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An Introduction to Assistive
Technology
Universal Design for LearningUDL is a set of principles that give all students an equal
opportunity to learn.
Three Principles of UDL
Multiple Means of Representation –provide learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge
Multiple Means of Action and Expression – provide learners with multiple ways to demonstrate what he/she has learned
Multiple Means of Engagement – multiple ways to engage students’ interest and motivate them to learn
www.cast.org
Assistive Technology Education and Civil Rights
Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified and/or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (Chapter 33,Section 14-- IDEA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides for accessibility to public areas for all individuals.
The Outcomes of AT use by the Individual:
Increased levels of independence
Improve quality of life
Increase productivity
Enhance performance
Expand options
Reduce amount of support/services
needed
AT: Levels of technology
Levels of Technology Depends Power Source Sophistication of training involved
Three Levels:1. Low Tech2. Mid Tech3. High Tech
*RESNA: Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North
America.
Levels of Technology (cont.)Criteria for Tech Levels:Low Tech: No AC or DC power &
minimal training required for functional use-least restrictive for individual
Mid Tech: AC power needed along with
a modest level of training/practice required for functional use
High Tech: AC power needed or more
complex DC power required & extended training needed, usually from an expert, for end user and those supporting the individual.
AT Considerations Wheel
AT Resources
AT Definitions
Outer Wheel—Categories for
using AT
Window gives suggestions and
ideas from Low to High Tech.
Windows Accessibility Options
• Allows for magnification
• Change the size of text and font
• Change to a high contrast theme
• Narrator-reads aloud any text on screen
• Audio descriptions-hear descriptions of what is happening in videos
• Speech Recognition (you have to set this up)
• Can be found by clicking on menu (bottom left), control panel, ease
of access (this will vary depending on what version you are running)
Mac Accessibility Options • Display options-you can change
contrast, invert colors (black
background, white type), and change
size of cursor
• Zoom-add/change keyboard shortcuts
to zoom. Allows user to enlarge items at
will or set a constant for magnified text
and images.
• Voice Over-provides spoken description
of exactly what is happening on your
computer. Braille descriptions of items
on the computer screen is also
available (requires a Braille Panel).
Speakable items-allows you to control
your computer and applications using
spoken commands (Mavericks OS)
Writing GuideHeavy duty, full page plastic
guide that helps students keep
their writing within lines. Best
yet, it's reusable.
Raised Line PaperRaised line paper provides visual and
kinesthetic feedback to students who
have difficulty keeping their handwriting
inside the lines. The lines are in color
and the ink is raised enough so that the
student can feel the lines via both touch
and pencil.
Smart Start Story PaperThis paper is perfect for younger students
with low vision or attention difficulties. It
features bold colors and encouraging
statements such as “always do your best.”
Reading Tools
Reading Stands and Slant Boards
Using an adjustable book holder can free up hands for
page turning, highlighting or just easy reading.
These portable stands hold books, magazines, and
other material at a proper position.
Page Up
This holds up to 20 sheets of
paper in an upright position.
It can be used next to the
computer or on a student
desk to hold paper in an
upright position, allowing for
easier reading. Small
enough to be stored in
backpack or purse.
AIM Explorer
The AIM Explorer is a free simulation that combines grade-leveled digital text with access features common to most text readers and other supported reading software.
Magnification, custom text and background colors, text-to-speech (synthetic and human), text highlighting, and layout options are presented in a logical sequence to help struggling readers decide which of these supports might help them to access and understand text
The AIM Explorer is designed to be used by a reader working collaboratively with an educator, tutor, parent, or assistive technology specialist as a guide.
http://aim.cast.org/experience/decision-making_tools/aim_explorer#.UxSgDPmwJcQ
Colored Transparencies
Improves visual perception of text
Blurry letters
Complains of eyestrain
Letters that move
Words that seem to blend
Poor spacing between letters & words while copying
Highlighter Tape
Use different colors to mark information
in different categories
Draw attention to words so they can’t be
missed
Removable Arrow Tags
Draw attention without changing the information’s appearance
Marking Pages/Books/Notebooks
Great way to mark where a student's left off while reading
or using a textbook
Magnifiers
Pocket magnifier-this
comes in a plastic case and
if the size of a credit card.
This can be used to enlarge
a small area of printed text or
graphics. It can also be used
to help focus the student’s
attention on the line of text
that they are reading. Costs
about $1.60
Magnifying Bar-Bar has a
yellow line through the
middle to help with visual
tracking, Magnifies 1.5x
$4.00
Larger Magnifier
This larger version of the pocket magnifier
brings a full page into focus at 2X power.
Scratch resistant, light weight, distortion free
and durable. For best magnification results,
the magnifier needs to be a few inches above
the page
Math Tools
Highlight-Operational signs
Use different highlighters to specify which operation is being used
30
+ 45+
72
- 45-
38
+ 45
72
- 45
Plastic Writing Guide
Turn vertical to line up math problems
Adapted RulersHelps students with poor hand or finger dexterity grasp and manipulate a ruler. This can be used on the FCAT if written into the IEP.
Laminated Math Tables
Math Line(s)
Early Maththrough
Pre Algebraconcepts
Blue represents groups of 5Red represents groups of 10-Self contained…no loose pieces-Allows students to see, touch and move the pieces. Connects concrete objects with an abstract number.-Tutorials and demonstrations on www.howbrite.com
Organizational Tools
Using Color
Highlighter markers Colored dots Removable Arrows Page markers neon pens
Hefty TabsCould mark: table of contents
index
glossary
appendices with maps and tables
identify setting, plot,
character
Post It NotesOrganizes Assignment Priorities
Brainstorming Ideas
Desk reminders
Graphic
Organizer
AT: “Golden” Rule
“Never use a high tech solution for a low tech problem!”
Mid Tech Examples
LOGAN Proxtalker
Designed by parent of autistic child, this is very durable and user friendly. Great tool for students who have mastered the use of PECS. $2500
Livescribe Echo Smart Pen
Can transfer audio and notes to computer through USB connector. Can play back lectures with just a tap on the paper where notes were taken. Has a speaker and headphone jack so that student can listen anywhere they’d like. Available at Target, Best Buy, etc. start at $99.
iPad
Can be used for communication in place of more expensive high tech tools such as a Dynavox. Great for all learning modalities. Free apps widely available. This can be considered mid tech or high tech depending on the needs of the user.
Other mid and high tech examples
Mid tech devices
Fairness is not everyone getting the same thing.
FAIRNESS is the individual getting what they need!
andJessica Callaghan, M.Ed.Technology Specialist,
FDLRS/[email protected]
Created by:
Teresa PinderMLS/AT, OTR/L, ATP
ESE/Student Services Offices Bronson--Satellite Lab
