Assistive+Technology

Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is either bought from a store, modified, or customized and is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

Braille embossers- transfers computer-generated text into embossed Braille output. Braille translation programs convert text scanned in standard word processing programs into Braille.

Touch Screens- Touch screens are input devices that are used when the mouse is to hard to maneuver. Touch screens come in two different forms. The older touch screen can be bought as a piece that fits over your existing monitor along with installation software. The newer form is its on separate monitor made especially for touching and therefore, it has much better resolution.

Switches offer access to anything electronic for persons with disabilities. They are a great way to begin experiencing independent control. Through a variety of interfaces, switches are connected to electronic devices. They work to turn things on and off or indicate choices when used with scanning software or interfaces.

There are **remote switches** that have a wireless technology! The switch uses radio waves to transmit the signal from the switch to the receiver. This is great if you want to reduce the number of wires in your classroom. In addition, to remote switches are “hands free” switches. The “hands free” switch is activated by proximity to the device and the sensitivity level can be adjusted.

When selecting a switch device you should consider the following: the environment, child’s movement capabilities, the number of switches the individual needs, size of the switch, shape of the switch, texture of the switch, How much force is needed to activate the switch, how far a student has to travel to the switch, the feedback that the switch gives the student, and the durability of the switch.

Trackballs- Trackballs are sometimes called “roller balls”. This is another input device that is used when the traditional mouse is to hard to coordinate. It is a stationary device that has a roller ball that moves the cursor on the screen. Therefore, children or adults with weaker fine motor skills can access the computer. There are different models of these devices depending on what you are looking for.

__Touch pads__ are very similar to touch screens in their function. They are input devices that can also be used when a mouse is difficult to manipulate. By simply gliding or tapping a finger on the touchpad a person is able to complete the same functions that a mouse would provide. Most touch pads generally feature a one touch scroll and zoom and produce uniques sounds that are associated with each function. These devices take the place of a mouse and are set up in the same fashion.

There is a text called __Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes__ by Therese Willkom PhD "A must-have book for everyone and anyone who wants to learn low cost assistive technology (A.T.) solutions that can be constructed in five minutes or less. This book is filled with over 600 color photographs of innovative fabrication techniques for constructing A.T. solutions for home, school, work and play. Dr. Willkomm shares her experience with over 50 basic tools and materials used in quick solution development and rapid prototyping". The information is posted by the [|Institute on Disability]. This kind of information could be very valuable particularly for those of us who do not have big budgets.

Below is a great website about AT in general that is geared towards parents. It is a nice resource for parents, but I found each of the case studies to be interesting. It explains each student and their needs and how the IEP team worked to use AT to adapt to the students needs. http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html#top

This is a website that gives some basic information about the "Big Mack" http://www.ablenetinc.com/cart/Expand.asp?ProductCode=1-00201 This is a communication device for students with visual disabilities.

The Roomba Discovery is a robotic vacuum cleaner that can be used by individuals with spinal cord injury, arthritis, or mobility disabilities. It is operated by the program selected by the hand-held remote. The user selects the room size (small, medium, or large) and the cleaning mode.

Beep Baseball Bases are audible baseball bases designed for use by baseball players who are blind or have low vision. These audible bases are vinyl-covered bases with sound devices that emit a buzzing sound. The loudness of the buzzing sound is adjustable.

The Twilight Lighted Ball Series are an illuminated basketball, football, soccer ball, and volleyball designed for use by individuals with low vision. The lighting unit is placed outside the ball.

The Adjustable Ball Pusher is a bowling ball pusher designed for use by individuals with mobility and upper extremity disabilities. The device may be used from a wheelchair or from a standing position and is used to push and guide the ball down the alley.

http://www.seeitright.com/ Here is a website that for the company that produces the color overlays. The site discusses various aspects about the use of overlays including research. See it Right also provide a 6 hour workshop in the use of color overlays.

__Hand Gesture Remote Control__- This is a new piece of technology that was briefly discussed on the Channel 3 news the other day. This device is an actual television remote control that has a built in camera that recognizes hand gestures that can turn the TV off and on and switch channels. This product has not been released. Check out this website for more info http://crunchgear.com/2007/07/16/hand-gestures-eliminate-tv-remote-control/

Some memory aids include: medication reminder (with an automatic timer), talking calendar and clock, talking timer (can be programmed with your own voice recording), talking picture frames, pocket PC wit specialized software (can provide mobile solutions), schedule assistant (events can be recorded), and visual assistant (provide picture step-by-step instructional support)

People with hearing impairments often face barriers such as alarms, environmental sounds, face-to-face speech, telephone, television, movies,live performances. Solutions to these problems include amplification or clarification, alternative modes (visual, text, tactile), gesture, sign language, interpretation or replay.

People with vision impairments often face barriers such as warnings, displays, mouse pointer, printed text, colors, objects, videos, and movies. Solutions include magnification, high contrast or brightness, speech synthesis or tones, audio description, tactile cues or braille.

Some questions you may want to ask when selecting and obtaining assistive technology include: How long has the dealer been in business, Is the dealer familiar with your particular disability and with the equipment being sold, Does the dealer provide training, and Does the dealer carry professional liability insurance.

Clothing adaptations and dressing aids for independent living: Choose accessible clothing that had side or front closings, deep armholes, elasticized waists, breathable fabrics.

Independent living aids for personal care and grooming: dental care (handle, floss holder, toothpaste dispensers); hair care (extinsion handles, mounted hair dryer); skin care (soap mitt); and shaving (electric razors with velcro strap).

A good review of the JAWS can be found on axistive website. It reviews the basic features of the program and computer specifications http://www.axistive.com/jaws-for-windows-7-10.html

This is a link to information regarding the DITC conference in Dover, DE that was held this past April. Useful information such as topics presented, cost, location and format of presentations are listed. http://www.dcet.k12.de.us/ditc/presenters/callpresent2007.htm

This is a really cool low tech device called a puzzle gripper. This is a tool designed for individuals with upper extremity disabilities. It is essentially an aid that helps individuals pick up and manipulate puzzle pieces, paper stock cards, and pages of board books. This device is a foam-covered wooden handle with a suction cup at one end and a wrist-loop on the other. It can be purchased at [|www.dragonflytoys.com]

[|Touch Turner] is a company that offers page turners and other devices. They have a Model C, which only allows pages to be turned forward, and a Model CR that allows them to be turned forward and backward. These devices are priced around $1000.00 and both are switch accessible.


 * What is the SETT Framework?**

The SETT Framework is a guideline for gathering data in order to make effective assistive technology decisions. The SETT Framework considers first, the STUDENT, the ENVIRONMENT(S) and the TASKS required for active participation in the activities of the environment, and finally, the system of TOOLS needed for the student to address the tasks.

[|RJ Cooper's CD]
I checked out RJ Cooper's CD today that we had recieved in class earlier this week. Wow! What a great resource. The CD has such a variety of tools including hardware, software for learning, software for access, software for the deaf/blind, and much more! You can choose any of the programs and try and free download. Actually you can try most of the programs several times or for a certain time period. I played around with the Children's Switch Program. It is similar to Creature, magic, capers, etc. I actually like Children's Switch better. It allows for so many more options. You can choose the learner mode (hold down, visual prompt, spoken prompt, etc.). This allows you to tailor the program to the switch activator...a.k.a the learner. You can also choose the Learner control...weather the user is a switch user or point user (touch screen). Then you choose which activity you want to play in order to see the cause and effect relationship. The activities are accompanied by music, which you can change. Lots of kids songs are available. You can also control the volume, speed, and response time. As R.J. states...this game actually teaches kids to "WAIT!" Another really interesting program was called Wheels. It is a wheelchair simulation designed specifically for people with disabilities. It allows practice in steering using a joystick, trackball, or intellikeys. It can also be used by youngsters that find typical computer games too hard or too fast. This CD is really a wealth of knowledge when it comes to AT.

[|Eye Gaze Tracker Systems] are hands free software or hardware programs that gives users with physical disabilities the chance to access computer applications by using their eyes only. Users communicate via text or speech output.

[|Speech to Speech] offers free telephone service 24 hours a day for individuals that have speech disabilities. This organization provides communication assistants to people that have difficulties being understood by the public over the phone.

[|__http://www.asu.edu/clas/tnt/__] this site is tots -n- tech! Here is their mission statement, “__The mission of TnT is threefold__: (1) to study prevalence, policy and resources, individualized decision making, training and support and other factors related to use of assistive technology (AT) devices and services in early intervention. (2) to disseminate current knowledge and research findings in timely ways to families, multidiscipline EI providers, administrators, educators and policymakers using a variety of methods and approaches. (3) to partner with parents of children with disabilities, with individuals with disabilities, in the design and implementation of the national research program. They also have an ideas to share section!

__Light Signaler__- alerts an individual who cannot hear computer sounds or is not directly in front of the computer screen by flashing a light that can alert them of something such as a completed computer program or a new e-mail message.

I found this great index of information and resources http://www.makoa.org/index.htm