Chapter 36 Technological Assistance

Chapter 36 Technological

AssistanceKIN 583- Medical and Pathological Issues

Jeff Wascavage

History of Assistive Technology

Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988

• The "Tech Act" provided federal funds to states to develop training and delivery systems for assistive technology devices and services. This act first defined Assistive Technology Devices and Services and promoted the availability and quality of AT devices and services to all individuals, including children.

The Purpose of Assistive Technology

• Allows more independent functioning through the use of assistive, adaptive, or augmentative devices.

• For the individual to reach the highest possible level of functioning.

Types of Devices• Assistive Devices: help alleviate

the impact of a disability.

• Example- Tape recorded lessons for students with specific reading disabilities.

Types of Devices• Adaptive Technology: substitutes

or makes up for the loss of function brought on by a disability.

• Example- sophisticated robotic feeding tube for individuals with Quadriplegia.

Types of Devices• Augmentative Devices: increase the

area of functioning that is deficient but still have some residual abilities.

• Currently, the term augmentative devices only refers to devices that improve communication.

• Example- A microchip powered voice output box for individuals with Dysarthria.

Did you know?Many people use assistive devices daily without even knowing it.– rubber cushion on a pen– electronic hole puncher and stapler– door stop – automatic doors

3 Ways to Acquire Assistive Devices and Technology.

• 1. Direct Purchase from commercial supplier.

• 2. Development of a custom made device.

• 3. Modification of an existing device.

Classification of Assistive Technology

• Low-Tech- low cost materials, do not require batteries or electronics to operate.

• Mid-Tech- generally require batteries/electrical power and are more complex in their use.

• High-Tech- are complicated and expensive to own and maintain.

Assistive Technology is used in 5 ways.

• Medical Assistance• Physical Disabilities• Sensory Impairment• Communication Disabilities• Cognitive and Learning

Disabilities

Technology for Medical Assistance

• Medical devices that replace or increase the functioning of a vital body function.

• These include – Respiratory Support (Artificial Airways)– Monitoring and Surveillance Devices (Pulse

Oximeter)– Nutritional Fluid Assistance (Feeding Tubes)– Intravenous Fluid Assistive Devices (central

venous line to provide nutrition and medication)

Did you know?• The use of assistive technology for

medical assistance only occurs in 1 per 1000 children and most of the uses are temporary (surgery, premature birth)

• However, the incidence appears to be increasing in children under the age of 1 due to the improved survival rate of low birth weight infants.

Technology for Physical Disabilities

• Low Tech- ankle-foot orthoses, hand splints and spinal braces.

• Mid-Tech- Treadmills with support frames

• High-Tech- Personal Computer with modifications (joystick instead of keyboard)

What P.E Teachers can do• Modify Equipment

– Bowling Ramp for Bowling Unit– Modified Tee Ball Equipment

• Modify Rules– Allow the ball to bounce off of the ground in

volleyball or allow unlimited hits on each side– Zone Soccer

• Challenge by Choice– Allow all students to select between different

levels of challenges and difficulty (different size equipment, different distances)

Technology for Sensory Impairments

• Visual Impairment- magnification devices, alerting systems, personal computers with extra large type on screen, and reading machines.

• Hearing Impairment- hearing aides, assistive listening devices (FM transmitters), visual alert system

What P.E Teachers can doHearing Impairment• FM Transmitters• Written Instructions• Always talk facing the studentsVisual Impairment• Sports balls with bells or beepers– Goal Ball – Paralympic Sport

• Instructions on large print

Apps for Sensory Impairment

• iCanSee• Hear Coach• Lumin• SoundAMP

Technology for Communication Disabilities

• Communication Boards (electronic or bulletin board).

• Portable voice output units • Laptop computers• iPad and other tablets

What P.E Teachers can do• Picture Boards (showing skills,

routines, etc.)• iPad and tablet applications• Nonverbal Signals used in class

(thumbs up if you understand, clapping to show listening)

Apps for Communication Disabilities

• Proloquo2go• My Choice Board• iCommunicate• ArtikPix• MyVoice • IComm• My Talk Tools• Voice 4 U• Sounding Board

Technology for Cognitive and Learning Disabilities

• Software and Computer Based Instruction

• Flash Cards• Visual Schedule/Planners• Books and lessons on CD or

Cassette• Color coded notebooks

What P.E Teachers can do• Color Coded Posters• Clear and Consistent Routines• Visual Schedule and Planner• Show video of activity prior to

students participating in it.

Apps for Cognitive and Learning Disabilities

• AutismXpress• iPrompts®• First Then Visual Schedule• VoCal Voice Reminders• Schedule Planner• Pocket Picture Planner HD• Read2Me

Conclusion• As teachers we are striving to help

every student reach his or her potential. • Communicate with other staff members

and share best practices.• As teachers it is important to focus on

what each student can do rather than what he or she can’t do.

• Focus on the student and not the disability.