Assistive Technology in the Schools

1. Assistive Technology in the Schools Kit Frank, OTRAssistive Technology CoordinatorTST BOCES April 10, 2006

2. Assistive Technology in the Schools Mandated by law to be considered in the IEP allow student to remain in least restrictive environment and to provide access to the regular curriculum

3. What is Assistive Technology ? Assistive Technology (AT) 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 student with disabilities. (New York State Education Department, January 2000).

4. TST BOCES Assistive Technology Team Receive referrals from the CSE Evaluate students in the school environment Involve educational team and parents

5. Asst. Tech. And Universal Design Assistive Technology individualized for one student Universal Design makes items available on an as-needed basis to any student

6. Common Assistive Technology Needs in the Schools Reading Writing Communicating Adapting the Curriculum for a Learner at a different level Adapting the environment to allow access

7. Most commonly used AT in the schools Alphasmart family of word processors Voice output, screen readers (computer talks) Word Prediction Adaptations to Windows

8. Other AT used in the Schools Adapted keyboards and mice Alternative augmentative devices (communication devices) Literacy software Single switch hardware and software Voice input (you talk to the computer) Positioning, feeding, toileting aids Listening devices

9. Goals for this presentation Become familiar with commonly used AT Know the pros and cons of each and who could use it Be comfortable to try it out with your students Intro to less commonly used AT

10. Alphasmart devices Alphasmart Neo Dana

11. Alphasmart Simple word processor No mouse 8 files Interfaces with computer

12. Alphasmart: Pros Quick boot-up Light and portable Durable and inexpensive Rechargeable model holds charge for a week Interfaces with computer for formatting, saving, printing Has spell checker Add-ons (applets) include word prediction and typing Uncomplicated, only word processing Attractive and cool (to some)

13. Alphasmart: Cons Small four line screen Word prediction and spell check less user friendly Only word processing Unattractive and uncool (to some)

14. Alphasmart: who is it for? Students with: Difficulties with writing by hand Need for computer for writing, need portable device Ability to see the screen Motivation to use it Don�t need additional features

15. Alphasmart: tips for use Charge once per week F keys represent 8 files To interface with computer: plug into USB cable, open Word on computer, press send Desktop\Let.doc Save your documents on the computer, then delete from Alphasmart Best to print through a computer, not connect directly to a printer

16. Neo by Alphasmart Same as Alphasmart but larger screen, better font Still has only 4 lines showing at a time ..\

17. Dana by Alphasmart Basically a word processor but has other features Uses a stylus Uses Palm OS Larger screen, variety of fonts available Can save more than 8 files on the device Interfaces with computer by 2 methods

18. Dana: Pros Alphasmart features plus: Easier to see text Includes address, memo pad, datebook Can add Palm programs Uses stylus Even more cool and attractive

19. Dana: Cons Distractible features Touchscreen is more fragile More complicated to use Stylus Must load software on computer to interface May not be cool and attractive enough

20. Word prediction ..\Desktop\Let.doc Drop-down list suggests words Used with any writing application (ie Word, email) Voice output optional Configurable

21. Word Prediction: Tips for use Usually anchored list is best Encourage choosing by number rather than mouse For more advanced student, anchor list near bottom, use 6-9 words, they don�t look at it until they need to

22. Word Prediction: Who is it for? Student with 3rd grade reading level or above Spelling difficulty and/or VERY slow keyboarding and/or Word omission, substitution errors

23. Word Prediction:Pros and Cons Must try it first! Not for everyone Must be able to scan the list efficiently Some students find it confusing and forget what they wanted to say Some students stare at the list forever Helps improve spelling, may outgrow it in time

24. How can you tell if AT is successful? Measure output before and after for Quality Quantity Independence Speed Data important to justify purchase

25. Other AT used in the Schools Adapted keyboards and mice Alternative augmentative devices (communication devices) Literacy software Single switch hardware and software Positioning, feeding, toileting aids Voice input (you talk to the computer)

26. Adapted keyboards Most computer users prefer regular keyboard Alphabetic layout only for user who will never use regular keyboard Portability, size issues

27. Intellikeys Adapted keyboard Configurable: latching, repeat,delay Standard and custom overlays

28. Onscreen keyboard Use mouse (or other pointing device) to select keys Occupies part of the screen Configurable, should include word prediction Don�t need to look at your hands Need small excursion of movement

29. Joystick mouse Excellent for coordination difficulties Speed and buttons configurable Easy to learn for power wheelchair users, gamers

30. Small mouse For small hand or Person with lack of movement Inexpensive, readily available

31. Headmouse Control cursor with head movement Sensor on top of computer reads reflecting dot on forehead Can be set for dwell to click Used with Softtype onscreen keyboard Very expensive Not as intuitive as using hand for early learners

32. Alternative Augmentative Devices (communication devices) Used as part of a total communication approach Used to communicate what you can�t communicate by other ways Enhances speech development Requires a team approach Requires team commitment

33. Communication: Low-mid tech Big Mac Step by Step Cheap Talk Other Recorded Voice devices

34. Communication: High tech Dynavox Chat PC Vanguard

35. Literacy Software Not technically Asst. Tech. Used to support the Curriculum Must be reviewed by teachers to determine usefulness within curriculum Usually expensive Demos available

36. Literacy Software Great for giving extra practice, reps Great for eliminating interactional struggles Enjoyable Rewards Tracks progress

37. Literacy software examples Laureate Sound Reading Solutions HEC (Intensive phonics) Intellitools Literacy

38. Single switch Used for person with limited control of movement Used to control toys, appliances, communication devices and computer Appropriate for all cognitive levels If you can find a consistent motion, we have a switch for you! Variety of shapes, amount of pressure, positioning options To make choices, must use scanning

39. Single switch: Scanning Choices are highlighted, you hit the switch at the right moment to choose Allows person with control of only one movement to make choices Cognitively challenging Many programs available to teach it Must set timing to maximize success

40. Voice input= Voice recognition= Speech recognition= you talk to the computer Example: Dragon Naturally Speaking Requires a good modern computer

41. Voice input: Who uses it? People with coordination impairments Severe writing impairments Severe spelling impairments Hand injuries

42. Voice input: Pros and Cons Does not do your composition for you Requires motivation, training, patience Must think about process as you write Younger students usually cannot control voice well enough Rarely successful in school setting

43. Assistive Technology in the Schools Kit Frank, OTRAssistive Technology CoordinatorTST BOCES 607-257-2530 x348 Kfrank@mail.tstboces.org