1. Doodads and Thingamajigs Low Tech in the classroom Brittany Cloutier

2. Assistive Technology and Classroom Management Well managed classrooms allow for more time for engaged learning Fewer disruptions and smoother transitions between activities result in more time for learning. Assistive technology provides just that! It provides teachers with supports for students to help engage learning and provides them access to their curriculum.

3. What is assistive technology?

4. assistive Technology “any item.” Anything can be called Assistive Technology if it is used to “increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Anything you can think of, ANYTHING, can be assistive technology. Markers, blackboards, papers, rulers, protractors, Velcro, laminate, erasers, posters, or any other item you might find in a typical classroom can be considered AT.

5. Assistive Technology Device 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.

6. Assistive Technology Service Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. This service includes selecting designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology.

7. Research supporting AT “Almost 30 years of research and experience has demonstrated that the education of children with disabilities can be made more effective by…supporting the development and use of technology, including assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, to maximize accessibility for children with disabilities.” (Bugaj & Norton Darr, 2010) “Instructional technology, when used effectively can enable ways of teaching that better match how children learn.” (Sorrels et. al, 2004)

8. Legislation Guides Current assistive Technology The foundation of Assistive Technology is the law that ensures students with disabilities will work to achieve goals while being provided a “free and appropriate education.” Assistive technology has come into the public consciousness not only because of its practically but also as a result of federal legislation.

9. Legislation Guides Current assistive Technology Assistive Technology Act of 2004 Under this act the Department of Education provides grants and funding to increase the “availability of and access to assistive technology devices and services that will significantly benefit individuals with disabilities of all ages.”

10. Funding Federal Funds may be used to support the use of technology Includes technology with universal design principles and assistive technology devices Used to maximize accessibility to the general education curriculum for children with disabilities.

11. Popular misconceptions surrounding AT Things that aren’t true: The purpose of assistive technology is to help students become independent. AT makes a teacher’s job easier. AT is just for students with severe disabilities/. I’m not tech savy enough to implement AT. Students with learning disabilities don’t need AT. AT is just for students with communication difficulties. Only people with specialized training in AT can provide AT services. AT is only computer stuff. Assistive technology always costs a lot of money.

13. Low Tech Tools Tools that fall into this category don’t require electricity to function. Examples: Slant Boards Chalk Highlighters, Highlighter tape Pencil Grips Schedules Calendars Sticky Notes Footrests Picture symbols Index cards Not a device- They are strategies!

14. Mid-tech tools Have some basic circuitry involved. Examples: Lights Buzzers Vibrating switches Touch windows Basic environmental control units Portable word processors Static display communication devices

15. High Tech-tools Also use batteries but they have also have some advanced circuitry involved. Examples: Computers Purchased Software Dynamic displaycommunication devices Communication devices Electronic portable desktop assistants

16. No-tech, low-tech, mid-tech, high-tech I do not like this high-tech Sam. I do not like it Sam-I-Am. I will not plug it in the wall. I will not try it if you call. I will not insert the battery. It’s far too heavy for me to carry. I do not want to hear it speak. That’s not the answer that I seek. I do not care about the cost. Take it back, all hope is lost. I will not, cannot, turn it on. I’ve said my piece so now be gone! What is that you say? You think there is another way? Something without electricity? Well, show me then, let me see! It’s simple, it’s easy, it’s cheap, it’s free! Show me now, what can it be? That’s it, that’s all, this tiny thing? Its ingenious, it’s clever, it’s amazing! I can use this everywhere. In every place, from here to there! Thank you so much for bringing it by. I’m so happy I could cry. With this tool, this strategy, I’ll be a success, just wait and see!

17. Internet Safetyprotected kids browser Free software package Developed specifically for children living with variants of autism spectrum disorders. Offers games, activities, videos

18. Internet Safety-ZacBroswer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJGncJatGUg

19. Internet SafetySearch Engines for academic use Sweet Search - "every web site has been evaluated by our research experts“ Kid Rex - "Safe search by kids, for kids!“ FamHoo - the "family friendly" search engine Wolfram Alpha - the "computational, knowledge engine“ Google Scholar

20. CommunicationPicture Schedules What is currently happening; What is coming up next (the sequence of events); When they are "all done" with something Examples: object schedule, 3-ring binder schedule, clipboard schedule, manila file folder schedules, dry erase board

21. CommunicationPicture schedules Why are they important? These supports help students understand the activities they are engaging in and help manage any frustrations that are accompanied with academic work or the students environment.

22. CommunicationSchedules Can be used for: Step by step directions

23. CommunicationPicture Schedules Behavior management: visual representation of rules and alternative behaviors allows children to improve self-regulation and self-management skills without needing the support of an adult.

24. CommunicationPicture Schedules If something is bothering me I can…. Examples: raise my hand for help close my eyes and count to 10 take 5 big breaths ask for a break

25. CommunicationSocial Stories Provide a child with the use of visual information/strategies to improve their understanding of various social situations and to teach them specific behaviors to use when interacting with others. Written individually for each child.

26. CommunicationSocial Stories FREE Online Library of Social Stories Examples

27. Writing toolsHomemade pencil grips Building up and making pencils and pens larger allows students a easier grasp. Materials needed: Pencil Model Magic Vaseline

30. Writing tools Adaptive Paper- line bumpers Materials needed: Wikki sticks Paper

31. Writing Tools Free online storytelling tool to engage struggling writers. Storybird works with word prediction and text to speech software. Example

32. Writing tools Build A Word (IPAD) Improve early literacy skills, including: print awareness, letter knowledge and comprehension. .99

33. Writing Tools Cookie Sheet Worksheet Math: Students can slide magnetic numbers into numerical order, sort by odd or even status, add, subtract, multiply, divide, greater than, less than. Language arts Students can use alphabet magnets to participate in activities such as letter identification, matching uppercase and lowercase letters, or spelling tests.

34. Writing ToolsStory It Word Magnets Phonics reinforcement and sentence building exercise

36. Reading ToolsIpad Application BOB Books (IPAD)

37. Reading tools

38. Reading ToolsJeanie Books in Powerpoint Decodable books for beginner readers Open in powerpoint FREE! Example

39. Math toolsIpad Applications Number Fun Cost- .99 Helps children increase their mathematical ability, drills and practice skills. Teaches basic skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division Talkulator Cost- free Speaks the numbers in 7 languages Cost .99 Free

40. Math ToolsNumber Stamps Use rubber stamps for math activities instead of pencils.

41. Organization Highlighter Tape: Highlight keys words in a text Color code agendas/assignments Task break down board Clear colored ruler Track print while reading Timers Sticky notes

42. Play Shower Curtain Ring Toy

43. Battery Interrupter Quickly adapt any battery-operated toy or device for switch use. Who can benefit: Any child who has difficulty accessing a standard battery operated toys on/off button. Examples: child who us unable to see a button, can not physically push the button, or developmentally does not understand the concept of cause and effect.

44. What can you do with this fish game?

45. Classroom Management Questions to ask yourself when setting up your classroom surrounding Assistive Technology. 1. Can the teacher see the monitors of the students who are using computers, other devices or supports at their desks? 2. Can students see the teacher at all times while they are using their technology? 3. Are frequently used AT tools readily accessible for the students who need them at all times? 4. Are AT supports placed in a location that is easy to get to for the student and does not take a large amount of time away from instruction? 5. Is the technology distracting to other students? 6. How do students make transitions to technology stations such as a computer and do they know what materials to bring with them?

46. Resources 1. Assistive Technology for Children with Autism. (n.d.).CESA #7 Special Education Services index. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htm Battery Interrupter. (n.d.).Tech Tools List. http://www.assistivetech.sf.k12.sd.us/battery_interrupter.htm 2. Bugaj, C. R., & Norton-Darr, S. (2010). The Practical and Fun Guide to Assistive Technology. Oregon: International Society for Technology in Education. Byrne, R. (n.d.). Free Technology for Teachers. Tech. www.freetech4teachers.com/ 3. "GenieBooksin PowerPoint."Auburn University. N.p., n.d.http://www.auburn.edu/~murra 3. Janowski, K. (n.d.). Free Technology Toolkit for UDL in All Classrooms. Wikispaces. http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/

47. Resources 4. Little Bird Tales - In the Forest. (n.d.). Little Bird Tales - Home. http://littlebirdtales.com/tales/view/story_id/6479/ 5. Low-Tech Tools: Math Aids. (n.d.). At Basics. http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Populations/LowTech/math.php 6. Sorrells, A. M., Rieth, H. J., & Sindlear, P. T. (2004). Trends and Issues in Instructional and Assistive Technology. Critical Issues in Special Education(pp. 205-225). New York: Pearson. 7. Robitaille, S. (2010). The Illustrated Guide to Assistive Technology and Devices. New York: Demos Medical Publishing LLC. 8. Social Stories. (n.d.). Region 2 Digital Lending Library Social Stories Information & Resources http:/http://www.region2library.org/SocialStories.htm

48. Resources 9. The Case Against Assistive Technology. (n.d.). You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNs88Ki1WSo 10. Zac Web Browser Aims to Focus Autistic Kids. (n.d.). You http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJGncJatGUg