1. INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY
SESSION 5
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY & AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION
PRESENTATION TOOLS

2. Agenda
AT
iPad
Project ideas
Presentation Tools
Keynote/Powerpoint
Slideshare
Google Docs - presentation
Prezi

3. Universal Design for
Learning
UDL based on neuroscience
each principle connects to key area of brain
Multiple Means of Representation
To increase recognition
How a teacher prepares

4. UDL
Multiple Means of Expression
To expand strategic output
Teacher plans for how students will express
learning
Multiple Means of Engagement
To enhance involvement in learning
How do we get students connected?

5. Assistive Technology
Like RTI Technology has levels too
Level 1 - For everyone
Level 2 - Greater access
Level 3 - Assistive support

6. AT
Allows manipulation and control of format
Offers alternatives for access
Supports multi-sensory instruction
Supports greater personal independence
Educational technology & assistive technology
are a continuum of access to learning.

7. Accessible Instructional
Materials
AIM
Students have a right to the same text
Publishers are supposed to produce digital
forms
CAST has a center for AIM

8. Important Questions...
What does the student need to do to participate in the
classroom and achieve his/her IEP goals?
What specifically is the student having difficulty with?
What else has been tried?
What will be the the criteria for determining the
student’s success?
Who will be responsible for training, monitoring,
documenting, and reviewing the AT plan?

9. AT
All students with a 504 or an IEP are eligible
Assistive Technology has to be considered
Not all qualify
IEP is written first, then look at questions

10. SETT Framework
S - Student First
E - Environment
T - Task
T - Tool
Joy Zabala - SETT Framework

11. the Student
What does the student need to do?
What are the student’s special needs?
What are the student’s current abilities?

12. Environment
What materials and equipment are currently
available in the environment?
What is the physical arrangement?
What is the instructional arrangement?
Are there likely to be changes?
Color is a powerful tool

13. Task
What activities take place in the environment?
What are the critical elements of the activities?
How might technology support the student’s
active participation in those activities?

14. Tools
FINAL step
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 environment?

15. TechAccess
Fact Sheets - wonderful resource sheets on
Assistive Technology and Augmentative
Communication

16. Lauren Costa’s
Presentation

17. Assistive Technology
in a Severe Special Education
Classroom
Lauren Costa, M.Ed, LICSW

18. Definition of Assistive Technology
∗ “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 the
functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The
term does not include a medical device that is
surgically implanted, or the replacement of that
device.”
∗ Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

19. Types of Assistive Technology Used
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
Positioning and Mobility
Communication
Sensory Integration
Leisure/Access to the Environment
Reading
Writing

20. Assistive Technology – Positioning and
Mobility
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
Orthotics
Wheelchairs
Walkers & Gait Trainers
Standers
Bathroom Chairs
Recreational Seating

21. Orthotics
∗ Orthosis: a brace that supports any part of the body
through any of the following means:
∗ Helps eliminate pain or further injury through immobilization
∗ Supports non-functional parts of the body
∗ Controls the motion of a functional body part
∗ Common Orthotics
∗ AFO
∗ Body Jacket

22. “AFO”
∗ Ankle Foot Orthosis
∗ Controls the movement of the
foot and ankle
∗ Commonly used for children
with Cerebral Palsy and
Muscular Dystrophy
∗ May be used to maintain a
∗ Picture & Information Provided by:
http://www.eagleorthopaedics.com/ortho.htmlgood position of the foot
while seated or to create a
smoother gait pattern

23. “Body Jacket”
∗ TLSO Brace – Thoracic Lumbar
Sacral Orthosis
∗ Commonly used with children
who have curvature in the spine
∗ Halts progression of scoliosis by
correcting posture by supporting
the shoulders, back and
abdomen
∗ Picture Provided by:
http://reflectionsonthejourneyhome.blogspot.com/

24. Wheelchairs
∗ Promotion of Independence
∗ Things to consider:
∗ Classroom layout
∗ Safety navigating classroom &
hallway
∗ Picture Provided by:
http://wheelchairassistance.com/power-wheelchair/

25. Walkers & Gait Trainers
∗ Walkers
∗ Individualized support
∗ Child uses legs to hold their weight
∗ Gait Trainers
∗
∗ Equipment holds child’s weight so
that child may use legs
∗ Opportunity to move using feet
∗ Seat, harness & accessory supports
Picture Provided By:
http://tadpoleadaptive.com/rifton-pacer-medium.html

26. Standers
∗ Academic Benefits
∗
Access materials
∗
Same level as peers
∗
∗
∗
∗
Strong bones
Increased flexibility
Decreases tension & constipation
Improves breathing & digestion
∗ Social Benefits
∗ Physical Benefits
∗
Picture and Information Provided by: http://
tadpoleadaptive.com/standers.html

27. Toileting Systems
∗ Things to consider:
∗ Storage
∗ Increased time for toileting
needs
∗ Privacy Concerns
∗ Picture Provided by:
http://tadpoleadaptive.com/rifton-small-toilet-system-2.html

28. Recreational Seating
∗ Commonly used for Leisure
Activities
∗ Things to consider:
∗Independence Level
∗Age Appropriateness
∗ Picture Provided by:
http://tadpoleadaptive.com/special-tomato-mps-push-chair-kit-small-1.html

29. Assistive Technology –
Communication Aids
∗ Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
∗ AAC Devices & Methodologies
∗ Communication Aids – Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
∗ Dynamic Displays
∗ Auditory Scanning
∗ Facilitated Communication

30. Definition of Augmentative &
Alternative Communication (AAC)
∗ “Methods of communication other than oral speech
that enhance or replace conventional forms of
expressive and receptive communication to facilitate
interaction by and with persons with disabilities who
are nonverbal or have limited speech”
∗ MA Educator Licensure and Preparation Program

31. Picture Exchange Communication System
(PECS)
∗ Developed in 1985 by Andrew S. Bondy, Ph.D. & Lori
Frost, M.S., CCC/SLP
∗ Intervention for individuals with autism and related
developmental disabilities
∗ Created for families, resident care providers &
educators so that it may be used in a range of settings
∗ Based on B.F. Skinner’s book, Verbal Behavior
∗ Utilizes prompting & reinforcement strategies
∗ Encourages independent communication

32. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
∗ The Base Elements of PECS
∗ Functional Activities
∗ Skills & activities that lead to independence
∗ Powerful Reinforcers
∗ Powerful motivation that drives learning
∗ Functional Communications
∗ Skills that are useful now & in the future
∗ Contextually Inappropriate Behaviors
∗ Focus on functionally equivalent alternative behaviors

33. Picture Exchange Communication System
(PECS)
∗ Six Phases of PECS
1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
How to Communicate
Goal: Approach people to
initiate communication
Teach 3 Step Sequence: Pick
up, reach, release
One picture at a time (no
discrimination)
Video: http
://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP48lxnNdHM

34. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
∗ Six Phases of PECS
∗ 2. Distance & Persistance
∗ Communication Partner moves
away from student
∗ One picture taught
∗ Variety of people, activities,
locations, reinforcers involved
∗ Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr3l

35. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
∗ Six Phases of PECS
∗ 3. Picture Discrimination
∗ 3a.Motivation to use correct
picture = getting desired
item & avoiding undesired
item
∗ Reinforce at first indication
of choice
∗ 3b. Equally reinforcing items
with correspondence checks

36. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
∗ Six Phases of PECS
∗ 4.Building Sentences
∗ “I want” + reinforcer picture
put on sentence strip
∗ Entire strip given to
communication partner

37. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
∗ Six Phases of PECS
∗ 5. Answering “What do you
want?”
∗ Leads to commenting
∗ Maintain spontaneity

38. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
∗ Six Phases of PECS
∗ 6. Commenting
∗ Answering “comment”
questions: “What do you
see/have/hear/fee?”
∗ Discriminating between
commenting and requesting
∗ Maintain spontaneity

39. Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS)
∗ Research-based Benefits
∗ Facilitates acquisition of
speech
∗ Increases social skills during
play
∗ Improvements in behavior
management concerns
∗ Can be used with peers &
siblings
∗ System can be implemented in
schools and other
environments

40. Dynamic Displays
∗ User selects from an array of categories of pictures for
the communication of messages, ideas, wishes,
comments, needs, etc.
∗ Touch screens allow user to access a large amount of
vocabulary in one device
∗ Voice output available
∗ Unlike PECS, the user communicates through display
rather than exchange

41. Dynamic Displays - GoTalk
∗ Determine communication
needs, create sheets &
record messages
∗ Helpful for students with
limited fine motor skills

42. Dynamic Displays - DynaVox

43. Two Successful DynaVox Users
∗ Sara Pyszka
∗ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlC8G5nNE7k
∗ Augie Nieto
∗ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDKFNqrmtZ4

44. Auditory Scanning
∗ Form of dynamic display
∗ Provides an oral choice from
which the communicator can
select a topic, letter, etc.
∗ Used for those who cannot
access tangible symbols,
pictures, or a voice output
communication device
∗ Picture Provided By:
http://mashley.net/blog.php?readpost=10

45. Assisted Auditory Scanning
∗ Video of Partner Assisted Auditory Scanning
∗ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLb6-Oi3uR0

46. Eye Gaze Boards
∗ Individual indicates symbol they
want using “eye pointing”
∗ A communication partner
watches and interprets
∗ A hole or clear board allows the
communication partner to watch
the individual’s eyes

47. Communication Needs Assessments
Da
te
Locatio
n
Communicatio
Communication
n Partner
Breakdown
Resolved?
How?

48. Communication Needs Assessments
∗ Questions to Ask
∗ How frequently is the breakdown occurring?
∗ Who, What, Where, When, Why?
∗ How can we help the individual communicate? Are there
systems already in place that we can add to?

49. How To Create Communication Aids
∗ 1. Determine the vocabulary needed to engage in
communication exchange (activity, lesson, social
situation, etc.)
∗ 2. Simplify vocabulary as needed
∗ 3. Provide visual supports as needed
∗ 4. Introduce, review, and practice new vocabulary in
context

50. Facilitated Communication (FC) /
Supported Typing
∗ Individual uses pointing (pictures, letters, objects) or
typing (keyboard) to express him/herself
∗ Involved communication partner for emotional
encouragement, behavior support, and physical
support to assist individual in developing
independence
∗ Video of Tim Chan
∗ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=279h9QJ9ptw

51. Assistive Technology – Sensory
Integration
∗ Providing students with the
opportunity to experience the
world in a new way
∗ Therapy balls
∗ Squishy items (dog toys)
∗ Stretches
∗ Video about Multisensory Room
& Therapeutic Listening
∗ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ip_ezmqfGo&feature=related

52. Assistive Technology – Leisure/Access
to the Environment
∗Switches
∗Video about Switch Use
∗ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0CVVnw2s94&feature=related
∗ Picture Provided By:
http://www.thesensorycompany.co.uk/catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=64

53. Assistive Technology - Reading
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
Environmental Print Materials
Edmark Reading Program
Power Point Books
Boardmaker Materials
Scanning Board
Place Holders
∗ Picture Provided By:
http://www.donjohnston.com/products/edmark/index.html

54. Assistive Technology - Writing
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
∗
Pencil Grips
Magnetic letters
Graphic Organizers
Enlarged Key Boards
Paper holder
Small White boards
∗ Picture Provided By:
http://frontporchphotography.com/services/page-ups/

55. Resources
∗ PECS Website: http://www.pecs.com/
∗ DynaVox Website:
http://www.dynavoxtech.com/default.aspx?s_kwcid=TC|16134|
S|e|15960397510&gclid=CKvnu-OrgLECFUITNAodITS-Aw
∗ Syracuse University – Supported Typing:
http://soe.syr.edu/centers_institutes/institute_communication_

56. Resources Continued
∗ Article about Therapy Balls: http://
life.gaiam.com/article/how-sitting-ball-helps-kids-focus-and-do-

57. The DESE
The
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
has awesome links to information, resources and
grants.
Includes:
CAST - Center for Applied Special Technology
Easter Seals - allows teachers to try out technology

58. Mass Match
MassMatch - initiative to get assistive technology
to people who need it
FREE to borrow from ATRC Assistive Technology
Regional Centers.

59. National Center to Improve
Practice in Special
Education
NCIP - through technology, media and materials

60. Accessibility in the
Classroom
Accessibility features in Microsoft products
Includes tutorials

61. UDL Toolkit
UDL toolkit wiki
Please spend some time looking at the resources:
graphic organizers
literacy
study skills
math
writing

62. National Center on UDL
National Center
Examples & Resources
Every principle is linked to resources & tools

63. Investigation
Please take about 30 minutes to investigate all
the resources.
Be sure to bookmark Diigo any site you want to
return to.
I’ll briefly meet with folks individually on final
presentation topic.

64. Powerpoint or Keynote
Present information
Very easy to use
Presentation Advice - please be sure to read this blog post
Keynote - tutorials
Powerpoint Activities
Parade of Games in Powerpoint
Powerpoint Templates for Teachers

65. Slideshare
share your powerpoint or keynote online
easily embed presentation into blog or website
An example - 7th Pre-Algebra
Go to www.slideshare.net
Create an account
upload your powerpoint or keynote presentation
public unless you upgrade

66. more slideshare
when you have uploaded to slideshare get embed
code
create a new blog post on ning and paste embed
code
I’ll help!

67. Google Presentation
Create on Google or upload a powerpoint (no
keynote)
limited bells and whistles
need internet connection
can publish and have viewers join in
Great for collaboration
Upload your presentation

68. Prezi
Dynamic presentation
Ability to share online
Slick
Go to Prezi
try it out
The Ultimate Guide to Prezi

69. Practice
Create a powerpoint or keynote presentation - on
any topic, just for fun.
Save and upload to slideshare & post on ning
Save and upload to Google docs
Try a little Prezi

70. Math Resources
Math Lessons for the Smartboard
A Collection of math lessons
Mr. Vizza
Tom Reardon - smart and TI resources

71. Podcasting
Legal Guide
Podcasting Booklet
PodOmatic
make free podcasts
Check out iTunes U for podcasts

72. Podcasting How To
Podcasting 101
What is podcasting
How to subscribe
Podcasting 102
Recording your own show
Podcasting 103
Recording a Skype conversation

73. iPad - a game changer
FreeTech4Teachers
Steve Jobs & Apps for Autism
60 Minutes
Links
iPodsibilities
Teaching Learners with Special Needs
Free Speech app

74. iPad
a blog post how iPad is used in a special education
classroom
A Blog Post listing many apps
Apps Store has Special Education section
and our friend Cybrary man’s list
A handout for using iPad in the Special Education
Classroom

75. More on the iPad
Live Binders on iPad in Schools - a tremendous
amount of material
Mr. G Blog iPads, Web tools, math education
a CNN report
App Smackdown
iPad Apps in School great site by Richard Byrne

76. Even more on the iPad
ipads in the classroom - Kathy Schrock
Moms with apps blog
Smart Apps for Kids
my Pinterest board on iPad
iPodsibilities
blog, apps review, resources