Transcript Assistive Technology in the Educational Setting

Assistive Technology in the
Educational Setting
Ed. 453 - Computers and Technology
in Special Education
An Interactive Lecture
What the Law States
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) states word for word the definitions
of Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and
AT Services as they apply to children.
It is mandatory for all students with special
education needs to be considered for
assistive technology.
Mandate to Provide
Device/Service
Schools are required to provide assistive
technology to a student if it is needed for
the student to receive a free, appropriate
public education (FAPE).
Special Factor
The 1997 reauthorization of IDEA added a
requirement for IEP teams to consider
assistive technology needs of each student
during the development of the student’s IEP.
What is 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
functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities” (20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section
1401(25).
What Does This Mean?
This means that many of the adaptations,
modifications and accommodations made
for a student, in order for him/her to
participate, may be considered as assistive
technology. AT can be as simple as a pencil
grip or as complex as a computer.
Examples
Assistive technology may
impact many areas of an
individual’s life. The
specific areas considered
for any individual will be
influenced by their
specific needs.
Positioning: Allows
student greater access
to education activities.
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Wheelchairs
Walkers
Standing aids
Bean bag chairs
Examples
Self Care:
The areas of eating,
dressing and toileting
are areas in which
devices may be
necessary for some
students.
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Adapted utensils
Specially designed
toilet seats
Electric feeders
Examples
Augmentative
Communication:
These are devices
which assist students
in communication.
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As simple as
communication
boards
as complex as
electronic
communication
devices and speech
synthesizers
Examples
Environmental
Controls: These are
items which enable
independent use of
equipment in the
classroom by the
students.
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Remote control
switches
adaptations of
on/off switches
Examples
Assistive Listening: These
are items which can assist
students with hearing.
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Visual Aids: Methods for
assisting with vision
needs.
Mobility: Assistance with
moving.
•
Hearing aids,
closed caption TV
and TDD
Magnifying
devices, computer
with voice, optical
character reader
(Kurzweil)
Powered
wheelchairs, canes
Examples
Physical Education,
Leisure, and Play:
Enhancing a student’s
social interactions.
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Drawing software
Computer games
Beeping balls
Game rules in
braille
Swimming pool
lifts
Examples
Computer Access: This
is the means by which
the student will access
a computer.
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Touch window
Head pointer
Speech recognition
Examples
Computer Based • Software can be selected
which parallels the regular
Instruction:
This is a means curriculum, but allows for
alternative ways of
by which the
student may be responding to exercises.
able to interact • Software can provide the
more
tools for written
independently
expression, spelling,
with the
calculation, reading, and
curriculum.
higher level thinking skills.
AT Services
IDEA defines Assistive Technology Service as
“any service that directly assists a student
with a disability in the selection,
acquisition, or use of an assistive
technology device.”