Adaptive/Assistive Technologies Presentation

1. Adaptive/Assistive Technologies Presentation Chip Flemmer Boise State University EdTech 575

2. Introduction • When we have students with special needs in our classroom, we need to make sure that we are up-to-date on hardware and software technology that is available to assist these students and help them maximize their potential. • If you have a student with special needs, please use your resources to make sure that these students are being taken care of in regards to technology. • Technology can allow special needs students to reach goals and levels that previously were not even considered possible.

3. Your Own Computer • The computers in your own home and school come with some great features that can help a special needs student to more efficiently use the computer. To look into these features on your PC, click #1 start - #2 control panel - #3 accessibility options. Take a look at what is available and for more information on what your computer offers you may click your specific computer link below: • Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/enable/ • Apple http://www.apple.com/accessibility/

4. Computer Lab Access • All students should be able to have access to your school’s computer lab. Make sure that any handicapped student is able to maneuver within the lab as well as be able to access all materials, electronic resources, software, and equipment that others students have. • The computer lab should not be an obstacle course for special needs students. • Have a couple computers geared for handicapped students by having easy access for wheelchairs. • http://www.washington.edu/doit/Faculty/Strategies/Academic/Computerlabs/

5. Dexterity • This would involve any disability that would impact a persons range of motion. People who are quadriplegics, paraplegics, those with multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, and others with carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis would fit in this category. To help those with dexterity limitations there are options which are listed below” • There are alternative keyboards (on-screen keyboards, etc.). • Pointing devices. • Use the mouse through the numeric keypad. • Scanning Programs. • Word Prediction Programs.

6. Hearing • Hearing impairment or loss is a very difficult and often frustrating situation to find yourself in. There are numerous commands and sounds on a computer that we hear on a daily basis that a person without hearing would miss. If you have a student or students with hearing impairments there is help; there are technologies available to assist those with hearing loss or impairment. • Signaling devices, amplified equipment, display captions, display warnings, text read aloud, etc.

7. Vision • Loss of sight or visual difficulties don’t mean that you have no need for a computer. Actually the opposite is true. There are great programs out there to assist the blind and visually impaired. • Screen readers, scanners, portable note takers, glare screens, Braille embossers, increase font, zoom feature, etc.

8. Resources • There are some great resources available to further your exploration of adaptive and assistive technologies. http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Technology/wtcomp.html • http://www.assistivetech.com/ • http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm • http://atrc.utoronto.ca/ • http://www.dragontalk.com/NATURAL.htm • http://www.intellitools.com/ • http://www.techno-vision.co.uk/JAWS.htm • http://www.webaim.org/simulations/lowvision • http://adaptivetech.net/ • http://www.abilityhub.com/