IEP Considerations & AT

I have been traveling along my assistive technology for about 2 months now and it is amazing all of the resources and information that is easily accessible. The purpose of this post is to review the reason that we have been talking about all of the different aspects of assistive technology.

Under IDEA there are 13 categories of special education.

• Autism
• Deaf-Blindness
• Deafness
• Emotional Disturbance
• Hearing Impairment
• Mental Retardation
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Specific Learning Disability
• Speech or Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment

Once a student is diagnosed with a disability, an IEP is created according to their needs. IEP stands for individualized education plan. Assistive technology can then be documented in the IEP as part of the Special Education Program, as a Related Service, or as Supplementary Aids. Therefore, the IEP and assistive technology go hand in hand in order to best support the student. 

Electronic Touch Tablets

Electronic touch tablets are taking over in schools and are used everyday in classrooms. Recently, I just did a research project on electronic touch tablets as a form of assistive technology so I have a lot of information to share with you. Tablets can be used for students who have communication disorders, autism, or behavior disorders. Actually, tablets can be used for anyone as a means of technology, but especially for those students that need the extra help. One thing that I like best about tablets, is that like computers, they can be designed for an individuals specific needs. If you go into the ease of access center, you can configure settings in regards to vision, hearing, motor skills, etc. Not to mention all the different apps you can download depending on the needs for the user. Another great thing about tablets is that they are portable. Therefore, the student can use the same device at home, school, community, etc. Additionally, an added benefit to electronic touch tablets is that they can be used simply as an educational tool. The bright screen and interactivity of a tablet make the device more attractive to special needs students which means they are motivated to learn. Lastly, tablets are very user friendly and require little to no training!

Some popular electronic touch tablets are...

• iPads
• LeapFrog
• Tabeo
• Kurio
• Meep
• Fun Tab

I currently have an iPad for personal use and I am considering bringing it into my classroom to try out with my students. However, because I work with kindergarten students it is important for them to learn responsibility first so that my iPad does not get broken! Check out the video below to see how iPads can be used as assistive technology to students with autism.

http://assistivetechnology.about.com/od/ATCAT6/a/Transforming-The-Classroom-Tablets-As-Assistive-Technology.htm

Type to Learn Software to Teach Keyboarding Skills

Type to learn software to teach keyboard skills does exactly what the name says. This software is designed for students to develop their keyboarding skills. Keyboarding skills are important and must be learned at an early age, especially in todays technology filled world. These programs allow for students to learn at their own pace and build on their skills. The students play various games to learn where the keys are and which fingers they should use to tap them.

Some popular type to learn softwares are...

• Type to Learn by Sunburst
• Typing Agent
• Typing Pal

Typing Pal is something that I heard about during my student teaching placement. This was a center area for the students to practice their keyboarding skills. It was so funny to watch them compete and try to beat eachothers time, all while having fun improving their keyboarding. Check out the video below to see the introduction to typing pal and see a little more of what it is about. 

Voice Output Communication Device

Voice Output Communication Devices are designed for students to be able to have conversations and be able to communicate with others. These devices are essential for nonverbal individuals in order to overcome their communication barriers. Therefore, these devices are designed specifically for students who have a speech or language disability. These students are unable to use natural speech or have great difficulty with it. There are a variety of voice output communication devices, here are a few common ones that are found in schools...

• Accent 1200
• NovaChat
• Communication Builder
• Talkpad
• Vantage Lite

The video below shows an example of a voice output communication device used with a little boy learning how to say EAT, GO, and GREEN. I liked that he is also given direct rewards and reinforcement for his communication. 

http://www.aacandautism.com/why-aac/why-use-aac

Assisted Literacy Software

Assisted literacy software is designed to help student's develop their literacy skills. This is perfect for students who struggle with reading, or have a disability like dyslexia. A very common brand of assisted literacy software used in schools is Computer Assisted Literacy Solution, also known as CALS. CALS focus is for student's to develop their phonemic awareness, decoding, comprehension and fluency. My favorite thing about CALS is that it is a self paced program and also it motivates the students. Usually when a student is struggling or not successful with reading they become frustrated and want to give up. This program enables students to move past their barriers and become successful at reading. I couldn't find a video clip on CALS however, you can learn more about it at the websites below.

http://eps.schoolspecialty.com/other/other11_rotary/

http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/5020//HTML/97223//c0eefac3-0f78-4e97-a504-26eaea47f848.pdf

Portable Word Processor

Portable word processors are small, lightweight, and easy for student use. They are able to work with it in school as well as home. Portable word processors can be used by students who have difficulty writing, poor motor skills, and also by students who have ADHD. The purpose of this device is to help the student become independent and not have to rely on someone else. 

Some common types of portable word processors in schools are...

• Neo
• Fusion
• QuickPad
• Alphasmart

Check out this video review on the Alphasmart. Alphasmart word processors were something that I saw used in my student teaching placement. It was not used as an assistive technology for someone with a disability, rather it was used in the classroom as a piece of technology. When students were finished their writing, they would use it to type and publish their work. The teacher could then upload it to the computer through the Alphasmart. However, I do think it would be additionally beneficial for those students who struggle with handwriting. Typing is a great alternative to the writing for some students. 

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/961-portable-word-processors.gs

Adapted Keyboards

Adapted keyboards is a topic that I already talked about a little bit in a previous post in regards to assistive technology and UDL. Adapted keyboards are great for students with various disabilities and difficulties, more specifically those who have a physical disability. These keyboards are usually larger and are geared to the student who is using it. Adapted keyboards can help students with vision impairments, limited motor skills, and cognitive disabilities. One of the most common types of adapted keyboards used in schools is Intellikeys. This type of adapted keyboard allows for overlays that are created by those around the student. (parents, teachers, OT, etc) This will give the student quick access to words and sentences that are used by the student everyday. Below is a tutorial on Intellikeys. My favorite thing about this adapted keyboard is that it can be customized to meet the specific students needs, because as we know, every child is different.

http://www.intellitools.com/intellikeys.html