Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 6 – Assistive Technology for Recreation …
a given student. A universal cuff, Velcro strap or other splint can be made or purchased for children
who have trouble holding on to utensils. The cuff will “hold” the item, while the child controls it
through hand and arm movements. Occupational or Physical Therapists are usually familiar with these
splints. Children who need arm support can use items like an Ergo Rest ® , which will support the arm for
drawing and painting. There are several commercial modifications for grips, splints and universal cuffs
that can be found in special education or therapy catalogs.
Some children will have great difficulty with utensils used in art and drawing projects. Creating adapted
stamps with sponges or cookie cutter stamps can make if possible for a child to be a more active
participant. In addition, adapted scissors can be purchased from common companies such as Fiskars and
tape dispensers that have a hand strap and dispense one piece of tape at a time are available from 3M.
Art projects utilizing paint spinners, squirt guns with paint or painting with large rollers are just a few
other ways to modify activities. In some cases, other students will also enjoy using the adaptations so
that the child with special needs isn’t the only one using them.
Finally, using the computer to generate pictures, make sounds, or use for other projects may provide a
means for participation. There are many hardware peripherals and software programs that can make it
possible for a student to participate in art. Visit the WATI website at www.wati.org for suggestions from
Melissa Enderle, Adaptive Art Specialist.
Some programs have a stamp selection that allows children to “draw” a picture for a project or to write a
story. Common school programs like Kid Pix ® Studio Deluxe (Riverdeep, Inc.), Storybook Weaver ®
(Riverdeep, Inc.) and Destination/Imagination Express ® (Riverdeep, Inc.) series use stamps to accent
selected backgrounds. Other drawing programs with easy access features include Blocks in Motion ®
(Don Johnston Incorporated), IntelliPics Studio (IntelliTools ® ), and the AppleWorks 6, (Apple
Computer, Inc.) draw program.
The STAR System of Computer Use
The STAR system (See Figure 1) is an adaptation of the work of team members on the NORDIC
Project, which provides a framework for thinking about and planning for the use of the computer with
children with severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Its purpose is to identify possible adaptations
and software features that will match the abilities of the target child.
At the Basic Level (one star), children who function at a very limited or passive level would be working
to increase their attention to and response to computer stimuli. This could be done through switch access
or a touch window. Software that has animation, movement and or sounds would be utilized.
At the Automatic Level (two star), students will be working towards goals that would allow a greater
cognitive load. They would begin to act upon the computer with expectation of results. They may move
objects around the screen, or explore the function of software. They may access the computer utilizing
an alternative keyboard or a mouse. Software at this level may be less busy or multisensory. Children at
this level may respond to words, changes in color, natural sounds, or changes in size and color.
At the Purposeful Level (three star), students are pre planning and analyzing their use of the computer
and software. They may use the keyboard or an augmentative communication device to access their
computer. The software is more geared to serve their academic needs and desire for cognitive challenge.
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 162