Assistive Technology Tools & software Assessment Cindy Nankee CESA #3 WATI Consultant...

Assistive Technology Tools & software

Assessment

Cindy NankeeCESA #3 WATI Consultantcnankee@cesa3.k12.wi.us

www.wati.org

Agenda

• Intro• Course outline• ASNAT• Online Lending

Library• NIMAS

• AT in the IEP• STAGES • ATLAS• EvaluWare• TASP

Course Intro

• 7 sessions• 1 or 2 credits from Viterbo• objecdtives• assignment

Session Objectives

• Participants will develop:• Knowledge of best practices in the

area of AT• Competence in the use of AT

assessment tools• Competence in the use of AT tools

and software

Session Objectives

• Participants will develop:• Ability to instruct students in the use

of AT• Ability to integrate AT into the

classroom• Ability to mentor and in-service

fellow peers

Final Assignment

• Paper summary of pre & post assessment, materials used, results of AT use, what you have learned.

• Class presentation 10-15 min.– Video pre and post session– Show any materials you may have developed– Demonstrate curriculum infusion/ class

inclusion

• Plan AT in-service at your school

Session I Assignment• Select target student – video release• Select AT focus (reading/writing/AAC)• Video tape 3-5 min. student activity

you anticipate being your focus• Assess using one of the tools covered

today• Select and check out materials from

loan library• Schedule instructor visit

Assessment

• Assessment: a group of activities conducted to determine a child’s Specific needs.

• Evaluation: a group of activities conducted to determine a child’s eligibility for special education.

ASNAT

• Assessing Students Needs for Assistive Technology– A Resource Manual for School District

Teams– WATI (Wisconsin Assistive Technology

Initiative)– www.wati.org

ASNAT

• Assessment Process• AT for

– Computer Access– Writing– Communication– Reading– Recreation, Leisure & ADL’s– Positioning Seating & Mobility– Vision & Hearing

ASNAT

• Writing AT into the IEP• Funding AT• Appendix

– References– Vendors– WATI product Catalog

• Assessment Forms

The LawIDEA 2004

Laws and PolicyThe Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) aligns IDEA closely to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), helping to ensure equity, accountability and excellence in education for children with disabilities.While regulations implementing the IDEA 2004 are being prepared, the regulations implementing the 1997 law remain in effect, to the extent that they are consistent with the IDEA 2004 statute. (http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/idea2004.html)

Assistive Technology

Each public agency shall ensure that assistive technology devices or assistive technology services or both, as those terms are defined …. Are made available to a child with a disability as required as a part of the child’s– Special Education– Related Service– Supplementary aids and services 602 (26) (A)(B) and (29) (A)(B)

AT Law affecting Schools

Assistive Technology DeviceAny 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 children with disabilities. 602 (1) (A)

*EXCEPTION- The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. 602 (1) (B)

Assistive Technology Service

Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Includes:

• Evaluation of needs including a functional evaluation, in the child’s customary environment;

• Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of the AT devices;

• Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting. Applying, maintaining, repairing or replacing of AT devices;

• Coordinating with other therapies, interventions, or services with AT devices

• Training or technical assistance for a child with disabilities, or where appropriate that child’s family; and

• Training and technical assistance for professionals, employers or others who provide services to employ, or are substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities. 602 (2) (A-F)

National Instructional Materials

Accessibility Standard• Provide instructional materials to persons

with print disabilities in a timely manner.– 2 years after enactment or July1, 2007

• State educational agency (SEA) is required to:– Contract with publishers to provide the

National Instructional Materials Access Center with electronic files of print materials

OR– Purchase materials from publishers in

specialized formats.613 (a)(6)(A) and (B) and 612 (a)(23)

AT Roles and Responsibilities

Range of situations:• No one responsible for AT• One person responsible for AT - little or

no reduction in responsibilities• One person – with some reduction in

responsibilities• Small team with some reduction in

responsibilities• Building level teams• Well trained AT teams in each building

with back-up from district AT team!

Consideration

• IDEA ’97 added the requirement that each IEP Team consider the need for assistive technology as part of the consideration of special factors.– The IEP Team shall …

• consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services.

“Consider” – American Heritage Dictionary

“To think carefully about, to form an opinion about, or to look at thoughtfully!”

Consideration vs. Assessment

• Consideration – short discussion

• Assessment – detailed look at abilities and difficulties, demands of environment and tasks

Consideration Guide

• Brief process• More than someone saying “does not

apply to my students”• 1 Person on an IEP team must have

some knowledge about assistive technology

• Most of the IEP should be completed after the consideration occurs

Consideration Conclusions

1. Current interventions are working and nothing new is needed

2. AT is already being used and is functioning. AT is written into IEP.

3. New AT should be tried. Describe type of assistive technology to be used on a trial basis-- including features.

4. IEP team does not know enough to make a decision. Need to gather more info.

WATI Consideration Guide

Tools for the Team

• AT Checklist• AT Consideration Wheel• How Do You Know It? How do You

Show It?• Closing the Gap Resource Directory

$15. www.closingthegap.com • DESK• www.abledata.com

AT Checklist

• Computer Access• Writing

– Motor Aspects of Writing

– Composing Written Material

• Communication• Reading• Studying• Math

• Recreation & Leisure

• Activities of Daily Living

• Mobility• Positioning and

Seating• Vision• Hearing

AT Consideration Wheel

• Federal definitions/ resources/AT continuum

• Developed by Technology and Media )Division (TAM) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) & Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI)

• http://www.cec.sped.org/bk/catalog2/best_sellers.html

www.abledata.com

Skip ahead to AT categories

come back to assessment

Computer Access• Keyboard using accessibility options• Word prediction, abbreviation expansion• Keyguard• Arm supports• Trackball/trackpad• Alternative keyboard• Mouth stick• Switch with morse code• Switch with scanning• Voice recognition software

Computer Access

Writing

• Motor Aspects of Writing

• Composing Written Material

Motor Aspects of Writing

• Regular pencil/pen with adaptive grip• Adapted paper• Slant board• Prewritten words and phrases• Templates• Portable word processors• Computer with word processing software• Voice recognition software to word

process

Adapted pen/pencil/paper

• Use Wikki Stix • Writing guides • Rubber stamps• Raised line paper

with glue                                 

Slantboard

• Can use 4 inch 3 ring binders

• easel

Preprinted words/phrases

• Magnetic poetry• Magnetic

alphabet letters on cookie sheet

• Software – Writing with

Symbols– PixWriter– Intellitalk III

Portable Word Processors

• Comparison chart• AlphaSmart 3000• DreamWriter• Laser PC6• Brother models• Dana• Neo

Voice Recognition Software

• Available on Mac and PC’s• Discrete vs. Continuous• Digital Portable recorders• ViaVoice by IBM for Mac• Dragon Naturally Speaking 8.0 - PC

Composing Written Language

• Word Cards/books• Pocket dictionary• Writing templates• Electronic talking

dictionary/spell checker

• Word processor with spell checking, grammar checking

• Talking Word Processors

• Abbreviation Expansion

• Word Proc with word prediction

• Multimedia software

• Voice recognition software

Word Cards/Word Books/Word Wall

• Commonly used within elementary schools

• Personal word books

• WordMaker – Don Johnston software

Writing Templates

• Setup with subjects --- verbs --- objects and modifiers

• May include “Story Starters” • Writing with Symbols• PixWriter• Clicker 5

Electronic talking dictionary

• Franklin Products• www.franklin.com• Speaking and

nonspeaking models• Tool for ESL students

Talking Word Processing

• Write OutLoud• Intellitalk III• Provide auditory

feedback to the student as they write letters, words, paragraphs.

• $100

Word Processing with word prediction

• Co:Writer® 4000 • Text Help! Read

and Write

Abbreviation/Expansion

• TypeIt4Me – Macintosh shareware• Shorthand 4.0 – PC• Feature often offered within regular

word processing program

Word Processing with Writing Support

• Co:Writer 4000 - The Total Vocabulary System - TVS - lets teachers provide concise vocabulary that lets students write on any topic. It consists of TVS Main Dictionaries, Personal Dictionaries, Topic Dictionaries and the Topic Dictionary Toolkit.

• Draft:Builder Framework for organizing thoughts and information to develop first drafts. Includes outliner, notetaker and draft tool.

Draft:Builder

• Includes outliner, notetaker and draft tool

• Bibliographer tool• $149

Activities of Daily Living (ADLS)

• Non slip materials to hold things in place

• Universal cuff/strap to hold items in hand

• Color coded items for easier locating and identifying

• Adaptive eating utensils (foam handles, deep sides)

• Adaptive drinking devices (cup with cut-out rim)

• Adaptive dressing equipment (button hook, elastic shoe laces, Velcro instead of buttons, etc.)

• Adaptive devices for hygiene (toothbrush, raised toilet seat, etc.)

• Adaptive bathing devices

• Adaptive equipment for cooking

Communication

• Communication board/book• Eye gaze display• Simple voice output• Voice output with levels• Voice output with icon sequencing• Voice output with dynamic display• Device with speech synthesis for

typing

Communication

Reading

• Standard text• Predictable books• Changes in text

size, spacing, color, background color

• Books adapted for page turning

• Use of pictures/symbols with text

• Talking electronic devices/software

• Single word scanners

• Scanner with OCR and talking word processor

• Electronic books

Low tech - Reading

• Highlight important words– Key vocabulary– Words beginning

with – Key facts

• Highlight Tape• Reading strips• Transparent Post It

notes

Text, Spacing, Color

• Color Overlays• Background Color for word

processing• Increase space between words, lines

of text

Supplement Text with Pictures• Picture IT by Slater Software • Boardmaker

Speaking Spell Checkers

• Franklin Products• Dictionary• Thesaurus• Spell checker

Electronic Books

• Start-to Finish Books by Don Johnston– Gold – Grade 2-3 readability– Blue – Grade 4-5 readability

• Each Book includes the Book, Book on CD, and cassette tape of book

• Teacher materials included

Create your own e-books

• Kid Pix 2• Hyperstudio• Buildability• Intellipics Studio• My Own Bookshelf• Clicker 5• Power Point• www.starfall.com

Use Computer to Speak Text

• Talking Word Processing– WriteOutLoud– Intellitalk III– Read & Write Gold– Read Please– WYNN

Learning & Studying

• Print/picture schedule

• Low tech aids to find materials

• Highlighted text• Recorded material• Voice output

reminders• Electronic

organizers

• Pagers/electronic reminders

• Single Word Scanners• Hand-held scanners• Hand-held computers• Software for

manipulation of objects

• Software for organization of ideas

Low Tech Aids

• Hefty tabs• Highlight tape• Erasable

highlighter

QuickLink

• Lightweight: 3 ounces • Captures up to 1000

pages• Recognizes 6-22 point

size text, bold, italic, underlined.

• Uses either infrared (IrDA) or the Serial Port (9 pin) to transfer data easily. (USB Optional)

Math• Abacus/Math Line• Enlarged math

worksheets• Low tech answering

keys• Math Smart Chart• Money calculator• Tactile/voice output• Talking

watch/calculator• On-screen calculator• Alternative keyboard

Recreation and Leisure• Toys adapted with

Velcro, magnets, handles, etc.

• Toys adapted with single switch operation

• Adapted sporting equipment (lighted or beeping ball)

• Universal cuff/strap to hold crayons, markers, etc.

• Modified utensils (rubber stamps, brushes, etc.)

• Ergo Rest or other arm support for drawing/painting

• Electronic aids to control/operate TV, VCR, DVD, CD player, etc.

• Software• Completion of art

activities• Games on computer• Other computer

software

Activities of Daily Living (ADLS)

• Non slip materials to hold things in place

• Universal cuff/strap to hold items in hand

• Color coded items for easier locating and identifying

• Adaptive eating utensils (foam handles, deep sides)

• Adaptive drinking devices (cup with cut-out rim)

• Adaptive dressing equipment (button hook, elastic shoe laces, Velcro instead of buttons, etc.)

• Adaptive devices for hygiene (toothbrush, raised toilet seat, etc.)

• Adaptive bathing devices

• Adaptive equipment for cooking

Activities of Daily Living, Recreation and Leisure

ADL Resources

• Abledata, a database of over 19,000 devices www.abledata.com

• Atstar offers AT Strategies, tools, accommodations and resources www.atstar.org/at_daily_living.htm

• Sammons Preston Rolyan is a catalog for rehab specialists www.sammonspreston.com

• Tech Connections website that connects people with AT www.techconnections.org/resources/pubsLev3cfm?category=3&subcat=1405

Positioning and Seating

• Non-slip surface on chair to prevent slipping (Dycem)

• Bolster, rolled towel, blocks for feet• Adapted/alternate chair, sidelyer,

stander• Custom fitted wheelchair or insert

Mobility

• Walker• Grab bars and rails• Manual wheelchair including sports chair• Powered mobility (Cooper Car, GoBot)• Powered scooter or cart• Powered wheelchair w/ joystick or other

control• Adapted vehicle for driving

Positioning, Seating & Mobility

Vision• Eye glasses• Optical aids• Large print materials• Auditory materials• Dictation software

(voice output)• CCTV (closed circuit

television)• Screen magnifier

(mounted over screen)• Screen magnification

software

• Screen color contrast• Screen reader, text

reader• Braille notetaker• Braille translation

software• Braille embosser• Enlarged or

Braille/tactile labels for keyboard

• Alternate keyboard

Hearing

• Pen and paper• Computer/portable

word processor• TDD for phone access

with or without relay• Signaling device

(flashing light or vibrating pager)

• Closed captioning• Real Time captioning

• Computer aided note taking

• Screen flash for alert signals on computer

• Phone amplifier• Personal amplification

system/hearing aid• FM or loop system• Infrared system

Vision and Hearing

Online Lending Library

• www.wati.orgrelease form

• www.cesa3.k12.wi.ushandout

WATI Assessment Process

• Not a standardized tool• PROCESS• Involves team of professionals• Designed as a tool to provide a

process for teachers/therapists to assess a students need for assistive technology

Who completes the assessment?

5 components of team:

1. Student/parents2. Curriculum3. Language4. Motor5. Administrator

WATI Forms

• WATI AT Assessment Directions/Procedure Guide

• WATI Student Information Guide• WATI Environmental Observation Guide• WATI Assistive Technology Decision

Making Guide• WATI Assistive Technology Checklist • WATI Trial Use Guide and Summary

www.wati.org

WATI Assessment Procedure

• Information Gathering– Student Information Guide– Environmental Guide

• Decision Making– AT Decision Making Guide

• Trial Use– Extended Assessment Plan

WATI Assessment Directions/Procedure

Guide 1. Gather information

1. Formal testing2. Student Information

Guide3. Observations –

Environmental Observation Guide

2. Schedule Meeting3. Decision Making

1. Complete Problem Identification Portion of AT Decision Making Guide

4. Prioritize List of Tasks for Solution Generation

5. Solution Generation1. AT Checklist2. ASNAT Manual3. Closing the Gap

Resource Guide6. Solution Selection7. Implementation plan8. Implement Planned

Trial9. Follow-up on Planned

Date

Information Gathering

• Student Information Guide • Not a”test”• Review what is all ready known

– What AT is currently being used/past use?

• Identify what we do not know – Administer test– Interview – Observe child

Complete the Referral/Question

Identification Guide

Student Information Guide

For this course please choose one of the following categories:

• Writing• Reading • CommunicationAlso complete section 13 “General” for

all students

Information Gathering

• Environmental Observation Guide• Attempt to observe the child in several

different environments• Consider all customary environments

– Lunchroom– Playground– Classrooms– Assemblies– Home

• Environmental Observation Guide• What are the tasks being conducted?• Is the student an active participant?• What adaptations or modifications are

being used?• What AT does the student currently

use?

Information Gathering

Environmental Considerations

• Who are the primary people interacting with student? Where are they positioned?

• How is instruction currently being delivered?• What modifications are typically made?• Where is the student positioned in the room

and why?• What are the typical auditory and visual

stimulation levels in the room?• Other sensory considerations (touch,

movement, proprioception, smell, tastes, textures, small spaces vs. large spaces, etc.)

AT Decision Making Guide

• Problem Identification• Solution Generation• Solution Selection• Implementation• Follow up

WATI Assessment Materials Incorporate SETT Framework (Zabala, 1994)

– Problem Identification

• Student –Describe abilities and difficulties

• Environment – where student learns, works, lives, and plays

• Tasks – curricular tasks• Tools - to help child succeed

Throughout the Process

• Present information in written format where everyone can see it– White board, flip chart, overhead

projector

• Create a shared group memory• Share roles and responsibilities

– Facilitator– Recorder– Timekeeper

Solution Generation

• Discuss brainstorming “rules” to create a climate of trust

• All suggestions are written on chart paper– AT Checklist– AT wheel

Solution Selection

• Encourage combining, sequencing, and prioritizing

• Obtain consensus from all participants

• Avoid:– Majority rule– Minority rule– Authority rule

Complete Assistive Technology Decision

Making Guide Process

• Student: 5 –10 minutes• Environment: 5-10 minutes• Tasks: 5-10 minutes• Solution Generation : 5 minutes• Solution Selection : 20 minutes• Follow-Up Plan: 2 minutes

Class Act

• Yellow Handout• Flip chart• Facilitator • Recorder• Time keeper

Trial Use Guide – page 60 - 62

• Acquisition• Training• Management/ Support• Student Use

• Trial Use Summary

Writing AT into the IEP

• Many “right” ways to include AT in the IEP -Brent Odell DPI

• Most important points: -clearly communicate what services the district will provide and,-the intended outcomes for the student

Writing AT into the IEP

• ASNAT www.wati.org• Writing Measurable IEP Goals & Objectives by

Barbara D. Bateman & Cynthia M. Herr– $25.00

• Using AT to meet Literacy Standards by Sherry L. Purcell, Ph.D. and Debbie Grant, M.A – For grades K-3– For grades 4-6– $49.00

• Attainment Company www.AttainmentCompany.com 1-608-845-7880

Consideration of Special Factors

• IDEA ’97 added the requirement that each IEP Team consider the need for assistive technology as part of the consideration of special factors.– The IEP Team shall …

• consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services.

Consideration vs. Assessment

• Consideration – short discussion

• Assessment – detailed look at abilities and difficulties, demands of environment and tasks

Individual Education Program

(I-10)Special Factors Worksheets

• One of the places assistive technology needs to be addressed is on the SPECIAL FACTORS WORKSHEET

(1-10).

WATI Consideration Guide

• Brief process• More than someone saying “does not

apply to my students”• 1 Person on an IEP team must have

some knowledge about assistive technology

• Teams find it more logical to complete goals and objectives then come back to consideration

Consideration Conclusions

1. Current interventions are working and nothing new is needed

2. AT is already being used and is functioning. AT is written into IEP.

3. New AT should be tried. Describe type of assistive technology to be used on a trial basis-- including features.

4. IEP team does not know enough to make a decision. Need to gather more info.

AT Checklist

• Computer Access• Writing

– Motor Aspects of Writing

– Composing Written Material

• Communication• Reading• Studying• Math

• Recreation & Leisure

• Activities of Daily Living

• Mobility• Positioning and

Seating• Vision• Hearing

AT Consideration Wheel

• Federal definitions/ resources/AT continuum

• Developed by Technology and Media )Division (TAM) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) & Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI)

• http://www.cec.sped.org/bk/catalog2/best_sellers.html

I-11,I-12, Present Level of Educational

Performance

Annual goal or in short term objectives

Write this in terms of functional use of AT.

PLEP:

• Eric participates in regular education programs for his academic subjects. His hand strength is limited and he fatigues quickly when doing handwriting task. Civics and English homework are a particular problem because of lengthy assignments and reports that need to be completed.

Annual Goal:

• Given a computer or portable word processor Eric will complete assignments in 10th grade English and Civics classes.

Objectives• STO 1: Eric will review and practice keyboarding skills

to input information into a computer or portable word processor at a functional rate of at least 15 words per minute when tested on a standard keyboarding assignment.

• STO 2: Eric will use a portable word processor at home or school to complete 100% of English and Civics homework assignments each day as reported by respective teachers.

• STO 3: Eric will learn to transfer documents from portable word processor to computer, use spell checker, use other computer features to reformat appropriately (e.g. cut, past, bold, tab, etc.) and operated printer 100% of time as reported by respective teachers

I-13 Transition Planning

• This page is currently in transition. There has been a second page added to the

I-13 that specifically asks for measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to the following areas: Training, Education, Employment, & Independent Living Skills.

Consider whether AT is needed to attain these postsecondary goals in the areas of Communication, Writing, Reading, Independent Living Skills should be considered

I-13 Transition

• It specifically asks for transition services as well as course(s) of study needed to assist the student in reaching the above goals.

• It would be appropriate to write assistive technology into services required to attain goals in any or all of the categories.

• However, if it is already written elsewhere in the IEP it may be crossed referenced.

Related Services (I-14)

• If the IEP team feels that AT is best included for this child under Related Services, it will be written on I-14. AT is best listed here when it is not an integral part of the student's educational program, but is necessary in order to access or benefit from the educational program, e.g. a walker or wheelchair. Remember frequency and amount of AT services must be identified.

Supplementary Aid or Service

• If the AT is more appropriately viewed as a Supplementary Aid or Service, it will appear in question III on I-14 (page 2). It makes most sense to list it here when the AT tools and services enhance the placement of a student in the LRE. It helps to remember that it should be listed here when it requires little instruction for the child to use and/or allows the student to be more independent, e.g. talking spell checker, portable word processor for a student who already knows how to use it.

Supports for School Personnel

Question IV on I-14• (Page 2), is another place that may

need to be completed if school personnel need specific training or technical assistance in use or operation of the assistive technology device or software.

• Any needed staff training should be listed here.

Participation in Statewide Assessments

(I-9-A)• Assistive technology may be listed as an

accommodation under PARTICIPATION IN STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS or PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICTWIDE ASSESSMENTS or both.

• A child should not use assistive technology as an accommodation in testing unless they are familiar with it and using it in other aspects of their Individualized Education Program.

What if you are doing trials?

Where does it go in the IEP?• It depends, on what the team

decided

• If they decided, Oh, we don't know for sure,  lets try some AT to seeif he needs it—then that is an assessment and the "trials" would belisted under related services most likely as an evaluation.

• If the team decided, "yes", he definitely needs AT, but we are not surewhat exact brand or model, then it might be listed anywhere any otherservice is listed, as part of a goal, as a supplementary aid andservice, as a related services.  It doesn't matter, the point is tomake it the most understandable place you can.

• It’s the decision that needs to be communicated and where it is writtenisn't very important.  It is equally as strong any place.

Funding AT

• Schools (IDEA) (borrow/rent/seek 3rd party payment)

• Vocational (Rehab Act of 1993)• Medical Assistance (Medicaid)• Private Insurance• Service Clubs• Grants• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

• Resources pg. 258

Nothing is Impossible!

Team Work!

LoTTIE Kit

Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education

byOnion Mountain Technology Inc.

LOTTIE Kit

• Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education• Basic• Literacy• Math• Special Papers• Colors• Little Kids• Personalize My LoTTIE Kit

LoTTIE Kit

• Designed as an informal tool for assessment or for student trials

• Includes a handbook with a variety of curriculum and evaluation ideas

• Each kit includes 20 to 30 or more items

LoTTIE Kits

• Onion Mountain Technology Inc.• www.onionmountaintech.com• 1-8600693-2683• Judi Sweeney• Prices vary from $400.-$425 plus

S&H

Assistive Technology Tools & Strategies Assessment

Kit for Children with Autism

• Set of materials to assess the impact of assistive technology for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder– Communication boards/talking picture

frame/visual timer/picture cards/visual schedule maker/folding easel etc.

• Guide– Assessment tool focuses on sensory,

communication, academic, behavior, social and transition

– WATI assessment forms

ATLAS

Assistive Technology & Language Assessment Software

By Laureate

ATLAS

• Low and High tech assessment to determine appropriate software from Laureate collections

• Laureate has 50 programs, ATLAS includes 12 of these programs

• www.laureatelearning.com theory and practice correlated to state standards

• PDF standards (not Wisconsin’s)

• ESL use this to assess where their at with English

3 Easy Steps to ATLAS Assessment

• Low tech: Fill out Assessment Questionnaire

• High Tech: Go to corresponding Stage in notebook, Use Assessment Programs listed to begin evaluation – Runs off the CD, no installation

• Low Tech: Fill out Assessment Summary form with observations and recommended Core Training Programs

Linguistic Hierarchy (7 Stages)

• Interpreted communication• Intentional Communication• Single Words• Word Combinations• Early syntax• Syntax Mastery• Complete Generative Grammar

Each Category includes

• Language Characteristics• Training goals• Primary Assessment Program• Core Training Programs• Software Descriptions

ATLAS Demo/Hands On

• Insert CD• New Educator/new Student• Program Settings

– Activity/intro/background/direct select or scanning/mouse or touch window/response time/cursor/verbal prompts/duration time

– Back to menu

• Go• Demo version will allow a limited number • Demo will compile/file/print reports• www.laureatelearning.com theory and practice

ATLAS Purchase info

• www.laureatelearning.com• 1-507-248-3294• www.laureatefamily.com 50%

savings• Hybrid (Win/Mac)• $495 ATLAS software + full day

training

STAGES

Alternate assessment framework to help identify learning needs, assess skills, report progress over time and select appropriate educational software for

learners with special needs

By Assistive Technology, Inc

STAGES

• Stages Book• Stages Assessment Software • Data Collection• Report Wizard• Software Feature Comparison Charts• Curriculum software

STAGES

• Stage One: Cause and Effect• Stage Two: Language Readiness• Stage Three: Emerging language• Stage Four: Early Concepts• Stage Five: Advanced Concepts• Stage Six: Functional Learning• Stage Seven: Written Expression

Assistive Technology, Inc. Software Demo

– Assessment software/STAGES demo – State Standards– Software Search

http://64.65.232.102:591/chartsonline.htm

– File/Explore A Stage– Activity Samples

• About this Stage• About Learner• Assessment Activities

STAGES Assessment Activity

• Choose Activity• Change Settings

– Input (mouse/touchscreen)– Animation speed– Prompt type/frequency

• View Report– Report summary– Print– Save– Done

STAGES Purchase Info

• Assistive Technology, Inc.• www.assistivetech.com• 1-800-793-9227• Madalaine Pugliese• Hybrid (Win/Mac)• $795.

EvaluWare

• EvaluWare is a software program that helps identify the best computer access methods and ideal AAC setups for users with special needs.

• EvaluWare combines several types of assessments into one package to identify the best settings and preferences for the user based on motor/access, looking, listening and other related skills.

EvaluWare

• EvaluWare Features & Benefits

– Motor/Access Skills are assessed through identifying the learner's:

– appropriate input method - touchscreen, mouse, switch, keyboard or alternative pointer

– ideal settings for that access method

EvaluWare

• EvaluWare Features & Benefits

– Looking Skills are assessed through identifying the learner's:

– ideal visual target - select size of square target, thickness of border and text size

– optimum number of targets - select up to 24 targets displayed per screen

– type of image used as target - select photographs, color symbols, drawings or text

EvaluWare

• EvaluWare Features & Benefits

– Listening Skills are assessed through identifying the learner's:

– preferred type of feedback - up to 6 sounds available when a target is selected

– preferred voice - choose from 3 male, 3 female, boy, girl or 3 fun voices

EvaluWare

• EvaluWare Features & Benefits

– Other Related Skills are assessed through identifying the learner's:

– ability to use an on-screen keyboard – readiness to use word prediction software

EvaluWare

• EvaluWare Features & Benefits

– Build A Screen• Build a custom screen based preferences

you select

– Recording Results• Onscreen report form• Print report form• Does not gather data

Assistive Technology, Inc. Software Demo

EvaluWare Purchase Info

• Assistive Technology, Inc.• www.assistivetech.com• 1-800-793-9227• Hybrid (Win/Mac)• $125.

Assignment

• Select target student• Assess using one of the tools covered

today• Select and check out materials from

loan library• Collect data using the Trial Use Guide

Thank You

Contact me with any questionsCindy Nankee

cnankee@cesa3.k12.wi.us1-608-822-3276