Making + Tinkering with Assistive Technology
Supports..
Helping Young Children to “Do”
Let’s Participate!
DOE/OSEPAssistive Technology Use by Young Children
Model Demonstration Project2012-2018
Quick Check-in...• How would you describe your use of AT with young children?
• rarely; • sometimes; • often
• What is your level of AT skills + knowledge?• AT specialist• Adequate for the children I interact with• Need more information
• In your opinion, which children benefit most from AT supports?• Children with common developmental delays and disabilities• Children with significant delays and disabilities• Children with temporary delays
• What kind of AT do you typically look for? • Items with ‘built in’ AT supports• Simple AT+ adaptations• Complex, specialized AT• All of the above
Does AT “work”?
Despite potential AT benefits, AT is not being used…..
Model Demonstration ProjectsEducation, Technology + Media Projects
• Children develop and learn by participating in everyday home, school and community routines
• AT supports help children to more actively participate in daily routines
• AT supports are uniquely tailored to each child/family’s needs, values and routines; create a Child-specific AT Plan
• Family/teacher input is critical in selecting AT and evaluating success; ‘primary’ users
Model Basics: Why AT for Young Children?
IDEA, 2004 Definitions
• AT Device: “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 a child with a disability.�
• AT Service: “one that assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device.”
AT Resource
AT Purpose
AT for Young Children…
• looks very different than technology for youth + adults
• supports ongoing development + learning
• used primarily in child’s natural environments to support participation in daily activities
• family/teachers INTENTIONALLY select, adapt and evaluate supports
• Supports change frequently due to ongoing child development
• selected with knowledgeable service providers; can be home-made or highly specialized
PRESCHOOLERS
AT is used to support the education and learning of young children with disabilities. The IEP team must consider whether the child requires AT to meet IEP goals.
INFANTS + TODDLERS
AT is used to promote developmental (not educational or medical) needs of infants and toddlers served by the program.
OSEP Defines Purpose of AT
AT is any thing that helps a
child with a disabilityDO somethingthat s/he can’t do
without it!
Our AT Definition...
• 20-25% + of kids• High incidence disabilities
• 4-7% of population • Low-incidence disabilities
LP Model Trends…. More Kids Use AT
• AT supports participation in everyday routine activities
• Research- AT works! (Dunst Trivette, Hamby, Simkus, 2013)
• Preference for skill-building interventions
• AT addresses child’s disability
Changing Trends…. More Uses
• Context of daily activity• “AT is Everyone’s Responsibility”
• AT Specialist• Need for “more device
training”
LP Model Trends…. More Users
• User preference for off-the-shelf, modified AT
• Full range of simple to complex
• Specialized AT designed for disability
LP Model Trends…. Consider More AT
UniversallyDesigned products
+ technologies
Modifications + items with
special features
Specialty items for disability
Sources of AT…
focus on off-the-shelf AT and modifications
learn how tinkering with ordinary items can help young children participate
explore the DIY and Makers Movements
discover YOUR potential for providing AT to young children.
Today, we will...
Start with off-the-shelf(universal) items
• Items with flexible, adaptable features
• Use items in new, multiple ways
IS IT AT?
Impact of Universal Design – Design for ALL
• Increased options of affordable, easy to use, enhanced features, designed for more users
• Example: To focus + attend a child requires seamless, tight clothing due to sensory issues.
• Where can you find it?
• Which would you buy?
TARGET$5-18
May, 2018
SPIO (online)$129-220
Consider Crowdfunding Options: The Vidget
Crowd Funding Examples
Tapping into your personal network of family and friends to fund needed assistive technology
Maker Movement: Technology based extension of the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Culture
The Maker Movement: This convergence of independent inventors, designers, tinkerers and DIY-ers are sharing ideas, tools, and workspaces as they create new devices. Typical interests enjoyed by the maker culture include technology-oriented pursuits such as electronics, robotics, 3D printing, as well as more traditional activities such as metalworking, woodworking, and traditional arts and crafts.
Maker Movement: Mobility
Maker Movement: Bumbo Wheelchair
Sharing what you know…..InstructablesA DIY online community to share what you make
Other Maker Movements:
Adaptive Design & Fabricate
BellyTime for Lilly Lynn
DIY!!! Modify
available items…use them in new ways!
Sources: friends, families, colleagues, professional magazines, etc.
WHY DIY ???
• not new to AT practice• COST: less expensive + less isolating• fast and easy• CUSTOM design: changes as child’s needs
change in natural environments• USERS: families, teachers and friends know
the child best: consider preferences, abilities, challenges, and changes
• DIY is empowering! Solve problems, build confidence share know how
Outcome: 2 ½ and almost walking
Feature Match:• Look for matching height cart• Increase stability• Add weights• Secure to carpet in home
• Add velcro to wheels• Create play scenarios• Gradually remove velcro as
strength + balance develop
DIY: Customized Mobility
Outcome:Not using symbols yet?
Feature Match:• tactile objects from child’s
experience• progress from 3D to 2D to picture
symbols
Object Communication Cards
Outcome: Outside/active communication
Feature Match:• Durable, light, non-electronic
outside material
• Use a piece of a pool noodle to display communication pictures or symbols
• Tape them on or cut a slit to hold them; laminate
Pool Noodle Communication
Outcome: Communicate + play
Feature Match:• high contrast• flexible, easy,quick• use with toys+ objects• communicate with
changeable photos, symbols
Velcro Boards
Materials: Foamcore, Showloop/veltexhook tape adhesive
1. Paint your blocks (solid or with
pictures on two sides). Allow blocks
to dry.
2. Use sticky back Velcro. Measure the
amount of Velcro you will need to
wrap around each block once. Cut
two pieces of Velcro (hook + loop).
3. Wrap both pieces of velcro around
each block.
4. Find a container (box, drawer) in
which to store your blocks, line with
show loop. Design a scene; PLAY!
Velcro Story BlocksOutcome: Play
Outcome: bath time communication- choices, requests, “all done”
Feature match:• Waterproof, sealed kickboard,
kneelpad
• Symbols• gallon zip bag, tape• pictures, photos, drawings
Waterproof Communication Board
Tots n Tech Pinterest
Outcome: communication portability
Materials:• Plastic lacing• 2 links• Velcro showloop/
veltex• iPad with case• AAC app
Carry Strap for iPad with AAC app
Outcome: improve app accuracy
Materials:• Take a picture of the
screen layout. • Lay wikistix in matching
row/column pattern• Place on transparent
projector paper
iPad App Keyguards
Customized Grips
Outcome: make it easier to use activity tools
Feature match: considertexture, softness, durability, feedback
Materials:• Sponge hair rollers• Model magic• Foam tubing
Outcome: sit upright, keep toys, materials within reach
Materials:• laundry basket• pool noodles, paper
rolls, as needed• toy clips, links
Laundry basket sitting support
Outcome: safe walking shoes
Materials: • Slippers, soft shoes
• Hot glue for skid-proof, grip bottoms
Non-slip for new walkers
Activity Sequences + Schedules
Outcome: know what to do next
Materials:
• foam door hanger• Clothesline, pins, • Key ring• picture/symbols
DIY ResourcesPinterest: social media platform commonly used for DIY ideas… SEARCH TERMS…YouTube: watch and share DIY projects
Sensory Bagfor babies• Search for ways to explore
textures without getting messy
• Search for sensory bags
• Use on floor, table or window for letting light through
DIY: Sensory BagsMaterials:• large Zip-lock freezer bags (use two
for each Bag) • A range of small objects to go inside
the bag like: Buttons, pom-poms, beads, buttons, glitter, soft rubber creatures, or basically anything without sharp edges.
• Strong masking tape or Duct tape • 1-3 cups of gel for each bag
Directions:Put gell and small objects in the bag. Seal and insert into second bag- upside down. Reseal. Reinforce opening (or whole bag) with duct tape. Squish and have fun!
DIY: Geo Boards
Materials:• Cork board• Extra large pegs• Rubber bands
Chewy Necklaces
Search for sensory chewing, teething
Materials:• vinyl tubing, shoelace• wooden or silicone
bead(s)• thin knee socks
LET’S DIY!
Fidgit Balloons• Search for sensory play-
fidgit balloons
• Quiet, washable, mouthable
• For filling… consider child tactile preferences + strength
DIY: Fidgit Balloons
3. Use a funnel1. Buy Balloons and blow to stretch
4. Tie off the end 5. Draw a face or decorate
• Fillers: flour, lentils, corn starch and water/glue, bird seed, sand, play dough balls, rice, couscous
2. Select a filler
5. Cover with 2 more balloons
YouTube subscriptionsFor AT use with Young Children
• ATKansas videos- for use with young children Search for content
• List of materials• Step by step directions• Related videos available
• Subscribe to best sites
Making a Switch Adapted Toy
ATK (4:15)
ATKansas YouTube Channel
AT in NH: iCreATeAuthor: Therese Willkomm
Subscribe to AT in NH…• Universal Cuff• Cup holder• iPad stand• Book page holder• Etc, etc
iLean
Tots n Tech Channel
DIY…Infant Sensory Mobile
Thinking DIY…
DIYHow can you change/adapt/modify this chair to help a child who needs
• Foot rest• Wiggle release• Quiet when moved• Active positioning • To be separate from others
IDEAS
Bouncy Bands or linked rubber bands
Disc o sit
Inflatable alternative
Sitting Support
Foot rest
Materials:• Chair
• Box 2-3” height
• Put holes in the top front big enough to fit the front legs of the chair in them
Tots n Tech
DIY…
How many ways can you use pool noodles for increased participation?• Communication?• Moving? • Positioning?• Using other materials or tools?• Helping to remember or
understand or engage?
Using Pool Noodles- inexpensive- easy to find (seasonal)- cut with a butter knife,
scissors- trial and re-use
REMEMBER…
AT helps families + teachers help kids...
...and YOU are a necessary part of the process
Do you know a child who’s struggling to participate?
Consider AT & helpmake it happen!
Any Questions?
DIY TIPS?
Best Resources?
Susan MistrettJohan deBesche
Let’s Participate! Projectwww.letsparticipate.org