Assistive Technology Assignment

1. Assistive Technology in Schools Today Assistive Technology Assignment TECH and EDU 505 Heather Millington

2. What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology, or AT, can be broken down into two categories for better understanding. Within a school system, there exists Assistive Technology Devices and Assistive Technology Services. For a positive and enriching school environment, both aspects must be implemented on an individual basis for a child with disabilities. An Assistive Technology Device is meant to aide in the functional capabilities of a student with a disability. This does not include devices implanted surgically, such as a hearing device for the hearing impaired. Such AT devices are essentially a piece of equipment purchased from a vendor, customized to meet the needs of an individual student. Despite the many product options, technology must be purchased based on the need of the individual child, not the general impairment.

3. Assistive Technology continued… Assistive Technology Services are meant to aide in the implementation of the AT device. A team is created to facilitate all these needs. This group could consist of the IEP coordinator, teachers, the student’s parents, device consultant for technical assistance, etc. For example, the teacher is required to track the student’s progress. Classroom work can show clear results whether the device is helping rather than hindering. The group meets as a whole meets to discuss progress, maintenance, improvements, etc. Discussions during meetings would consist of original evaluation of need for device, contacting the proper vendor and purchasing device, as well as modifying, adapting, or repairing device.

4. What Does the Law Say About AT? The government has played a large part in meeting the needs of people with disabilities. It is important for families and schools to understand what federal law has set in place to help further education and opportunities of those with a disability. The following acts are examples of laws implemented in the United States. • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Public Law 101-336 [42 USC 12101] The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. The law has four sections, or “Titles”. Title I addresses employment, saying that any employer who has 15 or more employees must offer “equal opportunity” to employment-related activities. Title II applies to state and local governments, and insists that people with disabilities be given equal access to public education, employment, transportation, recreation, health care, and other areas under their control. Title III addresses public accommodations that may be provided by private companies, including private schools, restaurants, stores, hotels, doctors’ offices, etc. Title IV addresses assistive technology specifically, as it requires that telephone companies provide the necessary services to allow people who are deaf or hearing impaired to use telecommunications devices.

5. AT Law continued… • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was initially passed in 1975 as P.L. 94-142. That law, known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, or the EHA, guaranteed that eligible children and youth with disabilities would have a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) available to them, designed to meet their unique educational needs. P.L. 94-142 has been amended many times since passing in 1975, most recently in 2004. • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act29 U.S.C.Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that all electronic and information technologies developed and used by any Federal government agency must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, video and audio tapes, electronic books, televised programs, and other such media. Individuals with disabilities may still have to use special hardware and/or software to access the resources. Section 508 does not apply to the private sector or to organizations that receive Federal funds.

6. AT Law continued… • Assistive Technology Act of 1998Public Law 105-394 [29 USC 2201] The Assistive Technology Act, also known as the “Tech Act” provides funds to states to support three types of programs: the establishment of assistive technology (AT) demonstration centers, information centers, equipment loan facilities, referral services, and other consumer-oriented programs; • protection and advocacy services to help people with disabilities and their families, as they attempt to access the services for which they are eligible; • Federal/state programs to provide low interest loans and other alternative financing options to help people with disabilities purchase needed assistive technology. (all law examples curtesy of The Family Center on Technology and Disability)

7. Hearing Impaired Device Personal Frequency Modulation (FM) System

8. FM System A FM system uses individual frequencies to allow a hearing impaired person the freedom to hear in all situations. Like a small recorder, the speaker talks into a transmitter microphone, which transmits the sound into the receiver. The person receiving the sound hears it directly in his or her ears using a headset. If available, sounds are transmitted to the hearing aid. This method is ideal for large group settings, as the sound system is fitted to the microphone and transmitter.

9. Seeing Impaired Device Video Magnifier A video magnifier is a perfect tool for those with seeing impairments. This device allows the user project an image, whether from a text book, chapter book, magazine, worksheet, etc., onto a computer or television screen. The video magnifier gives the individual many options for viewing, such as black letters on a white screen or white lettering with a black screen. The tool can be used on the computer, giving student direct access to other learning aids. Device can also come in hand-held option, with a magnified screen on the device.

10. Learning Disabled Device Word Prediction Software Programs Learning disabilities can have an effect on one or more specific academic subjects. One student may struggle with reading, whereas another child may have great difficulty with mathematics. For students who require writing intervention there are word prediction software programs. The software takes into account frequency, recent usage, spelling, and syntax to predict the child’s next word. This encourages better spelling, grammar usage, and word selection.

11. Physical Disabled Device Alternative Keyboards Alternative keyboards are an inventive way for students with physical disabilities to access the written word. Students can use the keyboard to write on the computer or communicate with other operations. The programs can be modified to meet the needs of the individual user. For operating, there are two options. One, a simple hand control designed for one-handed users to allow free range of one hand. Secondly, larger keys on the keyboard can provide easier access to certain keys without striking another key upon selection.

12. References American Foundation for the Blind. (2014). Living with Vision Loss: Video Magnifiers. Retrieved from http://www.afb.org/info/living-with-vision-loss/using-technology/assistive- technology/video-magnifiers-221/1235 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2015). Hearing and Balance: FM Systems. Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/FM-Systems/ Raskind, M., & Stanberry, K. (2015) Assistive Technology: Word Prediction Software Programs. Retrieved from http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/966- word-prediction-software-programs.gs

13. References Spectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies. (2015). Physical Disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.spectronics.com.au/physical-disabilities The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2010). Assistive Technology: An Overview. Retrieved from http://www.atp.ne.gov/techassist/def-legal.html The Family Center on Technology and Disability. (2015). Understanding the Law and Assistive Technology. Retrieved from http://www.fctd.info/resources/techlaws.php