Assistive Technology and Special Education

1. AssistiveTechnology and SpecialEducation Compiledby: Charles Yum Megan Anderson Jeremy Nack Lauren Shepard Leslie Rojas

2. On Assistive Technology and Special Education “During the time that students with disabilities are in school, they can have the opportunity to learn to use technology at the same time that they are learning academic subjects and social skills. The efficient and effective use of assistive technology can be as basic a skill for students with disabilities as reading, writing, and arithmetic, since the use of technology can go a long way toward circumventing the limitations of disability and providing students with disabilities with a ‘level playing field’ in every area of life accomplishment.” • www.pluk.org “Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or and event.” • Heidi-Hayes Jacobs, Educational Assistant “There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology, but if the teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails.” • Nancy Kassebaum, U.S. Senator Charles Yum

3. Assistive Technology: The Tech/Talk TM $570 Available at Technology for Education http://www.tfeinc.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=412 Megan Anderson

4. Tech/Talk TM A “multi-level augmentative and alternative communication device designed to aid communication through direct selection. Using “Real-Voice” technology, the Tech Series provides speech playback at a high audio quality” • Water Resistant • External Speakers • Light Weight/ Portable • Carrying Case • Easy clean • Up to 96 Messages! • Rechargeable battery Megan Anderson

5. Assistive Technology: ProxTalker • $2,395 • Available at Technology for Education • http://www.tfeinc.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2485 JeremyNack

6. ProxTalker The Logan ProxTalker is an assistive communications device that will increase independence in communication because it talks to the reader. Its features: • Storage capacity of more than 10,000 words • Strings 5 words together to form a sentence • Compatible with any picture-exchange system • Can be used for communication or classroom teaching • Water Resistant • Adjustable Volume • On-board microphone for adding words • USB connectivity Jeremy Nack

7. Assistive Technology Funding • Medicare: Pays for medical services for those who cannot obtain health care any other way. • You are eligible to receive these services automatically if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) • Depending on which state you live in the state-run Medicaid program may offer additional help • State’s individual Medicaid programs can offer additional help • Special Education & Public Schools: For Children as old as twenty-one public school’s special education programs can be a helpful source of funding •  To receive funding a written request should be submitted to the Individualized Education Program(IEP) • Local communities often have charitable, religious, and civic organizations available to help Additional Resources: • http://www.disability.gov/technology/funding_sources • http://www4.nau.edu/ihd/AzTAP/AzTAP.asp • http://www.disabilityresources.org/AT-FUNDING.html • http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html LaurenShepard