An Introduction to Assistive Technology

Transcription

1 An Introduction to Assistive Technology Presented by: Leonard McPherson, Phoenix Therapeutic Services Debra Haydel, Assistive Technology Program for DC January 29,

2 Training Agenda Objectives Assistive Technology Overview Adult Transition and the Law Assistive Technology for All Hands-On Demonstrations and Discussion 2

3 Training Objectives Participants will gain a basic understanding of assistive technology as it is utilized by individuals with disabilities in different environments. Participants will gain hands-on experience with a variety of AT devices Participants will increase access to AT resources and tools for continued supports 3

4 Assistive Technology Programs Authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 All US states, territories and districts Objective is to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology AT demonstration centers, loan programs, reuse and financial loan activities 4

5 Services provided by the Assistive Technology Program for the District of Columbia District of Columbia Assistive Technology Resource Center Receive demonstrations and gain information on a wide variety of assistive technology devices District of Columbia Disability Equipment Recycling Program (DC Shares) Recycles new and used durable medical equipment to seniors and persons with disabilities Assistive Technology Device Loan Program Borrow and try out assistive technology devices before purchase or for short-term needs Assistive Technology Financial Loan Program Low-interest loans for seniors and individuals with disabilities Outreach Information, needs assessments, trainings, technical assistance and public awareness Administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the District of Columbia Department on Disability Services and University Legal Services

6 Devices Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (AT Act of 1998, as amended) Services Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device (AT Act of 1998, as amended) 6

7 Sensory Aids Vision, Hearing Computer Access Hardware and Software Learning Disabilities Software and Devices Speech Communication Aids to Daily Living Mobility Aids / Seating and Positioning Environmental Control Systems Vehicle modification and transportation Architectural Modifications Recreation, sports, leisure 7

8 AT Services Consists of a comprehensive process of assessments, strategies and follow-up provided to the consumer and related to his/her adaptive equipment A successful technology intervention depends on the provision of appropriate and continual AT services 8

9 Services can include: Identification / Information Referral Assessment / Recommendations Device Trial Procurement /Fabrication Implementation Training all stakeholders Technical Assistance Re-training Maintenance Repair (as needed) Follow-up Evaluation of Effectiveness 9

10 The Power of Assistive Technology Assistive technology has the great potential of providing equal access to all AT can level the playing field 10

11 It Takes a Team The Individual Family Member/Guardian Instructors/Educational Coordinators/Specialist Medical Specialist Vocational Rehabilitation Speech Language Pathologist Occupational Therapist Physical Therapist Audiologist Assistive Technology Specialist Social worker/counselors Assistive Technology Supplier 11

12 Assistive Technology and the Law Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities of 1988 Established the Assistive Technology Programs in all states and territories to support the provision of AT Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 Entitles each student with a disability to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to meet his or her unique needs Mandates within IDEA are specific to transition AT must be considered as part of the transition process 12

13 Assistive Technology for Education, Employment and Independent Living Assistive technology can be put in place to aid in the following areas: Reading Writing and Written Composition Organizing and Learning Communication Vision Hearing Computer Access Mobility-Ease of Access Daily Living 13

14 AT for Reading and Writing Difficulty or Need Trouble understanding what is read or difficulty paying attention to the assigned reading; learning disabilities Slow reading rate; poor tracking skills Poor phonetic awareness Difficulty composing written work Possible Solution Word prediction software/apps Multisensory reading programs Electronic books with voice output software/apps Voice recognition software/apps Spelling/grammar checkers Electronic dictionaries 14

15 Scanning; convert to textto-speech; audio Word Prediction Visual/Mind Mapping Software/Apps Multi-Sensory Literacy Programs Digital Tape Recorder Notetakers Victor Reader Stream ; Books in Audio Format Tablets, Mobile Devices Apps Speech Recognition Software 15

16 AT for Organizing and Learning Difficulty or Need Possible Solution Diagnosed learning disabilities Problems with developing ideas and communicating meaning Problems with organization/concentration Poor sentence structure, spelling and grammar Multisensory reading writing programs/apps Word prediction programs/apps Graphic organizers Picture schedules; apps Electronic organizers Notetakers; recorders 16

17 Electronic Organizers, Audio Notetakers, Smart Mobile Devices and Apps Tablet + Apps SmartPen Pulse & Echo Smart Phone + Apps Voice Recorder Electronic Organizers 17

18 AT for Communication Difficulty or Need Individual demonstrates delayed receptive and/or expressive language skills Speech is not intelligible or person is nonverbal Possible Solutions Augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) Voice output devices with real or digitized speech Picture communication board/cards Eye gaze board/frame 18

19 Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices (AAC) Communication board (low-tech) Speech-Generating Device (high-tech) Speech Communication Apps (mid-tech) 19

20 AT for Vision Difficulty or Need Individual has demonstrated or documented visual impairments; low vision, blind Possible Solutions Standard magnifiers Screen magnification programs Large print documents; books Electronic magnifiers; handheld, portable, desktop Screen reading software Optical character recognition Braille notetakers Electronic books 20

21 Hardware Portable Electronic Magnifier Desktop Electronic Magnifier Handheld Magnifier Handheld Electronic Magnifier Braille Notetaker Software Screen Magnification Screen Readers 21

22 AT for Hearing Hearing Difficulty or Need Individual has demonstrated or documented hearing impairment; hard of hearing, deaf Possible Solutions Hearing aids; loop system Electronic amplification systems Signaling devices Closed captioning Computer-aided transcription Sign-language interpreter 22

23 FM system Induction Loop System Text Communication One on One Video Sign Interpreting Mobile devices, PC, Dedicated Phones

24 AT for Computer Access Difficulty or Need Cannot access a desktop computer in its standard form Better gross motor than fine motor dexterity Possible Solutions Switches Voice recognition software Alternate keyboards Alternative pointing devices Key guards 24

25 Alternative Computer Access Methods Vertical Mouse Alternative Keyboards Switch Access Hand-free mouse Foot Mouse Mouthsticks Head Mouse 25

26 More Alternative Computer Access Trackball/Joystick Touch screen Mounted Tablet Foot mouse On-screen keyboard Eye gaze system 26

27 Ergonomic, Mobility Aids Sit/Stand Adjustable Desks Motorized Height Adjustable Desk 27

28 Extended Brush Pencil Grips Adapted Utensils and Dining Aids Reacher Extended Shoe Horn 28

29 Funding Assistive Technology Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) AT is made available to children with disabilities as part of public school Special Education programs. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Requires schools to furnish such student with whatever aids are necessary for them to receive an appropriate public education at no cost to the student's family. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) State rehabilitation agencies are a major funding source for assistive technology for working-age individuals with disabilities. An individualized rehabilitation plan is developed which should include any needed services including AT

30 Funding Assistive Technology Independent Living Services Under VR, assists seniors and persons with disabilities who are unable to work to function as independently as possible in their daily lives. Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Varies by state, in general, will pay for durable medical equipment (DME) if deemed medically necessary and is prescribed by a physician. Some hearing aids and some communication devices are covers. Alternative Financing Program Specially devised programs for individuals with disabilities to borrow money to purchase AT devices and services. Varies by program. 30

31 Assistive Technology Program for the District of Columbia Contact Us: DC Assistive Technology Resource Center 220 I Street, NE Suite 120 Washington, DC Phone: x 137 IP Relay: TTY: atpdc.org democenter@uls-dc.org DC Shares 1301 Belmont Street, NW Suite 1D Washington, DC Phone: Fax: TTY: Alternative Financial Loan Program 220 I Street, NE Suite 120 Washington, DC Phone: x 105 TTY: