Assistive technology (AT)

CONTENT

• Video of Dyslexia • Definition of Assistive Technology • AT Products , Services & Range • Types of AT Devices • Peripherals • Product: MyLexics • Demo of MyLexics • Researchers

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DEFINITION of ASSITIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)

Assistive Technology (AT) includes a range of technologies, which enable people to build on their abilities and participate as fully as possible at home, school, work and in their community.

DEFINITION of ASSITIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)(cont.)

AT is used to describe both the products and the services for people with special needs.

AT PRODUCTS

AT Products

The term ‘assistive technology device’ means any item, piece of equipment, or product system (whether acquired off the shelf, modified, or customized) that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capability of an individual with disability.

AT Services

The term ‘assistive technology service’ means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Individual with Disabilities Act of 1990 (IDEA) P.L. 101 - 1476

AT Services

AT Range

• The AT definitions are flexible and open many possibilities for what the products and services of assistive technology can be. • They do not imply that assistive technology must include computers, or that it must be expensive, or that it can only be prescribed.

AT Range

AT Range (cont.)

• Assistive technology is essentially a very broad field and may range from the very simple to the very complex

AT Range

TYPES of AT DEVICES

•  AT may be organized into a system of low-tech, medium-tech and high-tech tools and strategies that match a person’s needs, abilities and tasks.

•  Learners/ teachers/parents pick and choose from the system the appropriate tools for the situation

LOW-TECH

•  Refers to unsophisticated devices and largely non-electronic devices, many of which can be produced from local materials, such as:

§ pencil grips § book holders § texture boards § reading stands § educational toys and games

•  Devices are more complicated, many of which can be manufactured locally, such as :

§ hearing aids § speech trainers § braille paper and styluses §  tape recorders § magnifying reading glasses

MEDIUM-TECH

•  Devices involve the use of sophisticated communication and environmental control systems that are electronically based.

•  Increasing variety of methods of adapting the computer through the use of special needs peripherals and/or software

HIGH-TECH

PERIPHERALS Some keyboard alternatives

Input or Output devices

Other non-standard devices

Benefits

Keyboard Concept Keyboards

l Physical, visual and cognitive access l Overlays allow for pre-programmed, words, symbols, pictures l Additional features include key guards, alternative overlays, switch access

Large keyboard l Keys that are up to four times the size of standard computer keys l Can be useful for students with visual difficulties or limited hand function. l Available in multi-colour, plain white, ABC or Qwerty format. l Some have speech feedback, permitting students to talk and work at the same time.

PERIPHERALS Some screen alternatives/enhancers

Input or Output devices

Other non-standard device Benefits

Screen Touch screen l Ideal for students who cannot understand the relationship between the mouse or the keyboard and movement on the screen. l Instead of using a pointing device such as a mouse, the student can use their finger to point directly to objects on the screen. l Also suitable for those who find it hard to manipulate a mouse or other pointing devices.

Braille display l Replaces the computer monitor and is often augmented with Speech Output Systems l A line of Braille cells gives a tactile representation of the computer’s text output

PERIPHERALS Some pointing options

Input or Output device

Other non-standard device

Benefits

Pointing devices Roller balls l Stationary, requires little operating space l Slows down movement of cursor buttons

Joysticks l Students with limited hand function can find them easier to use l Dampens down random motion s the movement of the pointer will be less erratic

Switches l Can be operated by any area of the body (e.g. hand head) l Allows user to operate a computer or other electrical device

Touch pad l Alternative to conventional mouse l Useful for people with fine finger control but lack gross movements

SOFTWARE CATEGORIES

Software Benefits Concerns Reinforcement (drill and practice)

l Helps develop skills and reinforce concepts and knowledge l Provides practice on learned skills l Gives immediate feedback/ non judgemental

l Should complement teaher instruction, not replace it l Skills are often presented in isolation from classroom themes and planning

Interactive books Electronic books which bring stories to life

l Cater for a range of levels (Non-readers to older students with reading difficulties l Links written word with spoken words l Gives students opportunity to practice reading same text more than one time

l Edutainment value v Educational value

PRODUCT: MyLexics

‘MyLexics’ is a fist Interactive Multimedia Courseware : learn basic Bahasa Melayu for Dyslexia children in Malaysia

3 main modules : Alphabet (abjad), Syllables (sukukata) and Word (perkataan)

Each modules : Games Based Learning

PRODUCT DIFFERENCES

Linear (video)

Guided learning

Separate activities

Limited of helps

Suitable for main stream children

Interactive

Self pace learning

Games Based Learning

Video help based

Suitable for learning difficulties children (autism, dyslexia, ADHD, slow learner) and main stream children

• MyLexics • Others Product

SAMPLE of INTERFACE(cont.)



THANK YOU...

REFERENCE •  Dyslexia Association of Malaysia •  Special Education Division, Ministry of

Education Malaysia •  Ghana Education Services, Special Education

Division, Ministry of Education, Science and Sports