent text Textbooks and AR books that are in an alternate format (based on eligibility criteria)

R EFERRAL P ROCESS Complete an Assistive Technology referral and consent form on the SPS Special Education BLOG Submit a hard copy to the Assistive Technology Specialist at Elephant’s Fork Elementary School An AT planning meeting will be scheduled following receipt of these documents AT trials will be conducted by SPS for qualified students to determine if AT services are appropriate or need to be modified An AT review meeting will be held at the conclusion of the AT trials to add AT services and accommodations to the 504/IEP or to continue the trial period

TSR FOR AT SOFTWARE If a student is approved for AT software a Technology Service Request (TSR) must be completed by the case manager/teacher SPS Portal  Service Requests (Maintenance, Technology)  Technology Service Request (TSR)

C OMPLETING A TSR Complete form Under “Category” select “Assistive Tech. Device” Notify the AT specialist when completed Notify the AT specialist when software is installed so an in-service can be scheduled

SPS & A PPLE P RODUCTS The SPS network/security is currently not able to support Apple products This would include the iPad and iPod Why not for students when some personal Apple devices are used by staff? An evaluation of the Apple product must be conducted by the SPS technology department to determine if use of the product will be safe and secure In order to provide Apple products as an assistive technology tool, it would require full SPS network support Access to the Internet/accessory devices (printer) IT personnel trained in Apple products/operating systems Additional SPS security specific to supporting Apple products

E ASE OF A CCESS C ENTER Image retrieved from

W INDOWS 7 A CCESSIBILITY O PTIONS Speech RecognitionMagnification Images retrieved from MS Word Clip Art

S PEECH R ECOGNITION Allows user to control computer with voice Requires training the computer to the user’s voice Voice commands control applications Located in the Ease of Access Center “Start” menu  “All Programs”  “Accessories”  “Ease of Access”  “Windows Speech Recognition”

T RAINING WINDOWS SPEECH RECOGNITION Initial use of program will prompt tutorial and voice training The more it is used, the more accurate it becomes Internal microphone for laptops with option to use external microphone or headset External microphone for desktops

A BILITY OF SPEECH RECOGNITION Hands-free Open programs Control mouse Insert text and images Send Navigate the Internet Voice commands Open list by saying “What can I say” Scroll list to find correct command

R ECORDING WITH YOUR COMPUTER Speech recognition software is for one user per account It is not able to record other people’s statements For recording of multiple people, utilize the Sound Recorder Located under “Accessories” “Start” menu  “All Programs”  “Accessories”  “Sound Recorder”

D EMONSTRATION OF S PEECH R ECOGNITION

M AGNIFICATION Allows user to enlarge pictures and text on screen Located in the Ease of Access Center “Start” menu  “All Programs”  “Accessories”  “Ease of Access”  “Magnifier”

M AGNIFYING O PTIONS Full Screen Entire screen is magnified by selected percentage Lens Area around the mouse is magnified Docked Portion of the screen is magnified and is able to be relocated/ resized

M AGNIFIER O PTIONS Color inversion Invert colors Tracking Follow the mouse pointer Follow the keyboard focus/text editing (if supported by program) Follow text insertion point Locate the magnifying glass icon to change magnifier options Also located on taskbar

D EMONSTRATION OF M AGNIFIER

A DDITIONAL A CCESSIBILITY F EATURES Additional features are available Explore them in the Ease of Access Center “Start”  “Control Panel”  “Ease of Access Center”

C ONTACT I NFORMATION For more information about Assistive Technology, please contact Janette Presley or Visit the VDOE website: ct_svcs/assistive_technology/index.shtml

Q UESTIONS ?????