The Essence of Assistive TechnologySEAT Center Coordinator-Jodi NibbelinKappa Delta EpsilonFebruary, 2014

Different and Alike• Some of us like to write• Some of us like math• Some of us like computer games• Some of us like sports• Some of us like watching movies

People with disabilities like these same things, but may have different ways of doing so or be unable to do so because of their disability.

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Abilities• Read• Write• Think• Run• Swim• Play the piano• Draw

• Type• Drive• Talk• Listen• Eat• Remember• Play

Disabilities

• Effects motor skills (walk, jump, pinch, touch, pick up, push)• Effect communication (talking, listening)• Effects processing (reading, math, writing, understanding)• Effects independence (self-care, driving, working) • Effects sensory input (vision, hearing, touch)

• From Birth (Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Various Syndrome’s)

• From an Accident (Stroke, Car Accident, ALS, Parkinson’s)

Why am I an ATP?• Background is a COTA/L• Worked with children with physical disabilities• Could assist with improvement or delay regression, but

couldn’t always bridge the gap between personal abilities and the skills to be accomplished

• We’ve gone to the MOON! Surely, there’s something out there to help!

Robbie

My Job• I am the Coordinator of the Special Education Assistive

Technology Center or seat Center in Fairchild Hall.• Assist teachers in knowing about latest assistive technologies

available for their classes.• Assist college students in understanding how to use assistive

technology devices.• I am the Assistive Technology Coordinator for HILIA, a regional

consultant for school teams.• Assist teams in determine what assistive technology might be

appropriate for a student.• Assist teams to integrate assistive technology use into the school

day for students with disabilities.

AT Device

“Any-item, piece of equipment, or product systemAcquired-commercially, modified, or customizedUsed to-increase, maintain, improveFunctional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (P.L. 108-364)

AT Service

“Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the -selection, acquisition, use ofAn assistive technology device.” (P.L. 108-264)

Assistive Technology

Creates opportunities to improve abilities for people with disabilities

Do you use AT?• Technology• Computer, phone, iPad, digital calendar, scanner, control +

• Adaptive Equipment• Umbrella with a button, grab bars, walker, wheelchair, ergonomic

keyboard tray, lumbar support• Instructional Supports• Digital books, Voice Recognition, Guided Notes, Right Mouse

Click, Calculator• Community• Curb Cuts, Automatic Doors, ATM

Let’s meet Sam

Assistive Technology in Action-Meet Sam

Technology vs Tools vs AT

We all use many types of technology, tools, and equipment.

While the definition of AT states “used by”, in practice; the defining idea changes from used by to “required or necessary.”

Types of AT (low to high)• Activities of Daily Living• Getting dressed• Eating• Cooking• Driving• Bathroom• Home access (TV, blender, lights)

• Communication• Picture boards• Voice Output Communication Device

(VOCA)• Dynamic Screen (ipad apps)

More• Computer Access• Keyboard• Mouse• Eye control• Windows features• Voice control

• Math• Calculators• Special paper• software

More

• Positioning and Mobility• Walker• Wheelchair• Specialized seating• Mounting Hardware

• Personal Management• Schedules• Timers• Organizers

Even More• Reading• Books (ebooks, talking books,

adapted books)• Highlighting options• Magnifiers

• Recreation• Card holders• Built up handles• Puzzles• Garden tools

And just a few more• Switches (allows access for

people unable to isolate a finger or touch something small)

• Plate, lever, voice, pinch• Battery or electrical

devices

• Writing• Paper, pencil grips,

slantboard• Portable word processor• Voice recognition• Concept mapping

What’s the SEAT Center?

• Classrooms where Special Education majors can learn about AT devices and how to implement AT services• A place where students can come see,

learn about and explore many types of AT devices• A library with hundreds of AT devices

worth thousands of dollars to facilitate hands-on learning

What AT allows?

Assists a Person with a Disability be seen as a PERSON!