Assistive Technology Portfolio Project

Image result for assistive technology

I. course assessments

II. AT background, knowledge, information

III. product flyers and catalog excerpts

IV. standards or guidelines from your professional organization regarding assistive technology skills

V. informative websites, videos, or print materials that would be useful resources for colleagues and parents

 

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I. course assessments

  1. ​Image result for STAARState of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Test 2016 Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Taking State Assessments

  2. ​​HomeAssistive Technology Assessment - Find the Right Tools

    • http://techpotential.net/assessment

    • Assessing an individual's assistive technology needs makes it far more likely to identify AT devices and services which will improve their functional capabilities.  A poor match between technology and user more often than not leads to abandonment of the technology, and thus loss of the desired outcome.  Various studies and surveys indicate that half and possibly as much as 80% of assistive technology is abandoned by the prospective user.  Often, this is because the technology was not a good match for the user's abilities, needs, preferences, the task to be accomplished, or the context of the technology's use.  So the first and arguably most important step is to identify the right tool for the job.

  3. Image result for Augsburg CollegeAugsburg College Class Disability Services - FREE OR LOW COST ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR EVERYONE

  4. Image result for understood for learning and attention issuesAt a Glance: Who’s on the Evaluation Team at Your Child’s School

  5. 8-helpful-assistive-technology-tools-for-your-classroom8 Helpful Assistive Technology Tools For Your Classroom

    • http://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/technology/8-helpful-assistive-technology-tools-for-your-classroom/​
    • One of the most remarkable aspects of modern education is the great diversity of today’s classroom. Thanks to mainstreaming and inclusion policies, students of all abilities study in all classrooms from kindergarten through college, even when they have physical, psychological, or cognitive disabilities that seem too challenging to integrate or excluded them from traditional classrooms in the past. This has been a benefit not just for disabled students, who gain  educational opportunities, but also for their non-disabled colleagues, who learn that a student with a disability is in most ways just the same as they are, and no one to fear.
    • 8 Helpful ECE Technology Tools For Your Classroom​
      • Image result for Screen ReadersScreen Readers are described by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) as “software programs that allow blind or visually impaired users to read the text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer.” The AFB suggests them for those with low vision, because “learning to listen to speech output will prove more productive for such individuals than struggling to read text while leaning close to the computer screen.”
      • Image result for Word TalkWord Talk is a free add-in for Microsoft Word, this program can read aloud any document written in Word and create audio files that can be saved. In addition, assistive technology expert Paul Hamilton writes that “WordTalk functions can be accessed by customizable keyboard shortcuts–for individuals with vision challenges, or those who cannot use a mouse effectively, or to speed the work of anyone who relies extensively on WordTalk.” In addition, students with reading disabilities can also use screen readers to help them understand course materials.  
      • Image result for Word PredictionWord Prediction programs include a number of different applications, some of which can be downloaded from the Internet, are available to help students with writing challenges. Word predictors “can help a user during word processing by ‘predicting’ a word the user intends to type. Predictions are based on spelling, syntax, and frequent/recent use. This prompts kids who struggle with writing to use proper spelling, grammar, and word choices, with fewer keystrokes.” Students who struggle with memory difficulties might find this program useful, too.
      • Image result for Supernova Access SuiteSupernova Access Suite is “a complete screen reader with natural sounding speech and integrated screen magnifier with Braille display support.” This product can be downloaded from YourDolphin.com, which also offers a free trial so that students can make sure it will work for them. This company offers many varieties of this technology, making it easy for students to select the right program for their needs.
      • Image result for video magnifierVideo Magnifiers are also sometimes described as a form of closed-circuit television (CCTV) that “uses a video camera to display a magnified image on a monitor or television screen.” Students with low vision can use them to read their course materials with greater ease. A company named Ulva offers a variety of styles for students to choose from to suit their academic requirements.
      • Image result for Close Captioning and SubtitlingClose Captioning and Subtitling: Services such as those provided by the CPC company can be used on both Mac and Windows formats, and enable deaf students to watch the same online video material as their colleagues. This makes it easier for them to participate in online courses that offer video lectures of their professors. They can also use the program to create their own videos with subtitles or close-captioning, which may come in handy for students with speech disorders.
      • ​Image result for FaceMouseFaceMouse: For students with limited mobility, Claro’s FaceMouse turns a standard webcam into a mouse operator, allowing students to use their head and facial gestures to perform a number of tasks, including pointing the cursor, clicking on sites, or typing on the keyboard. For example, “Claro FaceMouse effectively turns the user’s head into a remote ‘joystick’ controller. Claro FaceMouse has a variable setting for sensitivity, making the mouse pointer easier to control. Specific head or facial actions can be linked to keyboard presses. ‘Head Down’ can be assigned as the ‘Down Cursor’, and ‘Mouth Open’ could be ‘Enter Key’. All the various face actions can be assigned to a keystroke.”
      • Image result for sip and puff systemSip-and-Puff Systems: A truly innovative tool that makes computer use easier for students with mobility challenges, including paralysis and fine motor skill difficulties, sip-and-puff systems allow users to control a mouthstick, similar to a joystick, using their breath. Students can direct the mouthstick to click on web pages, type, and perform other functions.

II. AT background, knowledge, information

  1. Image result for assistive technology industry associationATiA - Assistive Technology Industry Association Website

  2. Image result for idea individuals with disabilities education actIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Website 

  3. Image result for understood for learning and attention issuesAssistive Technology: What It Is and How It Works

  4. ​​Image result for understood for learning and attention issuesUniversal Design for Learning: What It Is and How It Works​

  5. ​Image result for understood for learning and attention issuesChecklist: What to Consider When Looking at Assistive Technology​

    • https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/finding-an-assistive-technology/checklist-what-to-consider-when-looking-at-assistive-technology

    • Are you searching for the right assistive technology (AT) for your child? Here’s a checklist to help you decide whether a device or tool is going to work well for your child.

    • What to Ask About Assistive Technology

      Does this tool address your child’s specific needs and challenges?

      Does it use your child’s strengths?

      Is there a simpler tool that would work as effectively?

      Will it be easy to incorporate into everyday life?

      Is it portable?

      Is your child willing to use it?

      Is your child able to use it? (Have her try a demo.)

      How easy is it to learn to use the tool?

      Will you have support or training in how it works, even if it’s only used at school?

      Will teachers have support or training in how it works?

      Is the tool compatible with the existing technology your child uses? (For example, will the software work on your child’s mobile device or a school computer?)

      How reliable is the device?

      What technical support is available?

      If the tool is purchased for school use only, do you have access to a comparable tool that your child can use at home?

      ​

III. product flyers and catalog excerpts

  1. Image result for zot artzZot Artz adaptive art tools for children with disabilities

    • https://www.zotartz.com/
    • Kids love making art.  At Zot Artz, we design and make adaptive art tools so that children with disabilities can create huge, amazing art pieces.  The Zot Artz tools and facilitated art events entertain and teach children at fairs, fundraisers, and festivals, or as part of everyday recreation, education, and therapy programs.

  2. Image result for dragon speak​Dragon Speech Recognition Software

    • http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm

    • Control your computer by voice with speed and accuracy. Dragon speech recognition software is better than ever. Talk and your words appear on the screen. Say commands and your computer obeys. Dragon is 3x faster than typing and it's 99% accurate. Master Dragon right out of the box and start experiencing big productivity gains immediately.

  3. Therapro: The Therapy Resource for Families and Professionals

  4.  Image result for iphone apps clipartAugmentative and Alternative Communication Apps for iPad, iPhone, and Mac​

    • Image result for google docsGoogle Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/110SLyCSKxgL3800fZhgHXZwV5b5LQTvtxMz2HyOpdLs/edit?usp=sharing

    • Proloqo4text-Text Based ACC

      • More than 100 voices and 18 languages

      • Description from web page: “Proloqo4text is a text based communication app that gives a voice to literate people who cannot speak

      • URL:http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo4text

      • Offers Apple Watch App

      • Cost: $119.00

      • Seller: Assistive Ware B.V.

    • Sono Flex Lite

      • Seller: Tobii Dynavox LLC

      • Cost: free because the “lite” app is an evaluation version

      • URL: http://www.tobiidynavox.com/sono-flex/

      • Description from web page: Tobii Dynavox Sono Flex is an easy to use AAC vocabulary app that turns symbols into clear speech and provides language to nonverbal users who are not yet in full control of literacy.

        • Comes with more than 11,000 SymbolStix® symbols

        • Uses the camera and photo albums of the iPhone or iPad to create your own symbols

        • Comes with 5 high quality Acapela voices;

        • one boy, one girl, two women and one male voice

    • Alexicom AAC

      • Seller: Alexicom Tech LLC

      • Cost: free (in app purchases)

      • URL: http://alexicomaac.strikingly.com/

      • Description from web page: Alexicom Tech has created an AAC system that is based on research of core words, commonly used vocabulary as well as feedback from users. With page sets that include common words used in a variety of settings as well as "core" words so the AAC user can create novel sentences, Alexicom Tech's AAC apps provide not only a way to communicate but a system that teaches langauge aquisition as well! With "the cloud" subscription you can easily copy pages into consumers' accounts and create pages without ever having to take their voices!

    • SpokesPerson

      • Seller:NeoSpeach, Inc.

      • cost: free

      • URL: http://spokesperson.appstor.io/

      • Description from App Store and web page: Utilizing NeoSpeech’s Text-to-Speech (TTS) engine, Spokesperson speaks out loud for you. Let Spokesperson express your ideas with one of NeoSpeech’s high quality voices.
        Spokesperson was designed as a flexible and mobile option for those who want to use text-to-speech software for everyday communication. Simply type in the text you would like said aloud and Spokesperson will read it for you.

    • Listen and Speak

      • Seller: SoftArts, Inc.

      • Cost: $14.99

      • URL:http://las.softarts.cc/

      • Description from App Store and Web Page: Listen and Speak (LAS) is a useful augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) APP. It can help people who can not express themselves verbally to communicate their needs and thoughts. LAS has self-built vocabulary set and word prediction function that can help those who have difficulty writing. Its main functions are as follows:

        • 1. It has pre-designed ten vocabulary set, so AAC users can use it to quickly communicate with others. Meanwhile, the speech language pathologist or the special educator can copy and modify the pre-designed vocabulary set to a new set, based on the needs of the AAC user.

        • 2. It has the menu of communication history. Therefore, the user can select from the menu and directly express the message they have constructed to the communication partner, without having to reconstruct the sentence.

        • 3. It has the menu of my favorite sentence. AAC users can edit their favorite sentences based on the communication situation they are in.

        • 4. It has flipped function. In a noisy environment, the communication partners can understand the message from AAC users from the opposite side of the device.

    • Talk For Me

      • Seller: Talk For me Limited

      • Cost: $99.99

      • URL: http://www.talkforme.ie/

      • Description from the APP Store Web Page: TalkTalkForMe is specifically for those with speech communication difficulties.  Influenced by Speech Pathologists & Speech Therapists, TalkForMe is a multipurpose communication tool that allows people communicate their needs using images that they take with their iPod, iPhone or iPad.ForMe is specifically for those with speech communication difficulties.  Influenced by Speech Pathologists & Speech Therapists, TalkForMe is a multipurpose communication tool that allows people communicate their needs using images that they take with their iPod, iPhone or iPad.

    • Vox4all 2.0

      • Seller: Imagina

      • Cost: $69.99

      • URL: http://vox4all.imagina.pt/

      • Description from App Store and Web Page: Vox4all is an augmentative and alternative communication system for smartphone and tablet (Android and iOS). Aims to give voice to those who cannot speak, bridging communication barriers. Using a system of symbols, images, synthesis and voice recording, you can create and configure an environment totally adapted to each user.

  5. Learning Abled KidsReading Pen Assistive Technology: Independent Reading for Dyslexia 

  6. Rehabmart Medical Supplies

    • http://www.rehabmart.com/category/pediatric_assistive_technology.htm

    • Slip-On Typing/Keyboard AidSlip on Typing/Keyboard Aid ($40.15)

      • Slips on and off hand easily, tightens with a 3-1/2 inch Velcro strap. Available in two sizes for right or left handers. 

      • Has rubber tip touching the keys. Molded plastic adjusts with heat gun. Easy to clean. Latex free.

    • Big Talk Assistive Technology CommunicatorBig Talk Assistive Technology Communicator($181.37)

      • Use the Big Talk Assistive Technology Communicator to record a message, song, or joke that can then be replayed at the touch of a switch. A single message up to 20 seconds long can be stored in the Big Talk Assistive Technology Communicator.

      • Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG_bWsPr4WQ

    • Universal Icon Maker Assistive TechnologyUniversal Icon Maker Assistive Technology ($55.87)

      • The Universal Icon Maker Assistive Technology allows a user to print his or her own icons for use with communicators and capability switches. The Universal Icon Maker Assistive Technology disc has up to 150 color icons and includes both usage instructions and icon templates.

IV. standards or guidelines from your professional organization regarding assistive technology skills

  1. Image result for texas education agency special educationTexas Education Agency (TEA) State Rules Not Required by IDEA or Federal Regulations

    • As part of their annual state application to receive funding, states must identify any rules, regulations, or policies that are state-imposed, and not required by IDEA or federal regulations. States must also inform local educational agencies (LEAs) in writing of such state-imposed rules, regulations, or policies
    • file:///C:/Users/Russell/Downloads/stateapp%2011.pdf

  2. Image result for texas education agency special educationTexas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner's Rules

  3. ​Texas Classroom Teachers AssociationTexas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) Teacher Resources on Special Education\

 

 

 

   4.  Image result for understood for learning and attention issuesImage result for FAPEImage result for FAPE

   At a Glance: Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

    5. young girl trying to readThe Child Find Mandate: What Does It Mean to You? by Pamela Wright & Pete Wright, Esq.

  • http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/child.find.mandate.htm
  • This article expands on these topics:
    • ​What is Child Find?
    • Why is Child Find Necessary?
    • How is Child Find Implemented?
    • What methods should school districts use to identify and locate children who may need special education services?
    • What Does This Mean to You?

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V. informative websites, videos, or print materials that would be useful resources for colleagues and parents.

  1. Image result for google sheets ​Accessibility Table 

  2. ​Image result for understood for learning and attention issuesAt a Glance: How the IEP Team Decides on Assistive Technology

  3. Image result for understood for learning and attention issuesFather and son.6 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Learning and Attention Issues

  4. Image result for understood for learning and attention issuesChecklist: What to Ask the School Before Choosing a Tool or Device

  5. Image result for assistive technologyUsing the iPad as Assistive Technology

  6. ​21 Chrome Extensions for Struggling Students and Special Needs

  7. ​​Making Art Accessible for Students with Physical, Visual, Speech and Multiple Disabilities with Assistive Technology

  8. Art and Assistive Technology

    • http://artandassistivetechnology.blogspot.com/
    • This blog is designed as a tool to discuss how different forms of assistive technology can be used in educational practice to help students of all abilities levels. As an art educator this blog will explore more in depth ways that these technologies can impact art education for today's every expanding and diverse school population.

  9.  Art and Assistive Technology 

  10. Image result for "Yes You Can" Art Centered Therapy for People with Disabilities