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SPED 456/556Developmental Cognitive

DisordersAssistive Technology

Assistive Technology:What is it?

• Assistive technology is technologyused by individuals with disabilitiesin order to perform functions thatmight otherwise be difficult orimpossible…

Assistive Technology:What is it?

• Assistive Technology products can enable people withdisabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assistthem in communication, education, work orrecreation activities, in essence, help them achievegreater independence and enhance their quality of life

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Assistive Technology:What is it?

• Assistive Technology Services support people withdisabilities or their caregivers to help them select,acquire, or use adaptive devices. Such servicesinclude functional evaluations, training on devices,product demonstration, and equipment purchasing orleasing.

Assistive Technology• Assistive Technology that might be

useful for a person with developmentaland cognitive disabilities includes:– Picture communication software and picture

supported writing programs to increase oraland written communication

– Adaptive hardware and software to increaseparticipation in inclusive activities

– Multi-media software to increase interest,motivation, and participation

– Portable prompters for reminders ofscheduled events or activities

Assistive Technology

The World of Assistive Technology video clip:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3349870000941604587&q=assistive+technology

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Characteristics of Developmentaland Cognitive Disabilities

• Impairments or deficits in the following:– Intellectual ability– Adaptive behavior– Communication– Perceptual-motor ability– Social skills– Independent work skills– Self-advocacy

Assistive TechnologyImages

AT in the Classroom

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AT in the Home

AT in the Community

AT in Recreation andLeisure Settings

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AT in the Workplace

AT in Post-SecondarySettings

Objectives for AT Unit• Understand and appreciate potential of

children with disabilities• Explore possibilities of assistive

technology (AT) in the field ofdevelopmental/cognitive disabilities

• Consider impact of AT on the lives ofchildren in the home, community, andeducational settings

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Expectations for AT Unit• Participate in classroom discussions and

activities• Complete assigned readings as noted on

web-site -http://www.mnstate.edu/anderkev/DCD-AT.html