Assistive Technology

Or is it Educational Technology?

PresentersKasie Hamman, General Education Teacher

Sean Kugler, Assistive Technology Specialist

Laura Leff-Allen, Special Education Teacher

Amy Ronn, Special Education Teacher

Valerie West, Occupational Therapist

Linda Wilkins, Speech Language Pathologist

DefinitionThe term assistive technology device means any "item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of that device."[20 USCS §1401(1)(2)34 C.F.R. 300.5].

IDEA Statute: Title I/A/Section 602

The Continuum of Technology

Assistive Technology

No/Low Tech

SimpleLittle

MaintenanceLimited or no electronics

Mid Tech

Some Maintenance

Some TrainingMore

Electronics

High Tech

Complex Electronics

More TrainingMore

Maintenance

Why Use Assistive Technology?

IDEA 1988 was the first time that IDEA governed the provision of AT

Provides students with another way to access materials

May motivate some students more so than only using traditional means

May help the teacher distribute their time/workload

Identify the Skill, not the

Technology When thinking about how best to

implement technology, it is necessary to determine what skill the student needs support in.

After the skill has been identified, the appropriate technology can be identified as well.

ADE has created a tool to assist teachers in properly identifying both the skill and the technology options to support that skill.

Examples of Assistive

Technology

Consideration Guide

We will train staff on the guide.

Breaking Down the Guide

The Guide specifically addresses: Reading Writing Spelling Math Listening Oral Communication Activities of Daily Living Recreation and Leisure Prevocational and Vocational Seating, Positioning and Mobility

TasksWhat you want the students to do

Identify letters in isolation and sequence Recognize/read name Read basic/primer sight words Comprehend age/grade appropriate reading

materials Read material from a worksheet with

comprehension Answer literal questions regarding materials

Standard ToolsHow the lesson is traditionally presented and carried out.

Worksheets Textbooks Workbooks Presentation software Websites Printed testing materials

AccommodationsAdjustments to the lesson to meet a student’s individual needs:

Increased time Color code to emphasize key points

(highlight) Adding color background for student

with visual needs Adjusting the way things are printed

Spacing for letters or lines Size Color Font

ModificationsChanging a lesson for student compared to the rest of the class to meet a student’s individual needs:

Partnered reading Using High-interest, low-reading level

materials Increased time to complete assignment Decrease length of assignment Simplify complexity of Text Color code to emphasize key points

(highlight) Customize the vocabulary list Use symbol-supported text

AT SolutionsThe items used to help the students achieve the lesson goals. These will vary depending on the lesson.

Slant boards Overlays Audio books E-readers or E-text Text-to-speech software Screen readers Mobile devices with a variety of

applications Speech-to-text software

Exploring A Lesson• Math• Task:• Standard Tools:• Accommodations:• Modifications:• AT Solutions:

Exploring A Lesson• Cherry Blossom Festival• Task:• Standard Tools:• Accommodations:• Modifications:• AT Solutions:

Exploring A Lesson• Christmas• Task:• Standard Tools:• Accommodations:• Modifications:• AT Solutions: