My AT Journey

When I first started this journey of learning about AT I still considered AT to be major technology such as computers and tablets. Through my research I came to learn that AT is so much more. AT can be as simple as a pencil grip or as complex as software that can type your words through voice recognition. I have learned so much through my research and found many helpful resources. Many of the resources I came across are free or available to use at little cost. Some of the tools I found are already built into our computers, tablets, iPads, and iPhones.

Learning about the assistive technology continuum shows the variety of low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech technology there is out there. Through this journey I have built on my current knowledge and feel much more comfortable about AT. Technology is constantly changing. I hope to continue my AT journey for as long as I am involved in special education.

Apps to Provide Visual Support

AT can be helpful in teaching students functional skills. AT makes it possible for students to learn but can also be highly motivating. Apps work for students with severe disabilities because they:

• Are highly motivating
• Can be customized
• Use graphics
• Are simple
• Have spoken instructions
• Give feedback

Apps can help students to communicate, organize, read, and write independently while being entertaining.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities in College

In my previous posts I have discussed many different types of AT. In this post I am going to be talking about AT that can be helpful for college students with disabilities. AT can help students to read, write, organize, and enhance communication. All of this AT can be helpful to college students if the tools meet the following criteria:

• The AT tool must be easy to use and easy to customize.
• The technology must be age appropriate.
• The AT must be the student's own choice.
• The technology must match the specific task that needs to be accomplished and the environment in which it will take place.
• The AT tool needs to be placed in an area the student can easily access it.
• Training and ongoing technical support must be provided to students and staff.

Reference:

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom (2nd ed.)Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

AT Implementation Resource 2

I came across another website which also looks at the steps used in deciding what AT options are appropriate. This site does not explain the steps as the last site did but it provides forms that can be used at each step. These forms are helpful and interesting to explore. This is a great website to use as a resource for the future.

Resource:

UKAT Toolkit

AT Implementation Resource

In my research of implementation of AT I came across the website of Special Education Technology British Columbia. This website offers a guide on how to effectively implement assistive technology. This website also breaks down the process into seven steps which should be followed when deciding what AT options are appropriate:

1. Gather information
2. Establish IEP goals
3. Conduct AT trials
4. Identify AT solutions
5. Develop AT implementation plan
6. Adapt lesson for technology integrations
7. Follow up and transition plan

iPad Applications for Math

I decided to explore educational applications for teaching math. I used the Google search engine to search for applications for teaching math. Through my search I found the website Teach Hub which offered 11 math iPad apps for students and teachers. These applications range from lectures to basic math flash cards. I found a few of these apps to be helpful for the students that I work with.

• Math Bingo 
• Monkey Math School Sunshine
• Team Umizoomi Math: Zoom into Numbers
• BrainPOP Featured Movie
• Math Drills Lite
• Math Fact Master: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division

All of these applications can be found through the iTunes App Store.

Meeting the Communication Demands of Home and Community

Augmentative communication systems should meet a student's needs across all of their environments.  Here are a few tips to consider for the home:

• The families involvement, their culture, and the activities the student participates in.
• Provide training for families.
• Provide direct instruction on the use of the system.
• Provide training on how family members can engage in communication.

Tips to consider for the community:

• Teachers should facilitate positive experiences through field trips.
• Program to meet the needs and wants while in the community.