2. Assistive Technology Snapshot Connie Gray EDTC 6340: Project 4

3. Purpose: The topics covered in this presentation will be beneficial to faculty who wish to learn: Current laws and legislation involved with assistive technology Meaning of assistive technology Types of technologies available

4. Assistive Technology (AT) Laws & Legislation AT is defined by federal law (IDEA ’97, ADA, Tech ACT) as: "any item, piece of equipment, or product...whether acquired commercially, something modified, or custom made...that is used to increase, maintain, and/or improve the functional capability of individuals with disabilities."

5. Assistive Technology Umbrella Advantages: More Features & Functions Greater Capability Low Tech High Tech Specialized for each individual Adaptable to all individuals Advantages: Readily available Low Cost Easy to use

6. Categories Assistive Technology Computer Technologies Communication Learning Aids Manipulation Behavioral Support Mobility & Positioning VisionHearing

7. Access & Software Low Tech Special Keyboards Special Mouse High Tech Optical Character Recognition Software Computer Technologies

8. Augmentative & Alternative Low Tech Symbols & Pictures High Tech Hand Held Communication Device Communication

9. Content Areas Low Tech Speaking Homework Whiz handheld spell checker speaks words & definitions High Tech Quicktionary Reading Pen handheld reading pen scans word & defines Learning Aids

10. Daily Living Low Tech Pencil Grips High Tech Photophone Switches Manipulation

11. Self Management Organizational Skills Self Monitoring Low Tech Picture Schedule Board High Tech Personal Digital Organizer Behavioral Support

12. Content Areas Low Tech Wheelchairs Standing Aids Special Seating High Tech Scooters Powered Wheelchairs Mobility and Positioning

13. Visual Impairment Low Tech Magnifiers Highlighter Tape High Tech Comprehensive Screen Reading Program Vision

14. Hearing Impairement Low Tech Amplifiers High Tech TTY telephone Hearing

15. Related Links For further information check out: Accessibility Institute http://www.utexas.edu/research/accessibility/resource/in dex.html http://www.utexas.edu/research/accessibility/resource/in dex.html Able Data http://www.abledata.com/ The Alliance for Technology Access http://www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/faq/ Assistive Technologies http://www.assistivetechnologies.com/index.asp Assistive Technologies in the Classroom http://www.landmarkcollege.org/institute/assistive_techno logy/index.html http://www.landmarkcollege.org/institute/assistive_techno logy/index.html National Early Childhood TA Center http://www.nectac.org/topics/atech/overview.asp

16. Acknowledgements Special thanks to the following websites for providing information used in the creation of this presentation. Special Needs Opportunity Windows http://snow.utoronto.ca/technology/index.html? showtechnology=1 http://snow.utoronto.ca/technology/index.html? showtechnology=1 Assistive Technology Resource Center http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Resources/ATRC/