Transcript Assessing for Assistive Technology Needs

Assessing for Assistive
Technology Needs
Leyna Bencomo 2014
WHAT DO WE KNOW?
Intake Specialist’s recommendations and notes.
Medical opinions.
IEP and outside experts’ opinions.
What the student tells us they need.
How to Accommodate the Student
WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO
DETERMINE?
WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW?
What are the student’s obstacles to learning?
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What goal is the student hoping to reach?
What is the learning environment?
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What re really need to know is: What are
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the individual’s specific obstacles
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to meeting this stated goal
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within this particular environment
1.THE STUDENT’S GOAL
Subjective Questions
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Classes this semester
Post graduation plans
Checking the LMS
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Are classes on degree plan
Major
Previous class history
2. THE CLASS ENVIRONMENT
Questions
Where are classes located
• Field trips required
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Visit the classroom
• Classroom technology
• Universal design
Speak to the Instructor
Read the Syllabus
3. Discovering The Obstacles
The Private Interview
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Establish a rapport
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Allow student to get
comfortable with computer
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Reduce anxiety
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Distraction free
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Safe zone for personal
revelations
3. Discovering The Obstacles
Questions to Ask
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Home Life / Social Life
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School History / Status
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Mode of Transportation
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Devices owned
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Work Situation
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Skills
◦ Reading, writing, typing, math,
computer literacy
◦ Study ability
◦ Note taking ability
3. Discovering The Obstacles
Objective – Observations
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Reading skills
Writing and Notes
Typing and using Computer
Physical Stamina, capacity
Vision and Hearing
Emotional status, changes
Cognitive ability, pace
Learning Styles
Summarize the Obstacles
Begin working on the Solution
FORMULATING THE RIGHT
SOLUTIONS
Solutions for Reading Obstacles
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Text to Speech tool
Utilize picture dictionary
Focusing tool
Automated vocabulary lists
Screen masking
Teach student to create mp3
files from articles
Audio books
eBooks
Solutions for Writing Obstacles
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Mapping tool with auto outline
Dictation software
Dictation sofware with Digital
Recorder input
Smart Pen
Word prediction
Picture dictionary
Thesaurus
Vocabulary listing
Solutions for Computer Illiteracy
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Computer familiarity and LMS training
Typing class
Word processing class
Braille /screen reader training
Magnification, Color adjustment tools
Focusing tool
Solutions for Learning Disabilities
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Digital Recorders
Smart Pen
Transcriptions for videos
Picture dictionary
Highlighting and summarizing
tool (R&W)
Visual mapping tool
Solutions for Physical and Stamina Obstacles
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Dictation software
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One-handed keyboard software
◦ www.onehandkeyboard.org
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Adjustable table and Ergotronic arm
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Oversized monitor
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Task lighting
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Ergonomic chair
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White noise, music
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Private room
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Alternate Mouse
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Screen reader and Braille for the
blind
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Magnification and color adjustment
for low vision students
CREATE A PLAN
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Document in the Case File
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Alert the Intake Specialist
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Send Plan and Recommendations
to Student
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Schedule Training Appointments
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Coordinate any alternate media
production
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Refer to academic tutoring
department, TRIO, specialized
student clubs, etc.
FOLLOW THROUGH
• Install and configure hardware and
software in classrooms and labs.
• Loan the student AT equipment
• Keep training appointments
• Monitor student progress
• Encourage communication
• Visit the classroom
• Document all contacts.
• Adjust plan as needed
Assessing for Assistive
Technology Needs
Leyna Bencomo 2014
Contact information: Look for me at the University of Colorado at
Colorado Springs starting December 1, 2014
[email protected]