Toolbelt TheoryA Case Study: J.P.

By Erik Deutsch

Toolbelt Theory

“Toolbelt Theory" is based around the idea that as humans we are tool users, and that we choose tools most effectively when that choice begins with the Task at hand, and

then considers the Environment in which that task must be performed, the Skill set of the individual (the tool chooser), and the Tools

which are available.

TEST: An Acronym to Consider

Task: Ask yourself what is the task that I am asking the student to accomplish?

Environment: Where am I hoping the task will take place? Location considerations?

Skills: Does the student have the skills to handle the activity?

Tools: What tools can the student use to limit limitations and facilitate independence?

Purpose of the Toolbelt

FacilitatesIndependence and

limits the limitations the student may face

Empowers student decision making, and gives students more of a voice in their education

Develop technology skills that last a lifetime and prepare students for life beyond school

The Toolbelt in Practice J.P. Is a lovely boy in grade 10 at Tamanawis

Secondary School in Surrey J.P. Loves computers, technology, hockey, and

especially the Vancouver Canucks J.P. Is a complex individual with complex needs and

abilities J.P. needs a toolbelt that fits his own unique needs

and interests, and contains assistive technologies to support him in life and school.

J.P. Is from a very low income family. He needs tools he can also use at home, preferably free (sorry Kurzweil 3000)

J.P. Ministry Designation: K- Mild Intellectual Disability E- Visual Impairment

Task J.P. Needs assistance in being able to use

the computer with severely compromised vision Researching Topics Writing Assignments Presenting Finished Work

J.P. Needs assistance understanding concepts and ideas Dictionary Thesaurus Sounding out Words

Environment

J.P. Requires a quiet and calm place to work and study J.P. Has a quiet space in the BASES classroom, and has

access to a “quiet room” Has the help and support of a full time EA Works in a very well lit room to help minimize the effect of

his poor vision

Skill Set

J.P. excels with auditory learning Enjoys listening and playing music Likes to write stories Enjoys working with computers and other

mobile technologies (iPhone/iPad) Is very good at math (grade 9 level) Responds best when interests are

incorporated into his learning (hockey/Canucks)

Tools For Vision Support

Virtual Magnifying Glass: http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/

Why Virtual Magnifying Glass? Ideal for J.P. Because he likes to use different devices for

different things. One benefit of virtual magnifying glass is that it works for Apple computers and PCs.

This accessibility product can magnify up to 32X, which is well within the range of support that J.P. Requires

It's a free product.

Tools For Vision Support

Natural Reader http://udl4all.pbworks.com/w/page/7372180/Natural%20Reader

Why Natural Reader? Natural Reader is a great voice to text reader that

can read text on any screen (email, website, other programs, operating system)

Works for both Windows and Mac It's a free product

Tools For Vision Support

Speakit! Why Speakit? Select text and right

click Speakit! For text to be voiced aloud

Adjustable speech rate for better comprehension

Only works in Google Chrome

It's Free!

Tools For Vision Support

Readability https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/readability/

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Why Readability?

Google Chrome App Eliminates ads and other distractions from a website Perfect for J.P., who is easily distracted by extraneous content Improves focus on only the important content of the website

Tools For Comprehension

Google Dictionary Google Chrome App Gives the definition of a word that is highlighted when

the app is in use Can be used in conjunction with Speakit!, which is

very useful for J.P. It's Free!

Tools For Comprehension

Scratch 1.4 https://scratch.mit.edu/scratch_1.4/

Why use Scratch 1.4? J.P. Loves to create stories. Scratch 2.0 gives him the

opportunity Scratch allows students to mix photos, music and animation

together to create storylines Very easy to use and interactive You can share your work online with others It's Free!

Tools For Comprehension

Zac Browser http://zacbrowser.com/

Why Zac Browser? Initially a tool designed for Autistic users, Zac Browser is a

learning tool for all. Zac Browser is a self contained web browser that is secure for

students to use. All content is appropriate. Zac Browser offers games and activities for both Apple and

PC It's Free!

Tools For Comprehension

Storynory and Loudlit.org Both Storynory and Loudlit offer free audio stories that

are available for download Loudlit includes text to accompany the audio for

added comprehension capability Available across platforms online It's Free!