Assistive Technology

The plethora of technology available to assist students with disabilities is amazing. Disabilities are no longer keeping students from getting an education. Some of the technologies that we got to see in the disabilities services room on campus included the following.

In the first picture we have a machine that makes Braille. Each letter is a certain letter combination that punches the raised dots on the special paper.
The next machine prints out Braille in large quantities.
Picture three is of a computer screen that reads text books to students with vision problems or learning disabilities. The students can choose the voice and the speed of the reader.
Picture four is two messenger devices. Students who are deaf can converse easily with others without having to write everything out. The computers work like instant messengers.
The next picture is a listening device. It is basically a sound amplifier that the students can use to listen to lectures.
The sixth picture allows students to see notes written on a dry erase board in their class or better see handouts, etc.
the last picture is that of an adaptive mouse for individuals with a limited amount of movement. Using this mouse is easier because if fits in the hand better and requires little movement.

These are all great devices for individuals with disabilities, but some of them were pretty expensive.

Part 2

"Steven" was really excited to be recorded and really got into it. It took a few trials to get a good recording but he was totally okay with working on it, even if we had to do a lot of do-overs. Some of the other students wanted to hear themselves talk too so we kind of got a little off task and let the others record their voice as well, but it was still fun for the students.

I modeled for the student how to use the recorder and he was able, with practice, to do it on his own. We used my Ipad to do the recordings and he loved playing with the new technology. When it came to using the computer he needed a little more help and direction.

Putting Technology to Use in the Classroom Pt. 1

I am in a P.P.C.D class this semester, working with students ages three to five. They are at all levels cognitively so I had to put some thought into what I could help my student create that he, or any of the other students could use again. The student I will be working with I chose because he is my biggest talker and enjoys working in school. During the school day, we really try to engage the students in as much conversation as possible to develop their speech. We want all the students to be able to express their needs and desires verbally.
For this project my student will record himself saying what he wants for snack with several options, how he is feeling, with several options as well.
 I want ______ please.
 I am feeling _______ today.
For the second part of the project we will take pictures of all of the options. With help my student will create a slide show of the pictures and voice threads and link it to the student's own blog named Steven's Blog. I created a permission form that allowed me to use his voice and post it on a blog.