Welcome to Unit 7 Assistive Technology Our agenda for tonight’s discussion focuses on the use of assistive technology for children with special needs. CE240….Christine Terrill WELCOME…glad you are here!

Any questions? We are almost there! I want to thank you for your all your hard work so far! Please remember, if you need anything, I am here. Please complete any incomplete work. Our time is getting short! 2

Let’s take an adventure…. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I think I would say, Africa. How cool would be to go on an African Safari! It is fun to dream….right!

Course Outcomes Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you should be able to: 1. CE240-1: Identify common disabilities among young children with special needs. 2. CE240-2 Explain the necessity of early identification of special needs and the importance of early intervention. 3. CE240-3: Describe characteristics of effective strategies for young children with special needs. 4. CE240-4: Identify developmentally appropriate practices for young children with special needs using real world experiences. General Education Outcomes: In addition, the following General Education outcomes are assessed during this course: 1. GEL-1.1: Demonstrate college-level communication through the composition of original materials in Standard American English (Unit 9 Project) 2. GEL-6.5: Use electronic libraries/databases for research purposes (Unit 9 Project) ** These will be assessed during this term…but these do NOT count toward your grade in anyway! You will find these in the grade book in some units. You can read the information about these under the course home page under course level assessment.

Weekly Reminders Complete readings and read Web Resources Complete Learning Activities Complete Discussion Board: Post detailed responses to discussion question (100 words or more) Share detailed feedback with at least 2 classmates Post response to Seminar Option 2 IF you do not attend seminar Complete Graded Content Review

Learning Outcomes for Unit 7 Describe the importance of play and the limitations of children with special needs Identify strategies for facilitating play for children with special needs Identify the importance as well as the variety of uses of assistive technology Describe how assistive technology can foster learning in the classroom for young children with special needs Course outcomes practiced in this unit: CE240-3: Describe characteristics of effective strategies for young children with special needs CE240-4: Identify developmentally appropriate practices for young children with special needs using real world experiences 6

Play and Academics Young children are biologically ready to learn Select activities that involve sensory experiences like touch, sight, sound, taste and developmentally appropriate. “For children who do not get academic learning at home, academically stimulating preschools are an opportunity equalizer” (Allen & Cowdery, 2009, p. 519). 7

What does developmentally appropriate mean? 8

What are some sensory activities/experiences that can be done? 9

IDEA (1991) defines AT as 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 functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

Click on the link AT in the Information Box. children-special-education children-special-education Take a few minutes to read the article Share at least one major benefit of assistive technology. What is meant by “appropriate education”?

Strategies to Facilitate Play Using assistive technology is one of the many ways Early Childhood Care Professionals can facilitate learning for children with special needs. ~~ How can this be done? 12

Have you had any experience with using assistive technology with a child? If so, please share these experiences. 13

Video: Demonstration of AT devices Click on the link devices in the Information Box. Share: What did you learn from watching the video? What device did you find the most interesting?

Low tech Assistive Technology What are some examples of low-tech assistive technology? How can low-tech assistive technology be used for young children with disabilities in the classroom? Discuss specific examples. 15

Examples of low tech assistive technology Velcro Adaptive switches Adapted eating utensils Communication notebooks Talking clocks and calculators Adapted books 16

High Tech Assistive Technology What are some examples of high-tech assistive technology? How can high-tech assistive technology be used for young children with disabilities in the classroom? Discuss specific examples 17

Examples of high tech assistive technology Computers Adapted mobility devices Electronic communication systems Advanced switches 18

Video: Josh’s Story Click on Josh in the box below Share: How did Josh benefit from the use of assistive technology?

Communication Devices We always want to promote language! Big Mack Little Mack Step by Step Cheaptalk 4 or 8 7 level Communication Builder 20

What are some factors that hinder the use of assistive devices in inclusive settings? 21

Factors that could hinder Assistive Technology Lack of Training Cost/Expense Technology Abandonment 22

References Allen, E.K., Cowdery, G.E. (2009). The Exceptional Child: inclusion in early childhood education. United States of America: Thompson Delmar Learning Using Assistive Technology to Foster Speech and Language Skills at Home and in Preschool," by Lauren Skau and Paul W. Cascella. "Assistive Technology and IEPs for Young Children with Disabilities," by Howard P. Parette Jr. and Nikki L. Murdick. "Play and Assistive Technology Issues for Infants and Young Children with Disabilities", by Shelly J. Lane and Susan G. Mistrett. 23

Thanks for a great seminar! Have a good night! If you have any questions, please let me know. I am here for you! See you next week for unit 8. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Please look through the gradebook when you have a chance. 24