Sunday, August 28, 2016

Assistive Technology



Blog Post#1


Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.
The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.  (Authority 20 U.S.C. 1401(1))


Examples of Low Tech Devices
Low tech devices has no electronic components, they are relatively inexpensive, and easy to care. These include: pencil grips, post its, rug locks, and tactile rulers.



Examples of Mid Tech Devices
Mid tech devices are electronic in nature, they are usually fairly inexpensive, easy to use, and require less training to use. These include: calculators, spell checks, audio books, and voice recorders.




Examples of High Tech Devices
High tech devices are based on computer technology; they require more training to operate and are usually considerably expensive. These include: Augmentative and alternative communication devices, electric wheelchairs, Screen readers, and screen magnifiers




Resources for teachers/parents on Assistive Technology
The following are helpful resources for parents and teachers on assistive technology:
U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/edpicks.jhtml)
The Department of Education provides a list of resources pertaining to the needs of children with disabilities.
NICHCY (http://nichcy.org/families-community)
NICHCY serves the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children and youth. You’ll find easy-to-read articles on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education, as well as researched-based information on effective practices, programs and services.
Child Development Institute (http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/)
Our website is designed to provide the information and tools parents need to understand their unique child/children and to enable them to help each child develop into the successful human being they were meant to be.
Through the Looking Glass (http://www.lookingglass.org/)
Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally-recognized center that has pioneered research, training and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue. Our mission is “To create, demonstrate and encourage non-pathological and empowering resources and model early intervention services for families with disability issues in parent or child which integrate expertise derived from personal disability experience and disability culture.”
PACER (http://www.pacer.org/)
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. With assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER’s work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation.
Parents Helping Parents (http://www.php.com/)
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) strives to improve the quality of life for any child with any special need of any age, through educating, supporting and training their primary caregivers.
E-Ready Special Education Information for Parents(http://www.pta.org/advocacy/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3713)
This page provides parents, as well as teachers, of children with disabilities with information on specific disabilities, a glossary of special education terms, and links to helpful resources.
AllExperts – Special Education(http://www.allexperts.com/cl2/636/education/Special-Education/)
This website allows parents to ask questions of AllExpert’s volunteer experts regarding all aspects of special education; questions and answers are available for search as well.



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