Assistive Technology EDTC 6341Student Centered LearningElvia Villafranca

Assistive TechnologyIntroductionDefinitions of Assistive TechnologiesDisabilities CategorizedSpecific Terms Help States Define Disabilities 4 Major CategoriesDescriptions of Various Types of Assistive TechnologiesLegal RequirementsLaws and Historical BackgroundEligibility RequirementsRoles of School Districts and TeachersRoles/Responsibilities of MTTs and Assistive TechnologiesResources for MTTs Conclusion

Intro Definitions and Descriptions of Various Types of Assistive Technologies

IntroductionAccording to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics, and Statistics Administration about 8.5% of 301 million people living in the United States have at least one disability that may negatively effect and create a barrier in their ability to use a computer or to access the Internet. (Crow, 2008)

These statistics come as no surprise to the U.S. government which have been involved in promoting change needed towards resolving such dilemmas. In 1975 the United States government established the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act advocating for the entitlement of people with disabilities and their families whereby they could attain many of Americas educational opportunities.

Consequently as a result of IDEA, all students should in fact be provided access to a broad range of assistive technologies thereby allowing multiple pathways to learning. AT makes it possible for individuals which perhaps are faced with a broad range of disabilities to become more self-sufficient, and confident individuals.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology has been defined in variety of ways, such as being tools, strategies, simple or complex devices which may be commercially manufactured or independently produced but at the same time are devices aimed with a purpose of ultimately increasing, maintaining, or improving the functionality of individuals with disabilities, (Lewis, 1994).

AT can essentially be said to be any device which will make it possible for individuals with disabilities to be able to do more for themselves.

Disabilities Categorized ADHD/ADDApraxia of SpeechAutismBipolar DisorderBrain Injury and StrokeCerebral PalsyCommunication and SpeechCystic FibrosisDeaf / BlindDevelopmental DisabilitiesDyslexiaEpilepsyGeneral / Non-disability SpecificHealth Impairments Hearing Impairments/DeafLearning DisabilitiesLeukemiaMental Health ImpairmentsMental RetardationMobility ImpairedMultiple DisabilitiesMultiple SclerosisMuscular DystrophyNeurological DisordersOrthopedically ImpairedSpina BifidaTourette SyndromeVisual Impairment/Blind

14 Primary Terms Under IDEA Specific Terms Guide States in Defining Disabilities & Eligibility Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDDDeaf-BlindnessDeafnessDevelopmental Delay (DD)Emotional DisturbanceHearing ImpairmentDeafness Hearing LossIntellectual Disability (formerly Mental Retardation)Severe and/or Multiple DisabilitiesOrthopedic ImpairmentOther Health ImpairmentLearning Disabilities (LD)Speech and Language ImpairmentsTraumatic Brain InjuryBlindness/ Visual Impairment

4 Major Disability CategoriesVisual ImpairmentsAssistive Technology for VisionHearing ImpairmentsAT for HearingMotor ImpairmentsAT for CommunicationCognitive ImpairmentsAT for Learning and Studying

AT In Cognitive & Motor DisabilitiesAssistive Technology Productshttp://www.abledata.com/

AT In Sensory DisabilitiesAssistive Technology Productshttp://www.abledata.com/

AT In Mobility DisabilityAssistive Technology Productshttp://www.abledata.com/

AT ClassroomStudent unable to see or having difficulty seeing.Student with hearing difficulties or no hearing.Student with language expression difficulties, speech not comprehendible.Student having reading comprehension difficulties.

AT ClassroomStudent unable to use computer, unable to comply with academic tasks.Student with writing and/or writing composition.Student with reading comprehension problems.Student with difficulties keeping-up scheduled math lessons.

Legal RequirementsLaws and Historical Backgroundhttp://search.creativecommons.org/#

LawsEAHCA (Education for All Handicapped Children Act)IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)504 (Rehabilitation Act Section 504)TRADC (Technology Related Assistance with Disabilities Act)ATA (Assistive Technology Act)

http://search.creativecommons.org/#

EAHCAEAHCA (Education for All Handicapped Children Act)Passed in 1975Codified access to pubic education for students with disabilitiesAmendment in 2004, Renamed IDEA

IDEAIndividuals with Disabilities Education Improvement ActFederal Regulations (IDEA): 300.5, 300.6, 300.308, 300.346Originated as EAHCA in 1975Amendment in 2004Entitlement for people with disabilities and their families making education opportunities possible to all.FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act1990 Protects rights of persons with disabilitiesTitle II Applicable to Education Student and young children not eligible under Special Education have right to Assistive Technology.

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act)Qualified individuals with a physical or mental impairment limited by major life activities.Schools prohibited from discrimination of students in participation and enjoyment of activities or programs despite of their handicap or physical/mental impairments.All education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance will be held liable to abide by requirements imposed by this act.

TRADA Technology Related Assistance with Disabilities Act Passed 1988Fund Development for Individuals w/DisabilitiesConsumer InformationTraining Programs

ATAAssistive Technology ACTReplaced TRADA in 1998Alternate funding for AT grants, national professional developmentAT accessible to general education curriculum

AT Historically Sholes & Glidden typewriter 1873Hearing Aid Invented-1916

Help the hearing impaired.http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-history.htmlhttp://beckerexhibits.wustl.edu/did/timeline/

1935 American Foundation for the Blind

Publishes the first issue of Talking Books Bulletin, later changed to Talking Book Topics.

Phonograph invented by Edison Earlier version of the Talking Machine Used for recording or dictation later in the early 20th century. AT Historically (cont.)Phonographhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiobook

AT devices have been around for quite some time yet newer advanced devices continue to be invented.AT Historically (cont.)

Eligibility RequirementsRoles of School Districts & Teachers

Roles of School Districts & Teachers Eligibility Requirements

Public Schools

Accommodate Disabled LearnersIts the law!

Roles of School Districts & Teachers Eligibility RequirementsRehabilitation Act 1973 Section 504Individual Instruction PlanAccommodate StudentsWith IEP or Without IEP

Roles of School Districts & Teachers Eligibility RequirementsADA Disabilities = No Unfairness

Roles of School Districts and Teachers Eligibility Requirements IDEACurriculumDisabled StudentsInvolvedStudent Progress

Roles of School Districts and TeachersEligibility Requirements IDEA Free appropriate public educationState must provide in or out of school environmentLeast restrictive environments

Roles of School Districts and TeachersEligibility Requirements TRADA 1988 Amended 1994Technology-Related Assistance for individuals with Disabilities Act AT = NeedDisabled People

Roles of School Districts and TeachersEligibility Requirements AT Make It Available!!

AT in IEPAT made available wherever the student goes!

Roles of School Districts and TeachersEligibility Requirements Go, Go, Go, IEP TEAM!!TeacherSpecial Ed TeacherParentsOthers

Roles of School Districts and TeachersEligibility Requirements NO EXCUSES!

Responsibility rests with the State.Insuring compliance with laws!

Roles of School Districts & TeachersEligibility RequirementsSTATEState Law (Texas Education Code) 30.0015Comply with ACTSADAIDEA; etc.State School DistrictsComplyResponsibleTeachersComplyResponsible

Roles & Responsibilities of MTTs and Assistive TechnologiesResources for MTTs Conclusion

Roles of an Master Technology Teacher (MTT)

Texas Educator StandardsDOMAIN II TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED TEACHING AND LEARNINGCompetency 8

The Master Technology Teacher knows how to implement and assess technology-enhanced instruction to meet the diverse needs and abilities of all students.

Roles of an MTT (cont.)

MTT Role Dictated by State StandardsEnsure Implementation of IDEA Policies

STANDARD IV

Assist school districtServes as resourceLocates/Integrates Assistive Technologies

Roles of an MTT (cont)STANDARD IV2 ComponentsMTT KnowsMTT Can Do4.1k4.2k4.3k4.4k4.5k

Roles of an MTT (cont.)MTT Implements 5 Duties4.1s4.2s4.3s4.4s4.5s

Resources for MTTsTexas Assistive Technology Network (TATN)http://www.texasat.net/http://www.texasat.net/docs/Legal.Persp.Guides.pdfTexas Center for Disability Studieshttp://techaccess.edb.utexas.edu/resource.html

ConclusionResearch indicates that Assistive Technology is a key ingredient in our education system. The MTT educators also play an essential part in our education system thereby ensuring that Assistive Technology is located and made accessible to students with disabilities. Undoubtedly, the importance of Assistive Technology in education can ultimately open new learning pathways for students with disabilities by allowing them the same right to an appropriate education as those of their classmates.

Works Cited

ABLEDATA Information Centerhttp://www.abledata.com/

Assistive Technology in Texas Schools Series.http://www.texasat.net/docs/Admin.Persp.Suppl.Hndts.pdf

Brodwin, M. G., Star, T., & Cardoso, E. (2004). Computer assistive technology for people who have disabilities: Computer adaptions and modifica. Journal of Rehabilitation , 70 (3).

Center for Implementing Technology in Education http://www.cited.org/index.aspx

Crow, Kevin L. Four Types of Disabilities: Their impact on online Learning. TechTrends. Vol. 52, Number 1. January/February 2008.

Department of Education. Part II 34 CFR Parts 300 and 30. Assistance to states for the education of children with disabilities and preschool grants for children with disabilities; Final Rule. Aug. 2006http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/rules/pdf/idea06fr.pdf

Disability Info.govhttp://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=5347

Works Cited

Dyal, Allen; Carpenter, Laura Bowden; Wright, James V. "ASSISTIVE ECHNOLOGY: WHAT EVERY SCHOOL LEADER SHOULD KNOW." Education. 3 2009. 556. eLibrary. ProQuest LLC. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - BROWNSVILLE. 15 Nov 2009. .

Education, D. o. (2006, August 14). Assistance to states for the education of children with disabilities and preschool grants for children with disabilities. Federal Register 34 CFR Parts 200 and 201 , 46540-46844.

Great Schools, Involved Parents, Successful Kids.http://www.greatschools.net/LD.topic?content=1541

Hardman, Michael L; Dawson, Shirley. "The impact of federal public policy on curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities in the general Ccassroom." Preventing School Failure. 2 2008. 5. eLibrary. ProQuest LLC. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - BROWNSVILLE. 15 Nov 2009. .

Hoffman-Peak, Hillary. "A matrimonial practitioner's guide to special education law." American Journal of Family Law. 01 Jul 2009. 90. eLibrary. ProQuest LLC. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - BROWNSVILLE. 15 Nov 2009. .

IDEAthe Individuals with Disabilities Education Acthttp://www.nichcy.org/Laws/IDEA/Pages/Default.aspx

Lewis, R.B. (1993). Special Education Technology. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. Categories of Disabilities Under IDEA Law.http://www.nichcy.org/Disabilities/Categories/Pages/Default.aspx

Works Cited

Netherton, David L; Deal, Walter F. "Assistive technology in the classroom." Technology Teacher. 1 (2006): 10. eLibrary. ProQuest LLC. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - BROWNSVILLE. 15 Nov 2009. .

Office of Special Education Programshttp://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section. A Guide to Disability Rights Laws. Sept. 2005.http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor65310

Reed, Penry R. PhD. A Resource Guide For Teachers and Administrators About Assistive Technology. Sept. 2007.http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/ATResourceGuideDec08.pdf

SBEC (2007) Preparation Manual: 086 Master Technology Teacher. Retrieved November 6, 2009, from http://www.texes.ets.org/assets/pdf/testprep_manuals/mttprepmanual.pdf

Texas Education Agency. (2008). Special Education in Texas. Retrieved November 6, 2009 from http://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/astech/

U.S. Department of Education. (2005). Sec. 300.5 Assistive Technology Device. Retrieved November 6, 2009 from http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,regs,300,A,300%252E6U.S. Department of Education. (2006). Sec. 300.6 Assistive Technology Service. Retrieved November 6, 2009from http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cregs%2C300%2CA%2C300%252E5%2C

Pictures

Slide 9, 10, 11, 24, 31, 39 - Assistive Technology Productshttp://www.abledata.com/Slide 14, 15 - http://search.creativecommons.org/#Slide 22 - http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-history.htmlSlide 23 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AudiobookSlide 22 - http://beckerexhibits.wustl.edu/did/timeline/Slide 25 38, 40Silva, Elvia Sole owner of graphic images.

*The potential of assistive technology for children with disabilities has been recognized by the Federal government in the reauthorization of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which mandates that assistive technology be considered for each child with a disability. AT services and devices are included with an "assistive technology device" defined as"...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 the functional capabilities of children with disabilities."http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atk12/whatknow.html

AT helps students who have disabilities learn the material in a way that they can understand it

AT helps eliminate barriers students may face that prevent them from being at the same level as their classmates

*Many types of disability categories exist.*Under IDEA, 14 specific terms help guide states in defining disabilities and the eligibility requirements.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act advocating for the entitlement of people with disabilities and their families whereby they could attain many of Americas educational opportunities.*ABLEDATA's most significant resource is the ABLEDATA database of assistive technology, which contains objective information on more than 35,000 assistive products (over 22,000 of which are currently available). http://www.abledata.com/Crow, Kevin L. Four Types of Disabilities: Their Impact on Online Learning. TechTrends. Vol. 52, Number 1. January/February 2008.

Abledata is a government database created by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. This page has a fact sheet on Braille with an introduction to the Braille system and information on printers, copiers and software. Scroll down the page for a directory of Braille equipment distributors and manufacturers. *General technology in the classroom can benefit students with and without disabilities.Assistive Technology Products:http://www.abledata.com/Computers, calculators, projectors, smart boards, tape recorders, software, and handheld devices are examples of general technology increasingly used in classrooms.

ABLEDATA's most significant resource is the ABLEDATA database of assistive technology, which contains objective information on more than 35,000 assistive products (over 22,000 of which are currently available).

The Delta Talker. The Delta Talker resembles a computer keyboard, but instead of writing words and sentences, its audio feature produces the desired sounds. The Delta Talker has picture and word keys in addition to the letters that allow it to produce over 4,000 sounds, words, and phrases. The device is easy to use, and students can even use it to control electronics via remote.The Walker Talker. The Walker Talker looks like a label scanner and is geared more for users with limited or short-term communication needs. The device must be programmed, but its 16-key keyboard can produce hundreds of words, phrases, and sentences. This device is easier to handle than the Delta Talker, but has more limited functions.To determine the effectiveness of these deviceshttp://www.ed.wright.edu/~prenick/JournalArchives/Spring-2000/augcom.htm

ClickAid is a stand-alone on-screen mouse emulator designed for use by individual with fine motor or upper extremity disabilities. Designed for individuals who have difficulty switching between mouse buttons or double clicking on a physical computer mouse, this program works with all mouse systems, including head mouse and touch screen devices.

Board-Builder for Windows is a symbolic communicator program designed for use to create communication boards for individuals with cognitive, communication, or speech disabilities. To create a communication board, the user types in a word or selects a symbol from the library of Mayer-Johnson PCS Picture Communication Symbols, then organizes the words/symbols on the board using the copy & paste or click & drag commands.

Buetooth Right-Hand iFrog Keyboard is a wireless one-handed keyboard designed for use by individuals with the use of only one hand or who have limited reach or muscle control.

GhostReader is a voice output program designed for use by individuals with low vision or reading disabilities*Reed, Penry R. PhD. A Resource Guide For Teachers and Administrators About Assistive Technology. Sept. 2007.http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/ATResourceGuideDec08.pdf

ABLEDATA's most significant resource is the ABLEDATA database of assistive technology, which contains objective information on more than 35,000 assistive products (over 22,000 of which are currently available).

The accessaphone IP-TTY is a computer-based text telephone (TT) designed for use by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have communication disabilities.

These two components communicate wirelessly with each other using Bluetooth. The system provides three types of communication for deafblind users: face-to-face, TTY, and SMS Texting. DeafBlind Communicator, also called DB Communicator or DBC

Dialect 3HD is a portable direct selection or scanning communicator designed for use by individuals with communication or speech disabilities.

Freedom Machine 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26 are desktop video magnifiers designed for use by individuals with low vision**

General technology in the classroom can benefit students with and without disabilities.

Computers, calculators, projectors, smart boards, tape recorders, software, and handheld devices are examples of general technology increasingly used in classrooms.

ABLEDATA's most significant resource is the ABLEDATA database of assistive technology, which contains objective information on more than 35,000 assistive products (over 22,000 of which are currently available).

The Delta Talker. The Delta Talker resembles a computer keyboard, but instead of writing words and sentences, its audio feature produces the desired sounds. The Delta Talker has picture and word keys in addition to the letters that allow it to produce over 4,000 sounds, words, and phrases. The device is easy to use, and students can even use it to control electronics via remote.The Walker Talker. The Walker Talker looks like a label scanner and is geared more for users with limited or short-term communication needs. The device must be programmed, but its 16-key keyboard can produce hundreds of words, phrases, and sentences. This device is easier to handle than the Delta Talker, but has more limited functions.To determine the effectiveness of these deviceshttp://www.ed.wright.edu/~prenick/JournalArchives/Spring-2000/augcom.htm

*Reed, Penry R. PhD. A Resource Guide For Teachers and Administrators About Assistive Technology. Sept. 2007.http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/ATResourceGuideDec08.pdf

ABLEDATA's most significant resource is the ABLEDATA database of assistive technology, which contains objective information on more than 35,000 assistive products (over 22,000 of which are currently available).

*IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education ActThis act was passed to guarantee that all eligible individuals with a disability would have free, appropriate education that was designed to meet their individual needsHas been amended many times since 1975 and most recent amendment was in 2004*IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education ActThis act was passed to guarantee that all eligible individuals with a disability would have free, appropriate education that was designed to meet their individual needsHas been amended many times since 1975 and most recent amendment was in 2004**Identifies appropriate information resources and current research to support student-centered decisions about technology-based solutions and current research.*Knows how to collaborate with classroom teachers and other staff to link student needs and abilities with appropriate technologies.*Demonstrates familiarity with issues and resources relating to equity and access.*Demonstrates knowledge of a variety of technology-based tools, including assistive and instructional technologies, that promote learning for all students.*Demonstrates knowledge of assistive technology as defined by state and federal regulations.*Recognizes that technology may be assistive, instructional, or both, depending on a student's instructional and developmental needs.*Knows that decisions about assistive technology for students are required by law to be made by the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee or Section 504 Committee and identifies personnel who are responsible for assistive-technology decisions.*Knows how to facilitate the implementation of developmentally appropriate learning experiences that use technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs and abilities of all students. *Knows how to plan and design activities and products that are accessibleto students with diverse needs and abilities.

*4.1k that assistive technology is any tool that enables a child with an identified disability to do something that they would not otherwise be able to do;4.2k how to locate resources regarding available assistive technologies and accessible design concepts for electronic media development;4.3k that decisions about assistive technology for students are required by law to be made by the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Committee;4.4k various ways to adapt technology to address the needs of all students (e.g., accessible design concepts for electronic media, physical access); and4.5k assistive technology as defined by state and federal regulations.

*4.1s identify and suggest appropriate information resources to support student-centered decisions about technology-based solutions;4.2s recognize that technology may be assistive, instructional, or both, depending on a students Individual Educational Plan (IEP);4.3s identify personnel who are responsible for assistive technology decisions;4.4s collaborate with classroom teachers and other staff (e.g., special education, technology) to link individual needs with appropriate technologies; and4.5s consider disabilities, learning differences, and needs when evaluating technologies.****