Terrific Tools for Reading and Writing

Local Assistive Technology Team (LAT)

Assistive Technology Definition (AT)

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 the function capabilities of a child with a disability.

IDEA Section 602

What this means Any tool or device that a student with a

disability uses to do a task that he/she could not do otherwise without it. It can make the task easier, faster or done in a better way.

The device can be “lite” tech such as a pencil grip or as expensive as a computer.

Assistive Technology is a tool. It will never replace good teaching.

It serves to give struggling students and those with a

disability a way to be successful with the curriculum.

Who benefits from Assistive Tech Any student with a disability from mild to severe. Any student with reading, writing, math,

communications, vision, hearing, or motor problems

ESOL students Students with 504 plans Struggling students who do not qualify for ESE

services

Assistive technology when matched correctly to a student’s need will make your job easier

The FCAT Benefit AT integrated with good strategies will

have the greatest impact on students who score low on the FCAT These students will have the greatest effect on

your school scores

Did you know the State of Florida allows a variety of assistive technology tools that may be used on the FCAT by students with disabilities?

*These tools must be listed on the students IEP and used daily as part of instructional strategies.

Legal Responsibilities for ESE

The school district is mandated by state and federal law (Individual with Disability Education Act) to determine if a student with disability needs assistive technology

This determination is made by the IEP Team

AT Legislation Tech Act (PL 100 407) Technology

Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act

ADA (PL 101-336) Americans with Disabilities Act

IDEA-Individual with Disabilities Education Act

AT Evaluation for ESE Students A student may be identified by a teacher,

therapist, or parent The school support team ie… teacher, SLP, OT

or PT determines FIRST if the need can be met at the school level.

A referral is submitted to the Local Assistive Technology Team (LATS)

The LATS will review the case and either request further information from the school or set up an appointment to evaluate the student.

AT Purchase for ESE Students The school district is required to provide the

assistive technology if it is necessary to meet IEP goals The device may go home if the IEP team determines

that it is necessary to receive FAPE

Some students may receive funds from private insurance or Medicaid These devices are then the property of the family

AT Acquisition for Non ESE Student

School technology funds Other school funds Grants Community groups Fund Raiser

The Local Assistive Technology Team (LATS)

Joanne Stidham- Speech Language Pathologist (LEAD) Lourdes Day- Technology Specialist-FDLRS Lorrie Prince –Speech Language Diagnostician Judy Sanders- Occupational Therapist –ESE

Contacting the LAT team

The LAT team will consult and train school staff

Contact them at ESE 534-0934 OR

FDLRS 647-4258

Accommodation vs Modification Accommodation is changing HOW the student

learns EX-Setting, time, length of assignment, AT General diploma

Modification is changing WHAT the student learns EX-4th grade math in an Algebra class Special diploma

Assistive Technology Consideration Ask the right questions?

What specifically does the student need to do?

What is he/she currently using? What specific IEP goal must the child meet?

Evaluation, Practice, Opportunities, and Review

AT should be evaluated in the child’s natural setting

Success of AT comes with daily opportunities

AT integral part of the curriculum Continuous review of technology

effectiveness

Assistive Technology Groups Two Major Groups

Assistive Technology (Curriculum and Instructional Tools)

Augmentative Tools and Devices(Communication)

Assistive Technology Range Range

Lite tech (LoTTIE Kit) Easily accessible Low cost Used by Peers

High Tech Very task specific Higher cost Sometimes makes student feel “different” from peers

Types of Assistive Technology Reading Writing(Motor) Writing (Composing) Math Organizing/Studying Computer Access Communication Self Help

Reading

High lighter tape Reading guides Color filters Picture /symbol text match Scan and read software Changes in text size, fonts, spacing, color

and background

Highlighter Tape Highlighter tape can be used to

highlight directions, important formulas, or to separate questions from a series of answers.

Unique accommodations Cost $2.00 a roll

Reading Guides Reading guides can help the

student track words while reading material in the FCAT booklet.

Cost $ 9.00 set of 5

Color Filters Colored filters may help a student

with perceptually based reading problems overcome print or background distortion.

Cost $25 for See It Right Demo Kit

Reading Adapted Ruler Digital Recorder Magnifiers Reading Stand Page Tabs

Digital Recorder Assists a students when providing

oral responses to FCAT questions. Helps the proctor accurately

record each response. Cost $20.95

Magnifier A magnifier will enlarge images of

maps, drawing, patterns and letters used in the test booklet.

Cost $1.95

Reading Stand Reading Stands or Page Ups helps

the student position the test booklet for better viewing

Cost $6.95

Writing- Motor Aspects

Pencil grips Evo or lighted pen Magic Rub Writing guides Slant boards Raised line paper Portable word processor Voice recognition

Pencil Grip Pencil grips encourage proper

hand-pencil positioning during writing. It also provides greater comfort, legibility, speed, and reduces hand fatigue.

Cost $9.95 (set) or $.50 each

Writing Guides A writing guide will help the student

keep their writing on the lines and produce a legible response when responding in the FCAT answer book.

Cost $4.50(page guide) Cost $1.50 (signature)

Raised Line Paper Raised Line Paper provides a

student with visual or tactile guidelines.

Cost $16.50

Portable Word Processors An alternative keyboard will help a

student, who cannot respond orally or who cannot produce a handwritten response, type answers to FCAT assessment items.

Cost $199.00

Writing –Composing

Stickies Writing templates Webbing and outline software Hand held spell checkers Word processor with auditory feedback Word prediction software

Math

Grid paper Talking Calculators Abacus / Number lines Grip ruler Math practice software

Math Grids Math grids provide more space for

computations and help the student organize and align computational steps.

Cost $10.00

Talking Calculator A talking calculator reads back

entries and answers to aid a student who needs auditory help in calculation.

Cost $20.95

Adapted Grip Ruler An adapted ruler will help a

student with poor hand or finger dexterity grasp and manipulate a ruler for those FCAT assessment items where measurement is required.

Cost $1.00

Organizing/Studying

High lighters Color coding system Page Tabs Print or picture schedule Hand held scanners

Page Tab Tabs give the student an easier

way to grip the page and helps the student quickly locate important material.

Unique accommodation Cost $3.50

Computer Access

Extended or mini keyboard Track balls or joystick mouse Switch Interface Voice recognition Word predication or expansion On screen scanning

Communication

Picture symbols Voice output devices Eye gaze frame Device with speech synthesis

Daily Living

Non slip materials Adaptive devices for feeding and hygiene Environmental Control Unit (ECU)

ReflectionHow can you integrate lite tech

into your instruction?