The document discusses assistive technology and its use for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). It defines an IEP as a plan that describes educational goals and support for students with disabilities. It also outlines the IEP process and potential team members. The document recommends that teachers help IEP students by learning about assistive technology devices, which can aid with tasks like organization, note-taking, writing, and accessing materials. Examples of assistive technology are provided.

1. Using Technology with Inclusion Students Ashley Crosby Statesboro High School

2. Topics to Be Covered What is an IEP? Who Needs an IEP? Reasons for an IEP IEP Process Members of the IEP Team How can WE help? Assistive Technology Assistive Technology Devices Usefulness in the classroom Examples 06/14/10

3. What is an IEP? IEP is an Individualized Education Plan that is designed to help kids with disabilities succeed in school. The IEP describes the goals for a child during the school year, as well as support for how they can achieve those goals. 06/14/10

4. Who Needs an IEP? Children who have difficulty learning and functioning and have been identified as a special needs student Kids who struggle in school may qualify for support services, which will allow them to be taught in a specific way 06/14/10

5. Reasons for IEPs Learning disabilities Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Emotional disorders Mental retardation Autism Hearing/Vision/Speech Impairment Developmental Delay 06/14/10

6. The Process Referral process begins when a teacher, parent or doctor is concerned that a child may be having trouble in the classroom Data is collected about the student’s progress or academic problems A team is formed and they complete their individual assessment Parent reviews the information Teachers are informed on the findings 06/14/10

7. Possible Members of the IEP Team: Psychologist Physical Therapist Occupational Therapist Speech Therapist Special Educator Vision/Hearing Specialist Regular Ed Teacher(s) Parent(s) 06/14/10

8. How can WE help these students? WE = regular education teachers Students with IEP’s will be in our classes whether we teach inclusion or not Because use of technology is growing within the classroom, we need to make sure we meet the technological needs of the special needs students, as well as our regular classroom students. 06/14/10

9. Assistive Technology (AT) A general term that includes assistive, adaptive and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities This includes the entire process of selecting, locating and using the technology Not commonly used in schools because teachers aren’t familiar with the technology or it is not included in the IEP However, federal law mandates that schools annually consider assistive technology accommodations in the IEP’s of all eligible students. 06/14/10

10. AT Devices Any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability Can be categorized as: No technology Low technology High technology

11. No technology: Any assistive device that is not electronic Items range from a piece of foam glued onto the corners of book pages to a study guide Low technology: Any assistive device that is electronic but does not include highly sophisticated computer components Items range from an electronic voice-recording device to a “talking watch” High technology: Any assistive device that utilizes complex, multifunction technology and usually includes a computer and the associated software

12. Areas where AT devices could be useful Organization: graphic organizers, color-coding Note taking: video-taping lectures, emailing class notes Writing: grammar/spell checks, word predictions Academic productivity: calculators, PDAs, instant messaging/chats Access to reference and general educational materials: internet communications, multimedia tools, e-books Cognitive assistance: help students follow directions, establish to-do lists, take notes, check spelling or look up definitions

13. EXAMPLES: Point and Touch: Portable touch screen for students who have trouble manipulating the mouse Personal frequency modulation systems (FM Systems): Miniature radio stations that operate on special frequencies. Consists of a transmitter microphone used by the speaker and a receiver used by the listener

14. Infrared Systems: Similar to the FM system, however, sound is transmitted using infrared light waves Induction Loop Systems: An induction loop wire is permanently installed and connects to a microphone used by a speaker The person talking into the microphone creates a current in the wire which makes an electromagnetic field in the room. Sound is then transmitted by a hearing aid

15. Boardmaker Visual Representation System including objects, photographs, realistic drawings, line drawings, and written words for autistic children. True Object Based Icons (TOBIs) Used for children who have difficulty understanding two dimensional visual representation systems. Can be any line drawing or picture, which are cut out in the actual shape or outline. The child can both see and feel the symbol or shape

16. SignTel A signal interpreter that enables direct communication between hearing and deaf persons Enables viewing on the screen, seamless signing in real-time, translated from text or captured voice Sensory Enhancers Adaptive/assistive devices which allow a sensory-deficient student access to the environment through the use of technology Types include audio output devices, braille writers, digitizers, character magnification devices, electronic scanners, eye sensor detectors

17. Works Cited http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/iep.html# http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~wilbur/access/assistive.html http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-1/assistive.htm http://www.synapseadaptive.com/edmark/prod/tw/default.htm http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/assist_tech.htm 06/14/10

18. http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htm http://www.icdri.org/dhhi/signtel_interpreter_press_releas.htm http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/nd13.pdf