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Assistive-Technology
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Assistive Technology
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Assistive Technology
Navigation Guide:
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The picture above was created in an interactive program titled "Inspiration." The central topic is Assistive Technology. From the center of the web branch six assistive technological devices teachers can potentially use in their classroom to provide further assistance for students with disabilities to learn the material presented in class. The web provides viewers with an all encompassing image of what information is presented in the outline below. -
If the image above were to be opened in th program "Inspiration," the information below would be accessiable through six individual hyperlinks. For example, if you were to click on the text "Phonic Ear" located beneath the phonic ear image, then the data that is currently presented below would pop up immediately making this an interactive, easily accessible, clean cut avenue to retrieve information detailing each assistive technological device. For the purpose of this site however, we have taken the "hyperlinked" information and organized in an outline fashion that can also be easily navigated.
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Phonic Ear
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Phonic Ear
- What is the Phonic Ear and how does it work?
- Wireless clip-on microphone on the teacher that allows her voice to be amplified - Speakers arranged around the classroom
- Reduces background noise while increasing the amplitude of the teacher's voice
- Increases the signal-to-noise ration by 8 to 10 decibels
- New wireless technology does not require students to use headphones
- How can teachers apply the Phonic Ear to the classroom?
The Phonic Ear is a great device to use in the classroom. Teachers have found this helpful because it reduces the strain on their voices. The teacher can be heard anywhere in the classroom. This system causes children to pay more atttention to the teacher's voice because it is amplified throughout the classroom. For children with low hearing, they are able to hear the teacher even better with the Phonic Ear.
- Websites with additional information:
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http://www.audiogear.com/Phonic-Ear-IM.html -
http://craigschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=73
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Write: Outloud
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Write: Outloud
- What is Write: Outloud and how does it work?
- Award winning talking word processor and writing software program
- Reads text out loud as students write
- Students work independently as they progress through the stages of writing
- Speech options can be set so that the student can hear letters, words, and/or sentences
- Children can use spell checker to correct grammar mistakes
- How can teachers apply Write: Outloud in the classroom?
Write:OutLoud is a wonderful program for teachers to have in the classroom. For those students who have a difficult time communicating their thoughts or writing, they are able to do so with this system. This allows children to work more independently while learning and going through the stages of writing. Teachers are able to assess children who have communication problems more easily.
- Websites with additional information:
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http://www.donjohnston.com/products/write_outloud/index.html The three sites below show instructions and the first one is a tutorial for Write: Outloud:
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http://www.aea6.k12.ia.us/att/pdf/tutwrtoutl.pdf -
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/hiat/tech_quick_guides/SOLOWriteOutLoud.pdf -
http://www.ccsf.edu/Departments/English/cyberia/handouts/WriteOutLoud.pdf
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Braille Sense Note Taker (LEO)
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Braille Sense Note Taker (LEO)
- What is the Braille Sense Note Taker (LEO) and how does it work?
L*E*O is an easy to use, high-quality language-enhancing device for communication. It uses prerecorded speech messages when the user touches the picture or symbol. It can control lights, small appliances, adapted toys, TV, VCR, or DVD. It comes in standard or scanning model. It is easy to carry because it weighs less than 2 pounds. L*E*O has a carrying strap to be worn in various ways for immediate use. The battery lasts for days without being recharged. It is easy to set up and use. It has the capability to have a total of 32 minutes of voice recording. For easier setup and customization, it has windows software. It has a separate volume control for headphones.
- How can teachers apply the Braille Sense Note Taker (LEO) in the classroom?
L*E*O would be helpful in the classroom to anyone having trouble communicating. There are 3 “sheets” with 32 programmable pictures. The children push the button with the picture on it and the device says what the student wants to say. This helps the teacher also because they do not have to attempt to figure out what the child wants to say. These attempts can be very wrong. It also would help the student be able to participate in class in many ways.
- Websites with additional information:
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http://www.assistireland.ie/index.asp?locID=137&docID=9686 -
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This website was very helpful in learning about the L*E*O because it divides the information into sections. The sections are: What is the L*E*O?; Feature Highlights; The L*E*O kit includes; and L*E*O Standard Specifications. It also has pdfs attached with information you can download (L*E*O device user’s guide, L*E*O software user’s guide, L*E*O software quick reference guide, about the L*E*O v2.2 installer, and L*E*O v2.2 update installer). It has a link to an online article about the L*E*O. The L*E*O is targeted at all ages. It is designed to help with communication and environmental control. At the bottom of the website, there is a place to order the L*E*O. It is however in New Zealand.
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Cognitive PEAT
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Cognitive PEAT
- What is Cognitive PEAT and how does it work?
This device is aimed at people with cognitive disorders to increase independence and quality of life. It is helpful in the completion of tasks and activities in all aspects of the user’s life. It can give signals to keep the user on time and working diligently using voice recordings, sounds, and pictures. It supervises performance and fixes scheduling problems. PEAT has the capability to break large tasks into smaller tasks and lead the user through activities or tasks with several steps. It can also be customized for a users’ individuality.
- How can teachers apply Cognitive PEAT in the classroom?
This device could be useful in the classroom. It would help children with cognitive disorders who need continuous cues. This would allow children to receive the cues they need without have the teacher make them. It is a little more discrete way of monitoring their progress and solving scheduling problems. It also helps them break down any task they are having difficulty completing because they cannot follow the steps given to them. It also tells the students at the bottom of the screen what day it is and what time it is.
- Websites with additional information:
- http://www.accessingenuity.com/peat-planning-and-execution-assistant-trainer This site allows you to buy a PEAT. It includes a detailed description of the device, product features, and manufacturer’s information. There is a link to the manufacturer’s website at the bottom of the page. On the side of the page, there are hyperlinks to other devices. The hyperlinks are put into categories base on the type of problem they address. The categories are: Vision, Hearing, Mobility, and Cognitive and Learning. There are also hyperlinks to other types of assistance (Reading Software, Literacy Software, Talking Book Players, Cognitive Aids, Miscellaneous Cognitive and Learning Solutions, Alt Format Solutions, Augmentative Communication, Workstations and Ergonomics, Keyboards and Mice, Computer Hardware, and Computer Software). This website is helpful for several different disorders including the PEAT
- http://www.brainaid.com/jhtr.htm An article about the device from The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, April 1997.
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Braille Sense Note Taker
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Braille Sense Note Taker
- What is the Braille Sense Note Taker and how does it work?
The Braille Sense Note Taker helps people be more productive by providing all the functions for note taking. It is also useful for word processing, e-mailing, web browsing, MP3 playing, and digital audio recording. It has 32 Braille cells, USB compatibility, 2 compact flash slots, external monitor support, LCD text display for teachers, and a detachable battery for portability.
- How can teachers apply Braille Sense Note Taker in the classroom?
The Braille Sense Note Taker would allow bind children in your class to take note, “type” things in a word document, find information on the internet, and send e-mails. Many of these things are utilized in a school setting. Students could also make a digital audio recording using this device. This is something that will become increasingly more common in classrooms as time passes.
- Websites with additional information:
- http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Braille-Displays/Braille-Sense
- Includes the following
- a description of the device
- Price with add to basket link
- Shows the different parts of the device
- Has a list of features
- 2 audio links
- Pdf link
- 14 highlights of the device
- Braille Sense Specification
- http://www.ulva.com/Online-Store/Accessible-PDAs/braillesenseplus.htm
- Includes:
- details about the Braille Sense Note Taker
- Shows the different parts
- 8 details about the device that make it desirable
- Braille Sense Specifics
- Price and add to cart option
- http://www.lssproducts.com/product/4110/braille-assistive-technology)
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Video Magnifer (CCTV's)
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Video Magnifer (CCTV's)
- What is the Video Magnifer and how does it work?
- Closed-circut television system uses a stand-mounted or handheld video camera projected onto a computer or television screen
- Magnifies image- print, photos, handwriting under a camera
- View black letters on a white background, or white letters on a black background
- Controls for contast and brightness
- Underlining or overlining of text
- Different devices for children with different levels or conditions - How can teachers apply the Video Magnifer in the classroom:
This device could be very useful in the classroom. Students with low vision are able to enlarge the print so they are able to see and focus better. Portable hand-held systems can travel from classroom to classroom without having to set anything up every time. Teachers are able to allow students to work independently while knowing that the child with low vision is also able to work on his own.
- Websites with additional information:
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http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_videomagnifierinfosheet.hcsp -
http://www.assistvision.com/slider_release.html
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Additional Websites
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Additional Websites and Summaries:
- http://letsplay.buffalo.edu/toys/special-toys.htm Assistive technology can help children with disabilities participate in the classroom activities on their own. Play should be the first place to integrate assistive technology. It should benefit all students. Using the computer with or without adapted materials (keyboards, switches, mouse) can help students with disabilities learn and grow. There are links included about the process of adaptation. There are also links for switch toys, computer play, resources for play, and technology support for young children.
- http://atto.buffalo.edu/ This includes five different categories associated with assistive technology. These topics include AT Basics, AT Decision Making, Project Info, Tutorials, and Resources. The AT Basics link includes four categories (Foundations, Adapting Computers, Curriculum, and Technology for Special Populations) with several web links below them. The AT Decision Making link includes four additional links (Start the Process, Learn More, Look at Tools, and Using this Section) and an additional like relating to the AT Decision-Making Process. The Project Info link provides three additional links (Grant, Staff, and User Tips). The Tutorials link includes four categories of tutorials that each give step-by-step directions and practice exercises. The categories are Reading and Writing Tools, Tools for Visually Impaired, Creating Talking Books, and Other Tutorial Sites. The Resources link includes six categories of websites to be used when helpful. These categories are Government, Education, Organizations, AT Products, Web Design, and AT Guides.
- http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/
This site contains about a dozen SMART Products. There is SMART: Software, Boards, Tables, and many other things. All of these products enhance children’s learning or teach teachers how to enhance student’s learning.
- http://www.connsensebulletin.com/jendron.html This site describes different ways assistive technology can empower students. There are sections that discuss many different topics including important words for their use. Assistive technology has unlimited potential for helping children, both typically developing and those with disabilities, in school. Different types of assistive technology are also discussed. There is a short paragraph about benefits for teachers and students by extension. Helpful websites are included for teacher’s benefit.
- http://www.sc.edu/scatp/ld.htm This is a site from South Carolina which has some great suggestions for helping students with disabilities through assistive technology. It begins with an abstract that includes the broad categories of learning disabilities (spoken language, written language, arithmetic, and reasoning). The site then discussed what assistive technology can do with a website for that include “Tools for Life.” An overview of different tools that are available with specifics and websites. There are about fifteen different types of tools listed with websites for each.
- http://www.nockonline.org/?gclid=CMXE4fWCo5YCFQEGQQodp1R55g This site is for children with disabilities to get different types of assistive technology they need to live their lives as normally as possible. People can donate to this organization or use the site to get help for children to need help.
- http://www.starcenter.tn.org/?gclid=CM_Vlr6Do5YCFQUHQQodpAP46A This site is about an organization that helps individuals with disabilities be successful in life and their dreams. It contains Services, Information, Success Stories, News, How To Help STAR, Track Records Software, Contact Us, and Fudge Sales. The success stories are particularly beneficial because they give people hope and make them believe that assistive technology might help.
- http://www.rehabtool.com/ This is a site that is trying to help individuals with disabilities and enhance their lives. It also has a product finding link, a resources link, a news link, and an events link.
- http://www.internet4classrooms.com/assistive_tech.htm This site is a virtual web with five different hyperlinks to help teachers teach students with exceptionalities. These hyperlinks include: Assistive Technology, Gifted, Autism, LD/ADHD, and Special Education. Each hyperlink takes you to a list of links related to each topic. A couple examples are Braille alphabet cards (printable), Audio Games, Deaf/Blind Online, and Audio Books.
- http://thejournal.com/articles/16270 This is an online journal article called Accessible Education Through Assistive Technology by Elizabeth A. White, Shelley B. Wepner and Donna C. Wetzel at Widener University. It simply discusses the role of assistive technology in different levels of education.
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Organizations Associated with our Devices
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Organizations Associated with our Devices:
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http://www.nad.org/site/pp.asp?c=foINKQMBF&b=91587 (National Deaf Association) -
http://www.asb.org/main/index.htm (Services for the blind and visually impaired -
http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Default.asp (National Federation for the Blind)
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