1. Help is Out There ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

2. Overview What is assistive technology? Legal aspects of assistive technology The role of the IEP team and assistive technology Types of Assistive Technology High tech options Low tech options Summary Questions References

3. What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology is any tool used to assist students with everyday activities It is designed so that people with disabilities can reach their full potential This technology also gives the freedom and independence Assistive technology can elaborate and expensive or simple and inexpensive

4. Legal aspects of Assistive technology The guidelines for Assistive technology is covered under IDEA 2004 (Individuals with Disability Education Act) It is required that each public agency must ensure assistive technology devices, services, or both are made available to a child if it is required by their Special education Related Services Supplementary aids and services Also the use of school-purchased assistive technology in homes or other places for the student if determined by the IEP team it is needed to receive FAPE.

5. The Role of the IEP Team and Assistive Technology When Choosing Assistive technology the IEP team must consider the following The strengths of the child The concerns of parents for enhancing their child’s education The initial results or most recent results of a child’s evaluation The child's academic, developmental, and functional needs

6. Role of IEP Team Cont. Special Situations Positive behavioral supports for children with behavior problems that impede a child’s learning The language needs of a child who has a limited English proficiency Provide Braille instruction for students who are blind or visually impaired Consideration of communication needs for a child who is hard of hearing

7. Types of assistive Technology There are various types of assistive technology They can be very expensive and complex There can also be very simple and inexpensive technology

8. Examples of High Tech Options Braille keyboard- allows for the students with a sight disability to type and use a computer just like other students without disabilities

9. High Tech Cont. Trackball mice- this device uses a rolling ball to move the mouse on a screen rather than moving the actual mouse which makes it ideal for a student with a mobility disability.

10. High Tech Cont. Voice recognition software- allows use of voice to write and move mouse on keyboard which helps students with mobility disabilities use a computer.

11. High Tech Cont. Hearing aids- used to improve hearing capability of students who are hard of hearing

12. High Tech Cont. Screen Readers- Reads the text on screens which allows for students with reading and sight disabilities to obtain the information in the text

13. What are some other examples of high tech options you can think of?

14. Examples of Low Tech Options Magnifying glass- used to enlarge print or pictures for students who have a sight disability

15. Low Tech Cont. Cane- used to help students with mobility disabilities get around easier.

16. Low Tech Cont. Line Reading Guides- Helps students focus on a smaller set of words and text, which helps students who have disabilities such as dyslexia

17. Low Tech Cont. Highlighter- used to highlight text to help students focus on key points and information in text

18. Low Tech Cont. Reachers/Grabbers- used for grabbing things that are out of a students normal reaching range. Helpful for students who have physical disabilities.

19. What are some other examples of low tech options you can think of?

20. Summary Assistive Technology is meant to help students with disabilities and is required to be available to them by IDEA The IEP team has to think about several points before they can come up with what type of assistive technology a child needs. There are high tech and low tech options for assistive technology

21. Questions?

22. Resources "An Overview of Assistive Technology | Assistive Technology | At School." National Center for Learning Disabilities. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive- technology-education/overview-assistive-technology. "Assistive Technology." : Types of High-Tech. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. http://www.ist.hawaii.edu/training/tech/07_types2.php. Hauss, Sharon. "What Is Assistive Technology." What Is Assistive Technology. 1 Jan. 2004. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/?pageId=2504. Mittler, Joel. "Assistive Technology and IDEA: Regulations." Technology Integration: Providing Access to the Curriculum for Students with Disabilities. (2007): 81-85. Technology and Media Division (TAM) of the Council for Exceptional Children. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. http://tamcec.org/pdf/AssistiveTech and IDEA Regs.pdf. "SC Curriculum Access through AT." What Is Assistive Technology and How Is It Used in Schools? Web. 9 Nov. 2014. http://www.sc.edu/scatp/cdrom/atused.html. "Tools for Life." Tools for Life. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. http://www.gatfl.org/assistive.php.