What is Assistive Technology (AT)
The term Assistive Technology encompasses both devices and services. AT was first defined in the mid-1980s in the federal Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act) as:
- Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of people with disabilities
AT ranges from what are considered “low tech” items, such as pencil grips, to “high tech” items such as communication devices and specialized software. But AT also includes what we typically think of instructional technology—laptops, Smartboards, literacy software, and iPads and apps.
The definition of AT also includes services that enable individuals with disabilities—and the people who assist and interact with them—to make better use of those technologies. As defined by the Tech Act, an AT service is:
-Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
AT services include but are not limited to:
- Activities to increase awareness of AT
- Evaluation of functional needs
- Purchase, lease, other provision for AT
- Selecting, fitting, designing, customizing...
- Coordination with other therapies
- Training or technical assistance (for child, parents, teachers, employers, and others)
This video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB9pKkZoJDc will help you get a better understanding of Assistive Technology and what it is exactly. I it an easy to use and easy to understand video that takes the high tech terms and uses everyday words to explain them.
Several federal laws govern the use of AT in the education and employment of individuals with disabilities. In addition to IDEA, these include The American with Disabilities Act, Section 508 and the Rehabilitation Act.
For more information about these laws and others see the following Family Center on Technology and Disability brief: http://www.fctd.info/resources/techlaws.php
Family Guide to Assistive Technology
Family Guide To Assistive Technology is an article that was written to help families understand assistive technology. It starts by defining Assistive Technology and how to make decisions on which technology will allow your loved one to be most successful. It goes on to talk about funding, incorporating it into a child’s education, and advocating for assistive technology. The article concludes with additional documents, questions and answers, Appendix’s and a Glossary to help you make your way through the special education terminology. Lots not forget what makes this article different from other articles, Examples. Family Guide To Assistive Technology takes the time to provide you with examples of many of these situations so that you have some idea what to expect before you are experiencing these situations yourself.
family_guide_to_assistive_technology.pdf | |
File Size: | 275 kb |
File Type: |
AT ideas for any age!
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-physical-disabilities/3775-ergonic-pens-and-pencils-for-students/
Bright Hub Education is a helpful website when you are looking for AT for any age. when you click on the link above you will see tabs running the length of the page that indicate different age groups, each of which contain Assistive Technology that best fits that age group. Ergonomic pens and pencils make writing easier for children who have disabilities that make holding a standard pen or pencil difficult. There are different styles of these writing devices are available to meet a child's individual needs.
Some children with disabilities are not able to hold a standard pen or pencil. Others may be able to hold a standard pen or pencil but may have a great deal of difficulty using the pen or pencil to write. Ergonomic pens and pencils are designed to be easier for the child to hold and utilize. They come in different weights and shapes. Some of the different characteristics that they utilize are heavy weighted pens which can help children with coordination difficulties write. Fatter pens and pencils may be easier to grip. Writing utensils with rubber grips are easier to hold on to. Some children may find large pens and pencils easier to hold and grip. Other children may find small pens and pencils easier to hold and grip. Allow your child to experiment with various writing devices, so they can determine which one is most suitable for them. Also encourage your child experiment to hold the writing utensils in different ways. There are section in the Bright Hub Education that list some popular models which is always a nice place to start.
Ergonomic Pens and Pencils written by: Rose Kivi 9/3/2011
Bright Hub Education is a helpful website when you are looking for AT for any age. when you click on the link above you will see tabs running the length of the page that indicate different age groups, each of which contain Assistive Technology that best fits that age group. Ergonomic pens and pencils make writing easier for children who have disabilities that make holding a standard pen or pencil difficult. There are different styles of these writing devices are available to meet a child's individual needs.
Some children with disabilities are not able to hold a standard pen or pencil. Others may be able to hold a standard pen or pencil but may have a great deal of difficulty using the pen or pencil to write. Ergonomic pens and pencils are designed to be easier for the child to hold and utilize. They come in different weights and shapes. Some of the different characteristics that they utilize are heavy weighted pens which can help children with coordination difficulties write. Fatter pens and pencils may be easier to grip. Writing utensils with rubber grips are easier to hold on to. Some children may find large pens and pencils easier to hold and grip. Other children may find small pens and pencils easier to hold and grip. Allow your child to experiment with various writing devices, so they can determine which one is most suitable for them. Also encourage your child experiment to hold the writing utensils in different ways. There are section in the Bright Hub Education that list some popular models which is always a nice place to start.
Ergonomic Pens and Pencils written by: Rose Kivi 9/3/2011
Gym Class
Physical disabilities caused by Down syndrome may prevent individuals from participating in typical physical education, but adapted programs and equipment can help those afflicted enjoy a physically active life. The link below provides you with information on creating adaptive physical equipment for children with Down syndrome. Equipment that can help with body awareness, balance, calorie burning and more. It also provides you with links to other articles that will provide you with more information on how to help your child become more involved in gym class.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5831978_adaptive-education-equipment-down_s-syndrome.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5831978_adaptive-education-equipment-down_s-syndrome.html
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists who work with children have education and training in child development, neurology, medical conditions, psychosocial development, and therapeutic techniques. Occupational therapists focus on the child's ability to master skills for independence. This can include:
http://www.ds-health.com/occther.htm
- self care skills (feeding, dressing, grooming etc.)
- fine and gross motor skills
- skills related to school performance (eg: printing, cutting etc.)
- play and leisure skills
http://www.ds-health.com/occther.htm