5. Definition of Assistive
Technology
“Assistive technology device means 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 the functional capabilities of a child with a
disability. The term does not include a medical
device that is surgically implanted, or the
replacement of that device.”
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
6. Types of Assistive Technology Used
Positioning and Mobility
Communication
Sensory Integration
Leisure/Access to the Environment
Reading
Writing
8. Orthotics
Orthosis: a brace that supports any part of the body through
any of the following means:
Helps eliminate pain or further injury through immobilization
Supports non-functional parts of the body
Controls the motion of a functional body part
Common Orthotics
AFO
Body Jacket
10. “Body Jacket”
TLSO Brace – Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis
Commonly used with children who have curvature in
the spine
Halts progression of scoliosis by correcting posture
by supporting the shoulders, back and abdomen
Picture Provided by:
http://reflectionsonthejourneyhome.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html
11. Wheelchairs
Promotion of Independence
Things to consider:
Classroom layout
Safety navigating classroom & hallway
Picture Provided by:
http://wheelchairassistance.com/power-wheelchair/head-controlled-power-wheelchair.php
12. Walkers & Gait Trainers
Walkers
Individualized support
Child uses legs to hold their weight
Gait Trainers
Equipment holds child’s weight so that child may use legs
Opportunity to move using feet
Seat, harness & accessory supports
Picture Provided By: http://tadpoleadaptive.com/rifton-pacer-medium.html
13. Standers
Academic Benefits
Access materials
Social Benefits
Same level as peers
Physical Benefits
Strong bones
Increased flexibility
Decreases tension & constipation
Improves breathing & digestion
Picture and Information Provided by: http://tadpoleadaptive.com/standers.html
14. Toileting Systems
Things to consider:
Storage
Increased time for toileting needs
Privacy Concerns
Picture Provided by: http://tadpoleadaptive.com/rifton-small-toilet-system-2.html
15. Assistive Technology –
Communication Aids
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC Devices & Methodologies
Communication Aids – Picture Exchange
Communication System (PECS)
Dynamic Displays
Auditory Scanning
Facilitated Communication
16. Definition of Augmentative &
Alternative Communication (AAC)
“Methods of communication other than oral
speech that enhance or replace conventional
forms of expressive and receptive communication
to facilitate interaction by and with persons with
disabilities who are nonverbal or have limited
speech”
MA Educator Licensure and Preparation
Program
17. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
Developed in 1985 by Andrew S. Bondy, Ph.D. & Lori Frost, M.S.,
CCC/SLP
Intervention for individuals with autism and related developmental
disabilities
Created for families, resident care providers & educators so that it
may be used in a range of settings
Based on B.F. Skinner’s book, Verbal Behavior
Utilizes prompting & reinforcement strategies
Encourages independent communication
18. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
The Base Elements of PECS
Functional Activities
Skills & activities that lead to independence
Powerful Reinforcers
Powerful motivation that drives learning
Functional Communications
Skills that are useful now & in the future
Contextually Inappropriate Behaviors
Focus on functionally equivalent alternative behaviors
19. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
Six Phases of PECS
How to Communicate
Goal: Approach people to initiate communication
Teach 3 Step Sequence: Pick up, reach, release
One picture at a time (no discrimination)
Video: http
://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP48lxnNdHM
20. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
Six Phases of PECS
2. Distance & Persistance
Communication Partner moves away from student
One picture taught
Variety of people, activities, locations, reinforcers
involved
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr3lQXNEcps
21. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
Six Phases of PECS
3. Picture Discrimination
3a.Motivation to use correct picture = getting
desired item & avoiding undesired item
Reinforce at first indication of choice
3b. Equally reinforcing items with
correspondence checks
22. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
Six Phases of PECS
4.Building Sentences
“I want” + reinforcer picture put on sentence
strip
Entire strip given to communication partner
24. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Six Phases of PECS
6. Commenting
Answering “comment” questions: “What do
you see/have/hear/fee?”
Discriminating between commenting and
requesting
Maintain spontaneity
25. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
Research-based Benefits
Facilitates acquisition of speech
Increases social skills during play
Improvements in behavior management concerns
Can be used with peers & siblings
System can be implemented in schools and other
environments
26. Dynamic Displays
User selects from an array of categories of pictures for the
communication of messages, ideas, wishes, comments,
needs, etc.
Touch screens allow user to access a large amount of
vocabulary in one device
Voice output available
Unlike PECS, the user communicates through display rather
than exchange
27. Dynamic Displays - GoTalk
Determine communication needs, create sheets &
record messages
Helpful for students with limited fine motor skills
29. Two Successful DynaVox Users
Sara Pyszka
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlC8G5nNE7k
Augie Nieto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDKFNqrmtZ4
30. Auditory Scanning
Form of dynamic display
Provides an oral choice from which the communicator
can select a topic, letter, etc.
Used for those who cannot access tangible symbols,
pictures, or a voice output communication device
Picture Provided By: http://mashley.net/blog.php?readpost=10
32. PROJEC
T
Eye Gaze Boards
∗ INDIVIDUAL INDICATES SYMBOL THEY WANT USING “EYE POINTING”
∗ A COMMUNICATION PARTNER WATCHES AND INTERPRETS
DATE
DAT
E
NAM
E
∗ A HOLE OR CLEAR BOARD ALLOWS THE COMMUNICATION PARTNER TO WATCH THE INDIVIDUAL’S EYES
CLIENT
34. Communication Needs Assessments
Questions to Ask
How frequently is the breakdown occurring?
Who, What, Where, When, Why?
How can we help the individual communicate?
Are there systems already in place that we can
add to?
35. How To Create Communication Aids
1. Determine the vocabulary needed to engage in
communication exchange (activity, lesson, social
situation, etc.)
2. Simplify vocabulary as needed
3. Provide visual supports as needed
4. Introduce, review, and practice new vocabulary
in context
36. Facilitated Communication (FC) /
Supported Typing
Individual uses pointing (pictures, letters, objects) or
typing (keyboard) to express him/herself
Involved communication partner for emotional
encouragement, behavior support, and physical
support to assist individual in developing
independence
Video of Tim Chan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=279h9QJ9ptw
37. Assistive Technology – Sensory
Integration
Providing students with the opportunity to experience the
world in a new way
Therapy balls
Squishy items (dog toys)
Stretches
Video about Multisensory Room & Therapeutic Listening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ip_ezmqfGo&feature=related
38. Assistive Technology –
Leisure/Access to the Environment
Switches
Video about Switch Use
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0CVVnw2s94&feature=related
Picture Provided By:
http://www.thesensorycompany.co.uk/catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?
41. Practice
Create a powerpoint or keynote presentation - on
any topic, just for fun.
Save and upload to slideshare & post on ning
Save and upload to Google docs
Try a little Prezi
42. Podcasting How To
Podcasting 101
What is podcasting
How to subscribe
Podcasting 102
Recording your own show
Podcasting 103
Recording a Skype conversation
43. iPad - a game changer
FreeTech4Teachers
Steve Jobs & Apps for Autism
60 Minutes
Links
iPodsibilities
Teaching Learners with Special Needs
Free Speech app
44. iPad
a blog post how iPad is used in a special education
classroom
A Blog Post listing many apps
Apps Store has Special Education section
and our friend Cybrary man’s list
A handout for using iPad in the Special Education
Classroom
45. More on the iPad
Live Binders on iPad in Schools - a tremendous
amount of material
Mr. G Blog iPads, Web tools, math education
a CNN report
App Smackdown
iPad Apps in School great site by Richard Byrne
46. Even more on the iPad
ipads in the classroom - Kathy Schrock
Moms with apps blog
Smart Apps for Kids
my Pinterest board on iPad
iPodsibilities
blog, apps review, resources
Editor's Notes
Based on what I have used in my classroom + Introduction of self – Severe Special Ed. Teacher at middle school…autism, downs, cp, etc.
