1. Adaptive Technology Technology in Education By Amanda Chittenden

2. Adaptive Technology is: • “Any product, device, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” - The United States Assistive Technology Act of 1998

3. Examples of Adaptive Technology • wheelchair, walker, cane, grabber • Reading software, word recognition and speech-to text software, • AAC Devices or apps • Hearing aids, cochlear implants, contacts, glasses

4. Examples of AT in Communication • Reading Software • Speech-to-text software • AAC Devices or Apps • Boardmaker

5. Reading Software • Read any text on computers to people. • Examples of readable documents: • Email • Word documents • Pdfs • Websites

6. Speech-to-text Software • Also called voice recognition software • Types whatever a person says • Used in computers, phones, and some tablets • ADA requires new computers and laptops to come with it. • Built in to Windows 7 and newer

7. AAC Devices and apps • AAC – Augmentative & Alternative Communication • Also called “talkers” • Can be an app for a tablet • Many basic AAC apps available for free • “speak” for people who can’t

8. Boardmaker • Program that creates picture tools • Examples of what can be made with Boardmaker • Calendars and Schedules • Picture cards for PEC’s (Picture Exchange Communication • Picture directions • Flashcards for EEL’s and new readers

9. In Review • Adaptive technology is anything that helps level the playing field. • Adaptive technology in communication is programs and tools that help people read, write, and speak • Some examples are: reading software, speech-to-text software, and ACC devices.

10. Resources • Assistive Technology laws. (n.d.). Family Center on Technology and Disability. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://www.fctd.info/resources/ATlaws_print.pdf • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). (1997-2013). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/ • Brain, M. (2010, December 22). HowStuffWorks Blogs. The Blogs at HowStuffWorks RSS. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://blogs.howstuffworks.com/2010/12/22/there-is-free-speech-recognizing-software-built-into-windows-7-that-will-take-dictation/ • Central Coast Children's Foundation. (2012). Central Coast Childrens Foundation RSS. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://www.centralcoastchildrensfoundation.org/ • Don Johnston Inc. |. (n.d.). Don Johnston Inc RSS2. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://donjohnston.com/ • Free text to speech software with Naturally Sounding Voices -- Free NaturalReader. (n.d.). NaturalReader. Retrieved November 20, 2013, from http://www.naturalreaders.com/ • Pressman, h., & Pietrzyk, A. (2011). apps for acc. aapsforaac.net. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://appsforaac.net/sites/default/files/FreeandInexpensiveAACApps.pdf • SC Curriculum Access through AT. (2012, October 9). What is assistive technology and how is it used in schools?. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.sc.edu/scatp/cdrom/atused.html • The Family Center on Technology and Disability. (2013). Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD). Retrieved November 17, 2013, from http://www.fctd.info/ • I also used an interview with Leslie Frazier to Gather information. Mrs. Frazier is the Speech Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist at Auburn High School. We met and discussed Boardmaker, AAC devices, and the Don Johnston programs that are in use in the Auburn School District.