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Assistive Technology:

Software Review for Students in

the Inclusive Setting

Presenter

Alma Rodriguez, A.T. Coordinator

Barbara Charles, SLP & A.T.

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Objectives

TPW become familiar with Assistive Technology laws.

TPW become aware of strategies and techniques to encourage the use of assistive technology in the inclusive setting.

TPW become aware of special software to assist in reading, written composition and spelling.

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IDEA’97

IDEA addresses AT in two ways:

I. In the inclusion of definitions of “assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. References are in both Part A, which covers the 3-21 age group and Part C, which covers the 0-3 age group.

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IDEA 97’

II. …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 functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

20 U.S.C. Chapter 34, Section 1401 (25)

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

“...... any service that directly

assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

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Assistive Technology Services

EvaluationPurchasing, leasing, or

otherwise providing for the acquisition of the devices

Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing or replacing of assistive technology devices.

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Assistive Technology Services

Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with assistive technology devices.

Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability, or if appropriate, that child’s family.

Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to , employ, or are otherwise involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities.

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IDEA’97 additionally ensures:

Each public agency shall ensure that assistive technology devices or services, or both are made available with a disability if required as part of the child’s:

(a) special education (b) related services (c) supplementary aids services20 U.S.C. Chapter 34 Section 1412(2), (5) (B)

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Technology Needs to Promote Inclusion

Every computer is a special needs machine

Every computer should talkEvery program should work for every childAbility to overcome individual keyboard

and mouse problems on every machinePrioritized software for literacy and mathStudents are successfulEarly childhood emphasized Internet access for all studentsGrants/FundingEvery curriculum area emphasized

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Elements to Consider to Promote the Use of Assistive

Technology Locate equipment where instruction and learning

are taking place. Technology needs to be in the classroom and

accessible to the child. Select light tech applications whenever possible. Integrate the use of technology into lessons in a

purposeful and meaningful way. Consider placing equipment in home. Offer training and technical support to classroom

teachers initially. Provide training to families. Don’t reinvent the wheel each year – when

possible use the technology already in place.

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First Step for Assistive Technology Infusion

Must begin at the lesson/unit planning phase of curriculum development.

Infusing

Assistive Technology

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Example: Infusing the Writing Process

Four basic components to the writing process:Prewriting or BrainstormingDrafting, or Organizing and Composing

EditingPublishing

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Tools for Prewriting

Digital CamerasPolaroid Instant Picture CamerasScannerInternetAlpha Smart 3000Software such as Student Writing

Center, Kid Works 2, Writing with Symbols, Inspiration, Draftbuilder

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Tools for Drafting and Editing

Special Software

Write: Out LoudDraftbuilderIntellitalk IICo:WriterKurzweil 3000

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Tools for Publishing

Multimedia software such as Kid Pix StudioPower Point Hyper Studio

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Technology to Support Reading

Books on tapeAllows student independent reading

Electronic Text SoftwareAllows independent readingUse the web to find texts to download

Technology Utility ToolsHand held dictionariesOn-line dictionariesCD–Rom Encyclopedias

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Books on Tape & CD-ROM

Ready-Made Stories:Start to Finish (Don Johnston)Living Books (Broderbund)Wiggle Works (Scholastic)www.news-4-you.com

Books on the web (www.ipl.org)Kurzweil 3000

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Creating Books with Software

Intellipics (Intellitools)Hyperstudio ( Roger Wagner)Kid – Pix Studio ( Broderbund)M Power ( Learning Company)Power Point ( Microsoft)

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Software Demonstration Reading

Kurzweil 3000 Start to Finish Books

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Software Demonstration Writing

Inspiration Co-WriterWrite OutloudKurzweil 3000

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Making It Work

Attitude is everythingBuild a rapport with othersBe visible and speak directly to

othersListen and shareRecognize passive participationPromote independenceAccept alternative productsExplore technologyUse technology effectively

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Making It Work Cont.

Outline roles and responsibilitiesConduct assessments frequentlyVisit the classroomEnlist the administrators to

participateSupervise Para educatorsRespect Para educatorsCreate and design universallyUse peers as a resourceGeneralize and broaden your efforts

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In Closing……..

Teaching students in the inclusive classroom requires teamwork, communication

and dedication.

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Thanks

Linda Chromaster, ATP & Peter Graves. SLP

Region One ESC