Assistive Technology
Introduction to Assistive Technology:
A great resource for students with autism is the consideration of assistive technology. Many parents, and even teachers, do not know the potential of AT. Additionally, many people are unaware that AT must be considered in the IEP process. It must not only be discussed during an initial IEP, but every yearly review thereafter. Assistive technology can be anything on a spectrum of low tech to high tech. A common example for something low tech would be a squishy pencil grip. Something like a pencil grip could be just the thing to make the act of writing possible for a struggling student. This could be a result of fine motor skills or perhaps a sensory need, but either way, the student is now given the resourced that allow them to be successful in writing. Other assistive technologies can be fairly complex and often expensive. This is often the reason that teachers and administrators choose not to consider AT for students; there is a stigma attached that suggests that it must be something expensive.
Parents of non-verbal children or children with very limited speech have found much comfort and success in items such as communication devices. An item of assistive technology that can allow a child to communicate when they previously suffered from vast frustration is something that you really can’t put a price on. We have taken the time to gather and organize a collection of resources that will be of use to you and your child. The majority of our resources can, and should be transferred to use in the classroom. Consistency in implementation is a major aspect to success of any intervention plan whether it be behavior or subject based. Additionally, a lot of the troubles that are displayed by children with autism are displayed in both home and school environments. The ideas provided here will translate well to multiple environments.
Okolo, C. (2012). AT and UDL: key ideas. Angel Online Module. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
Parents of non-verbal children or children with very limited speech have found much comfort and success in items such as communication devices. An item of assistive technology that can allow a child to communicate when they previously suffered from vast frustration is something that you really can’t put a price on. We have taken the time to gather and organize a collection of resources that will be of use to you and your child. The majority of our resources can, and should be transferred to use in the classroom. Consistency in implementation is a major aspect to success of any intervention plan whether it be behavior or subject based. Additionally, a lot of the troubles that are displayed by children with autism are displayed in both home and school environments. The ideas provided here will translate well to multiple environments.
Okolo, C. (2012). AT and UDL: key ideas. Angel Online Module. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
Velcro Visual Schedule (Low Tech)
A visual schedule will give the child a plan of what is happening and what is going to happen next. The child can visually see what they are going to do and what they are done with. Having a visual schedule can help because once done with an activity or something on the schedule, you can check it off so they realize they are done with it or even have an envelope that says done and put that piece in the envelope.
Click for more Low- Tech Assistive Technology Tools |
Voice Output Communication Aid (Mid Tech)
Children can express themselves with putting a card that expressed how they are feeling and then it will give a "simple" voice output. many students with Autism are very motivated to use this device to express and communicate with others. This device has proven that it has an effective part in teaching cause and effect of language which is stimulating.
Click for more Mid-Tech Assistive Technology Tools |
Touch Video (High Tech)
The touch window tools allows the child to interact and navigate with the computer using the touch screen and not a mouse. The screen is easily put on the computer, which is over the screen. The touch screen lets the student touch the screen to activate what they see and would want to choose instead of using the mouse that is usually provided.
Click for more High Tech Assistive Technology Tools
Click for more High Tech Assistive Technology Tools
Homemade Assistive Technology
This website is a great website for teachers and maybe even parents to look at when they are trying to create tools to make students’ lives easier. There are many different assistive technologies from a cardholder, things to help children hold mouses, easier ways to hold writing utensils. Students with autism often have a hard time with tactile tasks so these are tools that can help them. The great thing about all of these tools is that they are handmade and you can make them from materials lying around you house or school.
Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)
This is an example of an assistive technology that helps children communicate what they are trying to say. It is a small device that helps children with their vocabulary. It is a great tool because it helps
Inspiration
If you are looking for a touching implementation of assistive technology, please follow the link below to see the story of a boy named Lukas and his dream to play the euphonium