AT 101: What are the basics?

By: BJ Gallagher, PhD, CCC-SLP

What is AT?

•Assistive Technology (AT) is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices.

IDEA 2004: Section 602 (1)(1) Assistive technology device.--

• (A) In general.--The term `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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

• (B) Exception.--The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.

AT Services

•Services▫Evaluation▫Training for users, support staff & families▫Ordering devices or arranging specialized

training & funding▫Maintaining/repairing/replacement of

devices▫Integration of the A.T. into the curriculum

Augmentative Alternative Communication•AAC (Augmentative Alternative

Communication) to enhance an individual's communication and interaction with their surroundings.

•This can include an integrated group of, strategies and techniques, symbols, picture boards, pencil/paper, or an electronic communication device.

Low-Technology

• known as a "Static Display" in which communication setup does not automatically change when a selection is made. (e.g. software for creating communication board consisting of symbols).

Picture Symbols

High-tech

•such as "Dynamic Display" software-- a communication board displayed upon a computer monitor screen automatically changes to a different level (board) when a selection is made.

•Provides multiple functions to the user, many different output methods, computer interfacing, built-in environmental control access, and more.

AAC or SGD=Speech Generating Devices

http://emulator.blink-twice.com//tryit/AAC or SGD=Speech Generating Devices

Blind and Visually Impaired

•A Screen Reader software application reads aloud information displayed on a computer monitor screen.

•The screen reader reads aloud text within a document, and it also reads aloud information within dialog boxes and error messages.

•Screen Readers also read aloud and menu selections, graphical icons on the desktop.

• http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/jaws-product-page.asp

Enlarged Screens

•Screen Magnification software enlarges the viewing area of a computer monitor display. Magnification levels are measured in power levels.

•Such has 2x (2 power), and can go as high a level as 16x magnification.

Visual Impairments• Closed circuit television (CCTV) or video

magnifier. Printed materials and objects are placed under a camera and the magnified image is displayed onto a screen.

• Braille embosser. Embosses Braille output from a computer by punching dots onto paper. It connects to a computer in the same way as a text printer.

Low Tech Aids

Cognitive Challenges

•cognitive disability as: "a disability that impacts and individual's ability to access, process, or remember information."

WatchMinder®

•The messages are selected and alarm times are set. At the appointed time, the message is displayed and the watch vibrates for 2.5 seconds.

The schedule will repeat daily unless you make changes.

PEATTM

•Attention Control Systems, Inc.(Planning and Execution Assistant and Training System) is a program designed to provide cueing and planning assistance for people with memory and attention disorders.

•Typical users include patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

•The iCommunicator 3.0 •Deaf and Hard of Hearing•

An alternative rather than a replacement for sign language interpreters.

•may be coupled with peripheral assistive hearing devices such as personal FM systems, hearing aids, and cochlear implant speech processors.

Hearing Impairments

•Fire alarm paging system •Loop system (portable and fixed) for

amplification•Hearing Aids•TTY

Personal Communicator

•A Tool for Learning and Communicating in American Sign Language.

•Converts text to ASL.

Electronic Aid to Daily Living• Also known as ECU (Environmental Control

Unit). These are a means to interact and manipulate one or more electronic appliance as: a television, radio, CD player, lights, and fan etc.

• This is accomplished using voice activation, switch access, a computer interface, and adaptations such as X-10 units.

• A controller of a powered wheelchair can be interfaced for accessing electronic appliances.

• Controlling electronic devices is usually with ultrasound, infrared, AC wiring throughout the house, radio frequency or even your eye.

Mouse Alternatives• Eyegaze System

Move the cursor according to the user's eye movements... • Switch Adapted Mouse

A switch plugged into input acts as the corresponding button, function (click, double click).... • Foot Control Mouse

Complete control over the mouse, and cursor using both feet... • Trackballs

Stationary device, movement or rotation of the ball moves the cursor.... • Head Tracking

Control over the movement of the onscreen mouse using movement of head.... • Touch Pad

Cursor movement simply by dragging a finger tip across the surface.... JoystickA "stick" for controlling cursor movements, and mouse clicks... Touch ScreenClear plastic sheet with sensors-- attached to monitor, detects finger tip or a pointing device... Mouse KeysSoftware that transforms the traditional numeric keypad into a directional mouse....

• Assorted Input DevicesDiverse group of mouse-like pointing devices with variety of characteristics...

 

Keyboard Alternatives• Expanded Keyboard

Keyboards with large keys, and with customized overlays...

• One HandDesigned for typing with only one hand...

• Eye Gaze SystemOperate a computer with eye movement...

• OnScreenKeyboards displayed within the computer screen...

• ErgonomicKeyboards that reduce user fatigue, discomfort...

• MiniMiniature Keyboards less than 7 inches in width...  

Keyboard• Keyboard shortcuts and MouseKeys allow the

user to substitute keyboarding for mouse actions. Macro recorders can greatly extend the range and sophistication of keyboard shortcuts.

• Sticky keys allows characters or commands to be typed without having to hold down a modifier key (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) while pressing a second key.

“Switch Access" Scanning• Not to be confused with a flatbed scanner for input.

Switch access uses one or more switches to select from an electronic (set) of graphic images, symbols, and/or alphanumeric characters. Scanning is an alternative to accessing the keyboard and mouse. This is a slow, but functional alternative for individuals with significant physical limitations. The individual only needs to have consistent control of one or more anatomical sites for accessing a single switch, or multiple switches.

At first glance, switch access might seem the easiest alternative input technique for accessing the computer. The individual's cognition must be considered. Simply having the ability to activate a switch, does not mean the individual is a likely candidate for scanning as an input method.

Direct Scan

•automatic scanning, •step scanning, • inverse scanning.

Selection Set

After selecting a method to scan-- a decision as what "selection set" format is best: sequential,

•rotary •row-column, •group-item.

Learning Disabilites

•Low tech solutions

More ideas depending on the challenge

More ideas…

High Tech

•Talking Calculators•Open Source Software•Word Prediction•Scan and Read software•Adapted Pencils to Computers

http://cte.jhu.edu/adaptedpencils.pdf•WATI Guidehttp://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/ATResourceGuideDec08.pdf

Text to Speech• Text-to-Speech Software

Designed for individuals with reading difficulties. Simultaneously highlights and reading aloud of text...

• Handheld Spell CheckersPortable, speaking electronic dictionaries, some with "Phonetic Spell Correction", and thesaurus...

• Flatbed ScannersFlatbeds, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) allow individuals to read aloud the page displayed on-screen exactly as the "printed" page...

• Reading DevicesElectronic, handheld text reader allows for reading text-based files from the palm of your hand...

Accessible Computer Input• ergonomic accessories with height-adjustable

furniture, footrests, wrist rests, and arm supports to ensure correct posture

• replace the keyboard and mouse with alternative devices: trackballs, joysticks, graphics tablets, touch pads, touch screens, a microphone with speech recognition software and switch access.

Speech Recognition• What is speech recognition?

Are you prepared for (dictating) text, and controlling other software applications, and your computer...

• Physical DisabilityA description of "hands-free" control of the computer, and speech control of other software....

• SoftwareListing of Manufacturers, and Speech Recognition products....

• Learning DisabilitySpeech is translated into text, eliminating the pencil and paper. But-- will it function...

• MicrophonesHeadset microphones of high quality, USB Pods vs. Soundcard for audio input....

• No DisabilityUse a hand-held device to record while on the go, and away from your computer....

• Environment ControlUse voice recognition software on your computer to control TV, Lights, Radio, CD, Fan....

SETT Framework(Zobala, 1995)

•Student•Environment•Tasks•Tools

http://sweb.uky.edu/~jszaba0/JoyZabala.html

The Student

•What does the Student need to do? •What are the Student's special needs? •What are the Student's current abilities?

The Environment• What materials and equipment are currently

available in the environment? • What is the physical arrangement? • Are there special concerns? • What is the instructional arrangement? • Are there likely to be changes? • What supports are available to the student? • What resources are available to the people

supporting the student?

The Tasks• What activities take place in the environment? • What activities support the student's

curriculum? • What are the critical elements of the activities? • How might the activities be modified to

accommodate the student's special needs? • How might technology support the student's

active participation in those activities?

The Tools• What no tech, low tech, and high tech options

should be considered when developing a system for a student with these needs and abilities doing these tasks in these environments?

• What strategies might be used to invite increased student performance?

• How might these tools be tried out with the student in the customary environments in which they will be used?

Me and My Computer

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=2499&title=Me_and_my_computer

One Thumb to Rule Them All

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=2140&title=One_Thumb_to_Rule_Them_All