What do all of these assistive technology apps in common? They empower learners to try & identify resources that will help them be successful.
Core Vocabulary is an essential part of every person's life, and for our nonverbal students they access core vocabulary and language through assistive technology and AAC devices. Learn the lesson I teach and grab a free printable for implementation tomorrow. Blog post at Mrs. D's Corner.
The purpose of assistive technology is to remove or reduce the effects of functional limitations. When discussing AT tools to meet the needs of individuals, often times conversations and determinations center on the most expensive, most complex, or most recent technologies. As stated in Visual Supports for People with Autism, "The use of high-tech devices and software to support individuals with disabilities is certainly not a silver bullet, and it is important to understand the specific needs and strengths of each individual before making any decisions. A good rule of thumb is “just because something is new, doesn’t mean it is the best choice.” While some individuals may benefit from the use of handheld computers or other mobile devices, others may benefit from more traditional, low-tech visual supports or a combination of the two." A critical component of the AT process is the matching an individual’s strengths, needs, and preferences with the most appropriate software or hardware, referred to as Feature Matching. As shared in a latter post, a comprehensive feature matching assessment such as the SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools) (Zabala, 2005) should explore both the needs of the individual along with how and where the tools will be used. The determination between high tech and low tech options depends on the individual and their abilities. It is essential to remember one size does not fit all. Ultimately, the determination for the technology should be based upon and meet the needs of the individual, never that the individual's needs meet the requirement for the technologies. The chart below provides some examples of high to low to no tech adaptive solutions available to individuals in need of AT. If you are seeking a more comprehensive list of high to low tech tools, visit the Assistive Technology Continuum of Low to High Tech Tools list created by the Boston Public Schools' Access Technology Center (ATC). Additionally, Glenda's Assistive Technology blog offers tools sorted by specific disabilities. Sources: Visual Supports for People with Autism; Joy Zabala; Glenda's Assistive Technology Blog; Assistive Technology Continuum of Low to High Tech
The terms “assistive technology” and “adaptive technology” can both be used to refer to items that make tasks easier for people with disabilities.
Technology really is amazing and provides us with so many support avenues. In this post I want to explore some assistive technology we are using. Assistive technology is defined as technology that is used by individuals with a disability to perform functions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Examples might be wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs
There are many assistive technology (AT) tools that can help people with math. Use this guide to learn about options for math AT.
What is the SETT Framework? The SETT Framework, developed by Joy Zabala, utilizes a systematic process to determine the appropriate technologies and tools for an individual with a disability. As stated on Joy Zabala's webpage, "The framework is a four-part model intended to promote collaborative decision-making in all phases of assistive technology service design and delivery from consideration through implementation and evaluation of effectiveness." SETT is an acronym for Student, Environments, Tasks and Tools. Although the letters form a memorable word, they are not intended to imply an order, other than that the student, environments, and tasks should be fully explored before tools are considered or selected. So why use the SETT framework? To answer, it simply ensures the individuals are receiving the tools that best meet their needs which can ultimately "level the playing field." The graphic from Understood.org posted below provides a visual explanation regarding the SETT Framework. Additionally, visit the PrAACtical AAC website for their article "5 Things to Love About SETT Framework"! or see below for more direct links to information regarding the SETT Framework... SETT Scaffold for Consideration of AT Needs SETT Scaffold for Data Gathering SETT Scaffold for Implementation and Evaluation of Effectiveness Planning
A must read for any IEP parent who has questions about Assistive Technology in the classroom. What it is, how to choose, how to put in IEP.
The terms “assistive technology” and “adaptive technology” can both be used to refer to items that make tasks easier for people with disabilities.
In this post, you'll discover the significance of using Assistive Technology in your classroom, from basic tools to advanced devices. Find tools to help kids!
There are many assistive technology (AT) tools that can help people who struggle with writing. Learn what writing tools are available and how to get them.
Shop here for Reading Focus Cards tools, apps, unique books & services to help you focus and read better---TODAY!
With the world advancing at a faster rate and scientist and engineers trying to keep up the demand and advances of technology in trying to best accommodate children and adults with disabilities, helping students with special needs in schools has always been a hard and challenging thing to do especially due to the pandemic requiring […]
This post covers twenty five must-have materials for do-it-yourself (DIY) assistive technology projects. Find a treasure trove of ideas, examples, and pictures to create assistive devices or adapt existing objects for customized use and accessibility. These materials are great for low tech assistive
The terms “assistive technology” and “adaptive technology” can both be used to refer to items that make tasks easier for people with disabilities.
Using assistive technology for writing can help students with dysgraphia demonstrate their knowledge in effective and proactive ways.
Some kids have impairments that impact their ability to write and alternative means of handwriting activities are required.
Core Vocabulary is an essential part of every person's life, and for our nonverbal students they access core vocabulary and language through assistive technology and AAC devices. Learn the lesson I teach and grab a free printable for implementation tomorrow. Blog post at Mrs. D's Corner.
Are you an SLP looking for free AAC apps to use with your students? I am here to tell you to try these FREE AAC apps that will be life-changing for you as an SLP!
Mobile devices like iPhones and Android phones have built-in accessibility features that can help with learning and thinking differences. They can help with reading, writing, organization, and more.
Resources, tips, and materials to help you, help children with autism
When we hear the term Assistive Technology (AT), we imagine kids with LD (and other disabilities) mastering previously challenging assignments with the help of the latest and greatest high-tech gadgetry. In fact, we may be doing our children a disservice by thinking of AT in such narrow terms. As defined by the Assistive Technology Act
Image Source With so many on the market, it’s important to look at all the options for braille, text-to-speech or other software and devices to narrow to discover the ones that suit your needs. Assistive technology can come in the form of either low-tech or high-tech devices. For example, a pencil grip is a low-tech assistive technology for individuals with limited hand dexterity and the tecla-e is a high-tech device that allows individuals with limited mobility to access their smart devices, hands-free. No matter the complexity, assistive technologies provide infinite solutions for individuals with vision impairment, hearing impairment, speech...
There are lots of assistive technology (AT) tools that can help people who have trouble reading, like people with dyslexia. Learn what tools are available.
Low-tech assistive technology (AT) and adaptations are cheap and easy strategies that families and professionals can use to increase their children’s participation in daily activities and routines.…
There are lots of assistive technology (AT) tools that can help people who have trouble reading, like people with dyslexia. Learn what tools are available.
Looking for assistive technology at no cost? Check out these tips for how to find free online AT apps and software that can help with reading, writing, and math.
IEP Laws and Regulations Several years ago, I was at a fundraiser. It was for an agency that assists disabled people. So, naturally, they had
This book presents a technology to help speech-, hearing- and sight-impaired people. It explains how they will benefit from an enhancement in their ability to recognize and produce speech or to detect sounds in their surroundings. Additionally, it is considered how sound-based assistive technology might be applied to the areas of speech recognition, speech synthesis, environmental recognition, virtual reality and robots. The primary focus of this book is to provide an understanding of both the methodology and basic concepts of assistive technology rather than listing the variety of assistive devices developed. This book presents a number of different topics which are sufficiently independent from one another that the reader may begin at any chapter without lacking background information. Much of the research quoted in this book was conducted in the author's laboratories at Hokkaido University and University of Tokyo. This book offers the reader a better understanding of a number of unsolved problems that still persist in the field of sound-based assistive technology.
This post covers twenty five must-have materials for do-it-yourself (DIY) assistive technology projects. Find a treasure trove of ideas, examples, and pictures to create assistive devices or adapt existing objects for customized use and accessibility. These materials are great for low tech assistive
Teaching students with dyslexia to use assistive technology helps them be more independent learners and bossts their confidence.
Check out my 5 favorite high quality, low tech AAC boards. A free core board is perfect for trials or provide back-up communication.
