Overview of Assistive Technology Shannon Lavey Ryan Rausch October 28, 2011.

Overview of Assistive

Technology

Shannon LaveyRyan Rausch

October 28, 2011

Definition of Assistive Technology

• A broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that aid in assisting individuals with disabilities.

• An AT device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

-Cook & Hussey

What is the Assistive Technology Resource

Center (ATRC)?• Role on campus: the ATRC seeks to ensure equal access to technology and electronic information for CSU students and employees with disabilities

• Groups served – Students with Physical, Sensory, Non-Apparent impairments

• Experiential learning of AT for OT students

Overview of Services• The ATRC provides

– Evaluation and assessment to determine the best match between the person, environment, and appropriate AT options.

– 1:1 Training– Accommodations– Equipment Loans – Resources and Referral information– Consultation and Education – Web and electronic instruction –

universal design and accessibility– Training in concepts of Universal Design

Our Goal for Students!

• The ATRC’s goal is to increase student participation in school-related activities and enhance academic performance.– Reading– Writing – Note-taking– Test-taking– Studying– Accessing computers and technology

Assistive Technology Suggestions

AT for students who:• 1. have a physical impairment• 2. have Cumulative Trauma Disorders• 3. are blind• 4. have low vision • 5. are hard of hearing• 6. have non-apparent difficulties –

writing, note-taking, studying, reading, organization

AT for Students with Physical Impairments

Accessible Computing Station may include the following:

1. Adjustable height table 2. Equipment within reach from chair level3. Alternative keyboards4. Alternative mice 5. Alternate input

AT for students with Cumulative Trauma

Disorders• Hardware– Ergonomic

keyboards– Ergonomic mice – Wrist pads – Adjustable tables– Document holders– Adjustable monitors

• Software– Word completion

and word prediction software

– Dictation software

AT for Students who are Blind

• Hardware– Refreshable Braille

Keyboard– Embossers– Thermo Pen– Talking Scientific

Calculator– Digital Book Players– Tactile Key Indicators

• Software– Screen readers – JAWS

AT for Students with Low Vision• Hardware

– Video Magnifiers – Portable Magnifiers– Large Print and Braille

Labels for keyboard– Digital Book Players– Key Labels

• Software– Built in Accessibility

Options– Zoom Text

AT for Students who are Hard of Hearing

• Hardware– FM Systems– PocketTalker

• Software– Captioning– Visual Notifications on

the computer screen– CART (Communication

Access Real Time Translation)

AT for Students with Reading Difficulty (non-

apparent)• Converting print to electronic format

• Digital Book Players• Text to Speech• Adjusting visual layout• Scanning and Reading Pens• Portable Spell Checkers• Speed reading software • Apps: VoiceOver, GoodReader, iAnnotate

AT for Students with Writing Difficulty (non-

apparent)Software that includes the following

features:• Word Prediction• Dictionary• Translator• Verb Checker• Vocab• Text to speech• Spell check • Mapping• Apps – iThoughtsHD, Dictionary, Speller

AT for Students with Note Taking and

Studying Difficulty (non-apparent)

• Portable Word Processors• Digital Voice Recorder• Software with note-taking, studying,

and research features • Apps - AudioNote, Evernote, Flashcard

Touch• Live Scribe Pen

AT for Students with Organization Difficulty

(non-apparent)• Low Tech

– Checklists and day planners– Task sequencing lists– Alarms/timers on watch or cell phone

• High Tech– Devices: computers, tablets,

smartphones, PDAs– Software or Apps

• iHomework, 2Do

Hands-On Time!

Questions?

Feel free to explore any of the software or hardware

Thank you!!