1. Introduction to Assistive Technology (AT) 2/15/06

2. Definition of AT Device Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to "...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities...", according to the definition proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998

3. Examples: Pencil grips and specialized paper Computers Wheelchairs Speech Generating Devices Highlighters Adapted spoons, scissors, toys, etc. Hearing aids

4. Definition of AT Services “…any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.”

5. Examples: Funding Maintenance and repair Training/Instruction Introduction of the device Trial use and data collection Device transfer at times of transition

6. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) www.cast.org Universal Design for Learning slides

7. Perspectives on Assessment Data-based Student interview –“Hey, Can I try that?” www.wati.orgwww.wati.org –“Personal Choices” www.onionmountaintech.com www.onionmountaintech.com  Prepared assessment protocols  SETT framework  Continuous use of data

8. Transfer of AT at times of Transition www.aea9.k12.ia.us/assistivedwlds.html

9. Light Technology (Low Tech) Examples: Pencil grips Adapted rulers Highlighter tape Communication boards Specialized paper NCR paper

10. High Technology Examples: Speech Generating Devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication [AAC]; Voice Output Communication Aid [VOCA]0 Digital recorders Computers for text to speech Computer for speech to text (speech recognition) DemonstrationDemonstration

11. Examples of AT from specific categories

12. Daily living and recreation Infrared lock Switch-activated CD player Switches for control of electrical items and computers

13. Expressive Communication Single entry and sequential entry communication device Mid-level communicaiton devices Full-language communication devices Boardmaker

14. Academic Support Written expression –Predictive software (e.g. CoWriter) –Onscreen keyboard –Homophone support –Slide shows (BuildAbility)BuildAbility

15. Information Organization Outline software Pencil/paper or computer graphic organizers Note cards Web organization

16. Note-Taking Letter Practice (StartWrite) NCR Notebooks Fill-in-the-blank study guides Various types of special paper Whiteboard captures

17. Research/Reports Organization of research (Read and Write Gold Fact Folder) Organization of research (low-tech cards)

18. Prepared Forms Templates (Word) Telephone notepads

19. Study Skills Highlighter functions (e.g. Kurzweil) Removable highlight tape and highlighters Dictionary (e.g. WYNN)

20. Math Calculators (Talking Calculators/large keys) Computer calculator versions IntelliTools products Graph paper Math Star Manipulatives Adapted rulers BlockCad

21. Reading Interactive Story Books Scan and Read text support Start to Finish Books File conversion (text to MP3)

22. Computer Adaptations Accessibility features (Windows) Easy Access (Macintosh) Alternate Keyboards Alternate Mice Positioning (easels) Portable word processing (e.g. Dana)

23. Mobility Room design Powered mobility Manual chairs Support Vision-related mobility aids (make it auditory) Hearing-related mobility aids (make it visual)

24. Hearing Room amplification FM systems Personal aids/accessories related to the Cochlear Implant (but not the implant itself!)

25. Vision Colored screens and contrast Reading Guides Magnifiers Visual accommodations in computer programs –Color; size; spacing; font type –Speed of reading –Word presentation (word, sentence, paragraph)

26. Cool Websites North Pole http://www.northpole.com/Clubhouse/Gam es/ and www.northpole.com http://www.northpole.com/Clubhouse/Gam es/www.northpole.com Bubble Wrap http://www.aea9.k12.ia.us/05/at_mouse_s kills.php http://www.aea9.k12.ia.us/05/at_mouse_s kills.php Priory Woods –http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk /http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk /