Introduction to Assistive Technology Adapted from FDLRS-Technology State Loan Library Mark Cerasale...

Introduction to Assistive Technology

Adapted from

FDLRS-Technology State Loan LibraryMark Cerasale – Administrator

Diane Penn - Technology Specialist

www.fdlrs-tsll.scps.k12.fl.us

What is FDLRS-TSLL?

A specialized center in the FDLRS Network Operate loan library Operate demonstration lab Maintain a web-site Conduct Awareness Trainings

FloridaDiagnostic

LearningResources

SystemTechnology

StateLoan

Library

What is Assistive Technology?

“Any device and/or service that is determined to be educationally necessary for a child to receive a

Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)&

helps these individuals to interact with the world around them!”

WHY??

The Law states that you must address assistive technology needs on the IEP

To best serve the needs of the student

Assistive technology is not just for the most severe student, students with mild disabilities can benefit from assistive devices

(IDEA) Section 300.5 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations

For people with normal abilities,

technology makes doing things easier.

For people with disabilities, technology makes doing

things possible.

(Mary Pat Radabaugh, RESNA, 1990)

Assistive Technology Legislation

PL 94 - 142 (1975) FAPE - Free & Appropriate Public Education

PL 98 - 199 (1983) Pre-school PL 100 - 407 (1988) Tech Act- Technology Related

Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act

PL 101-336 (1990) ADA - Americans with Disabilities Public Access

PL 105 - 17 becomes IDEA (1990,1997) & reauthorization of IDEA 2004: AT & transition

Things to Consider Before Looking at AT

StudentEnvironmentTasksTools

Student

What does Student need to do?

What are the Student’s special needs and current abilities

Environment• Instructional and physical

arrangements? Special concerns?

• Materials and equipment available

• Supports available daily to student and people working with studend

• Attitudes and expectations of people? Will it affect student’s performance?

Tasks

Activities occurring in student’ natural environment

What is everyone else doingCritical elements of activitiesHow can activities be modified

to accommodate student’s special needs?

AT Continuum

The AT Continuum

Focus on problem areas defined by: • the task • the need associated with that

task • different environments in which

that task is done

Decide on a full continuum of low to high tech tools.

The AT Continuum

Tasks Needs Environments

Low Tech Mid Tech High Tech

Decision Variables

Tools to Try

First, determine which areas are still problematic for the student.

Second, determine what need is associated with the problem area. Without this step, you

can’t find the best tool.

Finally, look at each environment in which the tool might be used. Remember that different environments might

require different tools.

The AT Toolbox Approach

Assistive Technology Categories

Computer Access

Environ.Controls

AACAssistiveListening

VisualAids

Mobility

RecreationLeisure

Play

Positioning

SelfCare

Computer-based

Instruction

No techNo tech

Highlighter tape Colored overlays Stamps Unique rulers Battery operated items Positioning aids Look at other ways to use something.

Have fun and be creative!

The LoTTIE (Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education) Kit Used with students who have special needs. Used in the field of assistive technology evaluation Provides tools that help with reading, math, and

organizational skills

http://www.onionmountaintech.com

LoTTIE KitLow Tech Tools for Inclusive Education

Low TechLow Tech

Simple technology- few moving parts, low maintenance, low cost Simple communication devices Switches Battery Device Adaptors Switch operated devices

High TechHigh Tech

Generally higher cost More maintenance Frequently electronic (computer, AAC device, power chair) Usually part of a range of solutions with the no tech and low

tech Frequently requires more supports including: training for both

student, school staff and others involved in student’s life

Computer Adaptations

Try built-in adaptations first Enlarge font Change color of background or font Sticky or slow keys Sound or visual alerts Mouse speed Enlarged cursor On-screen keyboards Enlarge display Speak information on screen Simplified desktop*****************************************************************

*******Start>Programs>Accessories>AccessibilityORStart>Control Panel>Accessibility Options

FDLRS-TECHhttp://www.paec.org/fdlrstech/

FDLRS-FIMC Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired –Tampa

http://www.fimcvi.org/

FDLRS-RMTC Resource Materials & Technology Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – St. Augustine

http://www.fsdb.k12.fl.us/rmc/

FDLRS-TSLL Technology State Loan Library-Sanford

http://www.fdlrs-tsll.scps.k12.fl.us

WHO WHO CAN CAN

HELP? HELP?

Don Johnston- www.donjohnston.com SOLO software

Set BC – Special Education Technology-British Columbia setbc.org/default.html

ATA - Alliance for Technology Access http://www.ataccess.org/resources/wcp/endefault.html

FAAST – Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology http://www.faast.org

LoTTIE Kits – Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education http://www.onionmountaintech.com

Resources

Kurzweil - http://www.kurzweiledu.com/downloads_kez3000.aspx

Dragon Naturally Speaking - http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/

Contact Us at:

Mark Cerasale -Administrator/Program Specialist 407-320-2380 mark_cerasale@scps.k12.fl.us

Diane Penn – Technology Specialist407-320-2384 diane_penn@scps.k12.fl.us

Exploration

Time to explore equipment and devices

Q/A