Transcript An Overview of Assistive Technology

An Overview of
Assistive Technology
MNPS AT- Department
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Gerry Altieri- Exceptional Education Coordinator
Heather Blalock- Speech-Language Pathologist
Danielle Campbell- Speech-Language Pathologist
James Claxton- Occupational Therapist
Janelle Heathman- Occupational Therapist
Vikki Vaughan- Vision Specialist
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We are located at :
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Academy at Old Cockrill
610 49th Ave North room 107
298-2172 x9
What is Assistive
Technology?
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“Assistive technology is any tool or device that a
student with a disability uses to do a task that he or
she could not otherwise do without it or any tool
that a student uses to do a task more easily, faster,
or in a better way.”
“It can be a simple “low tech” device such as a
pencil grip or an expensive “high tech” device such
as a computer”
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( WATI- 2005)
Types of Assistive Technology
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Communication
Motor Aspects of
Writing
Computer Access
Vision
Hearing
Mobility
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Recreation/Leisure
Learning/Studying
Electronic Aids for
Daily Living
Reading
Math
Composing Written
Material
Computer Access
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“Computer access is a term a describing a group of
devices that allows an individual to operate the
computer who would otherwise not be able to do
so. Special devices provide access to computers for
individuals who can not use the standard
keyboard.”
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The Occupational Therapist is typically the most
knowledgeable service provider when it comes to
computer access.
Computer Access
continued…..
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Alternative mouse/touch screen
Alternative keyboard
Switch w/ scanning
On-screen keyboards
Voice recognition software
Writing
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“Writing involves the physical ability to produce
written language (motor aspects) and the cognitive
ability to put words together to create written
expression (composing).
The Occupational Therapist is often the most
knowledgeable service provider when the question
is about motor aspects of writing. The Special
Education Teacher or Speech-Language Pathologist
may be helpful with composing.
Writing continued…
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Pencil grips
Adapted paper
Slantboard
Portable word
processor
(Alphasmart, Dana,
Neo)
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Pocket dictionary /
thesaurus
Talking word
processor (Writeout- Loud)
Word processing
with writing support
(Co-Writer)
Communication
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“Augmentative and alternative
communication is a term used to
describe items that are used to help a
person communicate when their
spoken communication is not
effective.”
Communication
continued…..
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The Speech-Language Pathologist is
the most knowledgeable about
augmentative communication.
Examples of Augmentative
Communication:
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Communication board/book with
pictures/objects/letters/words.
Eye gaze board
Simple voice output device (Big Mack; Talkables;
Cheap Talk)
Voice output devices with levels (Laptop
Communicator; Communication Builder)
“High-tech”/Dynamic display voice output devices
(Dynavox; SpringBoard; Vantage;Tango!)
When is it appropriate?
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Substantial difference between the child’s
receptive language and ability to
expressively communicate
Significant delay in expressive language that
substantially interferes with overall
functional communication.
Speech is unintelligible.
Reading, Studying, and
Math…. Examples:
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Adapted books (page fluffers)
Changing text size/color
Use of pictures with text.
Books on tape
Picture schedules
Big key/talking calculators
Recreation and Leisure
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“Assistive technology for recreation
and leisure can be a variety of things
from adapted toys to computer
games.”
Switch toys; appropriate software
PT is helpful to adapt PE classes.
OT is helpful to adapt art classes and
lunch.
How do I request an AT
consult for a student?
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If you have already consulted with the
appropriate service providers within
your building, and still need
assistance, ….. it may be time for an
AT consult.
Think in the following terms…”In which
area or what task do I want the
student to make gains?”
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Complete an ICR form and attach current
IEP
If communication related- please complete
with SLP
If fine motor relate-please complete with OT
Complete AT consideration form
Send information to Linda Tribue-Barbee at
Academy at Old Cockrill Room 110.