Assistive Technology Snapshot

Connie Gray

EDTC 6340: Project 4

Purpose:

The topics covered in this presentation will be beneficial to faculty who wish to learn: Current laws and legislation involved with

assistive technology Meaning of assistive technology Types of technologies available

Assistive Technology (AT) Laws & Legislation

AT is defined by federal law (IDEA ’97, ADA, Tech ACT) as:

"any item, piece of equipment, or product...whether acquired commercially, something modified, or custom made...that is used to increase, maintain, and/or improve the functional capability of individuals with disabilities."

Assistive Technology Umbrella

Advantages: More Features & Functions Greater Capability

Low Tech High Tech

Specialized for each individual

Adaptable to all individuals

Advantages: Readily available Low Cost Easy to use

Categories

Hearing

Vision

Mobility&

Positioning BehavioralSupport

Manipulation

Learning

Aids

Communication

ComputerTechnologies

AssistiveTechnology

Access & Software

Low Tech High Tech

Special Keyboards Special MouseOptical Character

RecognitionSoftware

Computer Technologies

Augmentative & Alternative

Low Tech High Tech

Hand HeldCommunication

Device

Symbols &

Pictures

Communication

Content Areas

Low Tech High Tech

Speaking Homework Whiz handheld spell checker

speaks words & definitions

Quicktionary Reading Penhandheld reading pen

scans word &defines

Learning Aids

Daily Living

Low Tech High Tech

Pencil GripsPhotophone

Switches

Manipulation

Self ManagementOrganizational Skills

Self Monitoring

Low Tech High Tech

Picture Schedule Board Personal Digital Organizer

Behavioral Support

Content Areas

Low Tech High Tech

WheelchairsStanding Aids

Special Seating

ScootersPowered Wheelchairs

Mobility and Positioning

Visual Impairment

Low Tech High Tech

MagnifiersHighlighter Tape

ComprehensiveScreen Reading

Program

Vision

Hearing Impairement

Low Tech High Tech

Amplifiers TTY telephone

Hearing

Related Links

For further information check out: Accessibility Institute

http://www.utexas.edu/research/accessibility/resource/index.html

Able Data http://www.abledata.com/

The Alliance for Technology Access http://www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/faq/

Assistive Technologies http://www.assistivetechnologies.com/index.asp

Assistive Technologies in the Classroom http://www.landmarkcollege.org/institute/assistive_technology

/index.html

National Early Childhood TA Center http://www.nectac.org/topics/atech/overview.asp

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to the following websites for providing information used in the creation of this presentation.

Special Needs Opportunity Windows http://snow.utoronto.ca/technology/index.html?

showtechnology=1

Assistive Technology Resource Center http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Resources/ATRC/