The Arkansa - ADE Special Education

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Assistive Technology in the Elementary Classroom Legislation has mandated that public schools educate students with disabilities with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent practicable, while providing them access to the general curriculum. As a result of such law, today’s classrooms include students of various learning abilities. Most students with disabilities are able to participate in general education with simple modifications and adaptations. Yet, there are students identified with specific disabilities who require special devices in order to participate in many school tasks. These students have sensory, cognitive, and/or physical impairments that interfere with their ability to learn. They often require Assistive Technology in order to access the general curriculum. These nonverbal students are able to read the books using the simple recorded speech device. The teacher makes overlays with the words and/or picture symbols. She then records the corresponding words on the device. The student looks at the words on the book then locates it on the device. He simply presses the button to say the words sequentially. Assistive Technology is any type of device that allows individuals with disabilities to function more independently. Such devices range from simple teacher-made items to complex electronic equipment. This student uses a Step By Step Communication device to retell a story to his classmates. The device allows you to record several messages one after another. The teacher has recorded a book on the device. The child touches the button to read each page, while a classmate turns the pages of the book for him. The IEP team, including parents, teachers, and therapists, must work together to determine whether a child would benefit from the use of Assistive Technology. The committee members must consider the child’s strengths as well as his/her physical or T.A.S.E. Winter - 37
mental limitations. They will also need to consider the general curriculum activity the student will participate in, and then decide which device will be most appropriate. Usually, one device will not meet all of a student’s needs. It is best to combine several strategies to assist in the student’s various daily activities. These students use a coin calculator and a coin abacus to solve the money equations. The student identifies the coin on the worksheet then locates the appropriate coin on the device. Examples of Assistive Technology include rehabilitation equipment, augmentative communication devices, assistive devices, and adaptive materials. Assistive technology is not beneficial for every student in special education. However, when used appropriately, Assistive Technology can support a student’s participation in the least restrictive educational environment by enhancing the student’s abilities while increasing his/her opportunities to participate in general curriculum activities. Submitted by: Lisa Mangham, Special Educator Bernice Young Elementary Springdale School District T.A.S.E. Winter - 38
Page 1 and 2: WINTER: Instructional & Assistive T
Page 3 and 4: “Technology Skills Build Future S
Page 5 and 6: Assessment: * Clearly defined proce
Page 7 and 8: her laptop screen. When she finishe
Page 9 and 10: The Age of Technology Submitted by:
Page 11 and 12: 3. Everyone needs to be at the tabl
Page 13 and 14: CALL FOR ARTICLES The Arkansas Spec
Page 15 and 16: ily read textbooks, magazines, maps
Page 17 and 18: The Technology Information Center f
Page 19 and 20: » Develop an assistive technology
Page 21: Freeware, Shareware and Demo Progra
Page 25 and 26: Special Show 2006 - Closing Keynote
Page 27 and 28: Nonverbal children can also use aug
Page 29 and 30: Naturally, the AT team will use tec
Page 31 and 32: this assists teachers in using thei
Page 33 and 34: Equipment give away is donated and
Page 35 and 36: Understanding Textbooks for the Fir
Page 40 and 41: Continued from Page 4 * Only one te
Page 42 and 43: References ADA & IT TA Centers (200
Page 44: Special Education Unit 1401 West Ca

The Arkansa - ADE Special Education

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?