This course has done more than expose me to many new technologies that can benefit my students. Our prof promotes a mindset that puts the student first, encourages teachers to focus on the task and the purpose when designing and implementing AT, and reminds us to believe that students are capable - always presume ability! I've learned that the team approach is necessary for success and that true inclusion in the classroom is possible with creativity and determination. I've learned that socializing alone can be a motivator for students with special needs and that involving students with special needs in classroom activities works to improve learning for them and their peers (and teachers!). Assistive technology can make true inclusion happen in the classroom. AT can make communicating and learning possible for many students and keep them where they belong, with their peers in the classroom.
Thank you, Barb W!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Boardmaker Plus Tutorial
Boardmaker Plus is a program that allows one to create original activities that are accessible to switch users. Books and communication boards can be individualized for a user. Voice and speed of scanning an be adjusted easily making the activities more accessible for the individual user. Boardmaker Plus also provides templates that are compatible with other AAC devices, for example GoTalk templates can be created to insert into GoTalk machines. The program comes with many symbols that are easily recognized, especially by users familiar with PECS.
The program is simple and straight forward allowing students using a switch to access appropriate learning activities in the classroom.
Friday, July 16, 2010
About SWITCHES
Step by Step Guide to Assistive Technology - SWITC
HES 
What is a switch? A switch is a mechanical device that closes an electrical circuit to turn on a device or open the circuit to turn it off.
Who uses a switch? Anyone who needs a task made more accessible can use a switch. Switches are commonly used by people who are non-verbal and/or have physical limitations.
Why do we use switches? We use a switch to provide access to certain tasks that otherwise could not be completed independently. Switches are used to replace a required action that a person needs to do to complete a task.
The aim of the switch is to do whatever action a user needs to do to accomplish a task. Choosing a switch is always TASK ORIENTED!! The user is not simply hitting a switch, they are completing a task, ie turning on the lights, advancing a slideshow presentation, turning on the blender, etc...
The selection criteria for selecting a successful switch:
The specifics that need to be considered at all times-
1. Positioning - (user seated, laying)
2. Movement pattern of user – the switch will be placed in the movement pattern zone (ie head, arm, leg, foot). Consistent and voluntary. No movement pattern – speciality switch required. Operate with minimal fatigue
3. Control site for the user – The control site is the area that activates the switch at the end of the movement pattern. Fine or gross motor skill (gross - ie knee, fine ie finger tip)
4. Types of switches – simple or specialty
**An OT must be involved when making these switch related choices
How would you start assessing a student for a switch?
Look at the following areas:
Force – Switch must be aligned with strength of user
Feedback – motivated by auditory, visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, proprioceptive feedback?
Travel – distance the activation must move from its resting position to the point of activation – sensitivity to touch.
Play – amount of give in a switch. Extraneous movement considered.
Size and Weight – height and diameter, matches user’s control point(s)
Switch Types – single, dual (2 switches in 1, can control 2 devices), multiple (5 simple switches in one ie joystick on power wheelchair), speciality (activated with breath, infrared, eye blink or motion), latched (latch can be locked on even after switch is released).
****Making decisions about switches for individual users is a complex process. Specialists (like the Occupational Therapist) need to be consulted to make the experience a successful one.
HES What is a switch? A switch is a mechanical device that closes an electrical circuit to turn on a device or open the circuit to turn it off.
Who uses a switch? Anyone who needs a task made more accessible can use a switch. Switches are commonly used by people who are non-verbal and/or have physical limitations.
Why do we use switches? We use a switch to provide access to certain tasks that otherwise could not be completed independently. Switches are used to replace a required action that a person needs to do to complete a task.
The aim of the switch is to do whatever action a user needs to do to accomplish a task. Choosing a switch is always TASK ORIENTED!! The user is not simply hitting a switch, they are completing a task, ie turning on the lights, advancing a slideshow presentation, turning on the blender, etc...
The selection criteria for selecting a successful switch:
The specifics that need to be considered at all times-
1. Positioning - (user seated, laying)
2. Movement pattern of user – the switch will be placed in the movement pattern zone (ie head, arm, leg, foot). Consistent and voluntary. No movement pattern – speciality switch required. Operate with minimal fatigue
3. Control site for the user – The control site is the area that activates the switch at the end of the movement pattern. Fine or gross motor skill (gross - ie knee, fine ie finger tip)
4. Types of switches – simple or specialty
**An OT must be involved when making these switch related choices
How would you start assessing a student for a switch?
Look at the following areas:
Force – Switch must be aligned with strength of user
Feedback – motivated by auditory, visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, proprioceptive feedback?
Travel – distance the activation must move from its resting position to the point of activation – sensitivity to touch.
Play – amount of give in a switch. Extraneous movement considered.
Size and Weight – height and diameter, matches user’s control point(s)
Switch Types – single, dual (2 switches in 1, can control 2 devices), multiple (5 simple switches in one ie joystick on power wheelchair), speciality (activated with breath, infrared, eye blink or motion), latched (latch can be locked on even after switch is released).
****Making decisions about switches for individual users is a complex process. Specialists (like the Occupational Therapist) need to be consulted to make the experience a successful one.
Low Tech Assistive Technology! ( Thank You Dollarama)
OFF THE SHELF
Technology:
Carrying bag with exterior picture sleeves
Student personality:
This item is for a student named Molly. Molly is a 12 year old girl who has profound global delays. Molly has memory issues and needs support with appropriate communication with adults and peers. Molly also needs support organizing herself for her classes and following routine. Molly is integrated into the regular grade 7 classroom with the support of an EPA.
Task and Environment:
Molly will use this bag to carry her school supplies to class. The picture sleeves will be used by Molly as a visual checklist reminding her of her schedule, her teachers and the items she needs for her upcoming classes. The photos on the bag can be updated (by the EPA) and Molly can check her photos before transitioning to her next class. Molly will be able to prepare for and go to and from each classroom with independence using this tool that also helps her to stay organized with her supplies. Molly will also enjoy carrying this trendy canvas bag as they are popular with the teenage girls in her class.
MODIFIED LOW TECH AT:
Task 2
Molly is working on classifying numbers, pictures, and objects according to sorting rules. For example, given numbers, coins, or Molly will sort them as smaller, bigger and same. To do this Molly must move items around on her desk using a graphic organizer or by circling items. This classifying is difficult as she struggles with fine motor and often gets distracted from her tasks. She also tends to mix up her piles (smaller, same, larger) on her desk even when using a flat jig.
Technology
We have adapted a three compartment snack tray that fits easily on a classroom desk top. We have labeled each compartment (ie smaller, same size, larger) and using manipulatives (foam cards, playing cards, number blocks, coins) Molly can sort with more structure and support. The EPA or teacher can alternate the category labels by swapping removable cards using sticky-tac.
Other low tech AT found on the Dollar Store adventure:
- Foam dominoes for counting, adding and classifying
- Large key calculators
- Adding and Subtracting flash card game
- Red plastic ashtray sets used upside-down replicating the small math counters used regularly in class
- Large clothes pins used as paper stabilizers or label holders
- Two sided tape
- Multi-coloured laser finger pointers
- Lanyards
- Transparent name tags cases with clips
- Magnifying glass
- Large balloons for phys. ed. class
- Mini-etch-a-sketch
- Highlighters
It was remarkable scanning the Dollar Store aisles with AT focused eyes. "How can I change this?" ... "Look! We could add a handle to this?" ... "Student ‘A’ would love this!"
It was easy to spot simple and cheap alternatives to expensive devices offered in AT catalogues. Our advice is, if you’re heading to the dollar store with AT in mind, have specific students in mind to keep you focused! Otherwise your basket will be filled to the brim with dollar store treasures ready for AT modifications. The possibilities are endless.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
What you can do with a Switch and a Powerlink!!
Key Messages from Switch Access - a Barb Welsford PowerPoint Presentation
Switch +Power Link + electronic device =
control --> power to the user
skill development --> meeting outcomes -cause and effect, choices, communucation.
active role in the class --> motivation
SWITCH Access Benefits:
*control over the enviro
*inclusion in activities
*communication
*engagement in curriculum
*engagement in social activities
*leisure activities
*access to employment, internet, education
Success depends on:
*motivation
*suitable activities
*practice time
*loads of encouragement
*positions of the switch
*type of switch
Socialization is motivating!
Try incorporating switch use so a user can:
*make popcorn, smoothies - sell them!
*present songs at music concert
*present activities to primaries
*start the sentence in a repetitive book in circle time
*move the teacher's PowerPoint slides ahead.
Other fun activities:
*Have the switch toy knock over blocks
*Stage a race with two children operating two walking switch toys
*Bubble making machine
*Dress up switch toys to reflect the seasons or clsasroom units
*Encourage child to have the toy walk toward whoever calls out his name
*Have toy walk off the table or into a box etc...
*Use a water pic to paint
*Turn on a foot bath
*Turn on decorative lights
*Turn on toaster oven, popcorn popper, blender, etc
*Turning on/off music for musical chairs
*Turn on the fan
*Artwork - streamers on fan, ping pong balls attached, dip in paint, turn on fan towards paper!!
*Attach markers to toy car to draw on paper on the floor
*Operate pencil sharpeners, shredders, electric stapler, scissors etc
* At a dance - operate the fog machine, black light
*Access adapted devices - phones, iPod Touches, computer.
The possibilities are endless. Be creative!!
Check out hiyah.net for ready made Switch access activities
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