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!!
