Overview of Assistive Technology Shannon Lavey Ryan Rausch October 28, 2011

Definition of Assistive Technology A broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that aid in assisting individuals with disabilities.A broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that aid in assisting individuals with disabilities. An AT device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.An AT device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. -Cook & Hussey

What is the Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC)? Role on campus: the ATRC seeks to ensure equal access to technology and electronic information for CSU students and employees with disabilitiesRole on campus: the ATRC seeks to ensure equal access to technology and electronic information for CSU students and employees with disabilities Groups served – Students with Physical, Sensory, Non-Apparent impairmentsGroups served – Students with Physical, Sensory, Non-Apparent impairments Experiential learning ofExperiential learning of AT for OT students

Overview of Services The ATRC providesThe ATRC provides –Evaluation and assessment to determine the best match between the person, environment, and appropriate AT options. – 1:1 Training –Accommodations –Equipment Loans –Resources and Referral information –Consultation and Education –Web and electronic instruction – universal design and accessibility –Training in concepts of Universal Design

Our Goal for Students! The ATRC’s goal is to increase student participation in school-related activities and enhance academic performance.The ATRC’s goal is to increase student participation in school-related activities and enhance academic performance. –Reading –Writing –Note-taking –Test-taking –Studying –Accessing computers and technology

Assistive Technology Suggestions AT for students who : 1. have a physical impairment1. have a physical impairment 2. have Cumulative Trauma Disorders2. have Cumulative Trauma Disorders 3. are blind3. are blind 4. have low vision4. have low vision 5. are hard of hearing5. are hard of hearing 6. have non-apparent difficulties – writing, note- taking, studying, reading, organization6. have non-apparent difficulties – writing, note- taking, studying, reading, organization

AT for Students with Physical Impairments Accessible Computing Station may include the following: 1.Adjustable height table 2.Equipment within reach from chair level 3.Alternative keyboards 4.Alternative mice 5.Alternate input

AT for students with Cumulative Trauma Disorders HardwareHardware –Ergonomic keyboards –Ergonomic mice –Wrist pads –Adjustable tables –Document holders –Adjustable monitors Software –Word completion and word prediction software –Dictation software

AT for Students who are Blind HardwareHardware –Refreshable Braille Keyboard –Embossers –Thermo Pen –Talking Scientific Calculator –Digital Book Players –Tactile Key Indicators Software –Screen readers – JAWS

AT for Students with Low Vision HardwareHardware –Video Magnifiers –Portable Magnifiers –Large Print and Braille Labels for keyboard –Digital Book Players –Key Labels Software –Built in Accessibility Options –Zoom Text

AT for Students who are Hard of Hearing HardwareHardware – –FM Systems – –PocketTalker Software –Captioning –Visual Notifications on the computer screen –CART (Communication Access Real Time Translation)

AT for Students with Reading Difficulty (non-apparent) Converting print to electronic formatConverting print to electronic format Digital Book PlayersDigital Book Players Text to SpeechText to Speech Adjusting visual layoutAdjusting visual layout Scanning and Reading PensScanning and Reading Pens Portable Spell CheckersPortable Spell Checkers Speed reading softwareSpeed reading software Apps: VoiceOver, GoodReader, iAnnotateApps: VoiceOver, GoodReader, iAnnotate

AT for Students with Writing Difficulty (non-apparent) Software that includes the following features: Word PredictionWord Prediction DictionaryDictionary TranslatorTranslator Verb CheckerVerb Checker VocabVocab Text to speechText to speech Spell checkSpell check MappingMapping Apps – iThoughtsHD, Dictionary, SpellerApps – iThoughtsHD, Dictionary, Speller

AT for Students with Note Taking and Studying Difficulty (non-apparent) Portable Word ProcessorsPortable Word Processors Digital Voice RecorderDigital Voice Recorder Software with note-taking, studying, and research featuresSoftware with note-taking, studying, and research features Apps - AudioNote, Evernote, Flashcard TouchApps - AudioNote, Evernote, Flashcard Touch Live Scribe PenLive Scribe Pen

AT for Students with Organization Difficulty (non-apparent) Low TechLow Tech –Checklists and day planners –Task sequencing lists –Alarms/timers on watch or cell phone High TechHigh Tech –Devices: computers, tablets, smartphones, PDAs –Software or Apps iHomework, 2DoiHomework, 2Do

Hands-On Time! Questions? Feel free to explore any of the software or hardware Thank you!!