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Understanding Assistive Technology: Simply Said

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Assistive Technology is usually referred as AT 

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Assistive Technology is usually referred as AT 

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AT is  a type of accommodation that helps students with disabilities obtain access to the content they are learning in the classroom. There are two independent aspects that make-up AT there are devices and services. The devices themselves mean the literal device such as a computer, hearing aid, pencil grip these are physical pieces of equipment that are used to help support the student. The services are used to help the student learn how to use the device, fix the device, help support teachers and anything that is needed to ensure the devices are used correctly.

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No-Technology:
-Pencil Grips
-Slant Board
-White Board
-Velcro for page turners

Lite-Technology:
-Calculator
-Portable Spell Checker
-Voice Output Device (Go-Talks)

High-Technology
-Computers
-Voice Output Device (Vantage Lite)
-Wheelchair
-Hearing Aid

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AAC stands for Augmentative and alternative communication devices. These are devices that help people communicate who have difficulty speaking.
Some Examples:
-iPad/Tablet
-Communication Book
-Tobii Dynavox Mobile

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Helping people to connect, learn, and participate by providing high quality individualized assistive and interactive learning solutions

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Link Assistive: Assistive technology designed for user experience

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We offer intuitive assistive technology (Tobii Dynavox) products. Designed to enhance user experience of people with physical and cognitive impairment.

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Reading: Learn more about Assistive Technology 

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Reading: Learn more about Assistive Technology 

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Reading: Advocate for your child's needs during Distance Learning 

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Reading: Advocate for your child's needs during Distance Learning 

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As you and your child settle into the new routine this fall, whether your child is attending school virtually, in-person but physically distanced, or some combination of the two, you may find that your child needs new or different assistive technology (AT) for support. When this AT is necessary to enable your child to access a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE), it is the responsibility of your Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 team to include the AT in your child's plan, and it is the responsibility of your local educational agency (LEA) to provide that technology ( read about how LEAs fund AT).

Advocacy and Informational Resources for Parents of Children with Disabilities

Getting your school-age child the AT they need through an IEP or 504 plan can be a challenging process in the best of times, but with the entire education system in upheaval due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the process may be even more complicated now.

To help you understand your child's rights and advocate for your child effectively, we've rounded up a few resources. These organizations have information and resources available online, and some can directly help with your advocacy needs - whether you're trying to acquire new assistive technology, or set up any other education-related supports your student needs.

The Arc of Pennsylvania - provides resources and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They have posted a recording of a detailed webinar hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) (also available on the PEAL Center's website) called "Students with IEPs and the 2020-21 School Year: What Families in PA Need to Know." You can also visit their COVID-19 resource page, which includes sections on education.

The Arc of Philadelphia - provides advocacy for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their parents in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties. Learn more about their child advocacy services.

Disability Rights Pennsylvania - provides information, referral to other organizations, advocacy, and legal action to help people with disabilities who are experiencing problems or have questions related to their disability, including the areas of education and assistive technology. They have a COVID-19 Announcements and Resources page with a section on education.

The Education Law Center - advocates for access to school and needed services on behalf of underserved students, including children with disabilities. They have a 2020 Back To School Guide for Pennsylvania Public School Students that includes a section on students with disabilities and accessing supports and services through IEPs and 504 plans.

HUNE - provides free bilingual English and Spanish training, technical assistance and individual assistance to families of children with disabilities on all aspects of special education and supports. They are currently hosting a series of special education intensive trainings for parents and their website lists a variety of resources.

PaTTAN - an initiative of the Bureau of Special Education in Pennsylvania that helps build capacity of local education agencies to serve students with disabilities. They have a page devoted to COVID 19 Pandemic Support for Education.

The PEAL Center - provides education and advocacy for families, youth, and young adults with disabilities. Their website has a wealth of information, including the same webinar mentioned above from PDE as well as a list of resources shared during the webinar in both English and Spanish. They also have an entire page dedicated to the 2020-2021 school year and resources related to COVID-19.

A Few Final Words of Wisdom

Our staff members who are parents of children with disabilities shared a few final insights:
Build Your Own Support Network
"If I wasn't able to check in with another parent or a trusted teacher and get either help or validation about the madness of trying to virtually support my child right now, I think I would have given up. It's really important to have people you can check in with to be able to feel empowered so you can go back out there and do what you need to do to help get your child what they need." - Bonaia Rosado
Remember These Systems Exist for Your Child's Benefit - Use Them!
"You have to assume that you are your child's only advocate, and you have to be their biggest advocate, because sometimes it feels like the system is trying to give you the bare minimum. But in the end, these systems are in place for your child's benefit - it is your child's right to have a free, appropriate, public education. So don't give up! Gather the information and support you need to get your child the support they need!" - Sarah Love
PATF Can Help
"Our borrower Lindsey said it best, 'After going through all the stress with doctors, DME suppliers, and insurance... PATF was a true blessing.' Her daughter Maci needed an iPad for at-home use, and Lindsey was running in circles trying to find funding and she felt she was running out of time. Our loans are available with no fees and with no- or low-interest. We work hard to keep the process straightforward and fast and to combine funding resources whenever possible to lower the cost of the loan. We know the difference the right assistive technology can make in a young person's life, and we want to help people get it." - Susan Tachau

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Back to School in COVID-19: Advocacy Resources for Parents on Getting Your Child the AT They Need Right Now | Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation

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As you and your child settle into the new routine this fall, whether your child is attending school virtually, in-person but physically distanced, or some combination of the two, you...

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West Contra Costa Unified School District in California

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Special Education / Assistive Technology

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Resources for Spanish-Speaking Families (Recursos en Espanol para familias) 

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Resources for Spanish-Speaking Families (Recursos en Espanol para familias) 

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An example of someone using AT to help them communicate!

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Assistive Technology in Action - Meet Elle

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Why is it important for you to know about assistive technology?

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Why is it important for you to know about assistive technology?

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It is important because
assistive technology can be a powerful tool for your child. It can compensate for all types of
motor limitations, difficulties with vision, or hearing loss. It can compensate for less obvious
problems with reading or writing or memory. (Reed and Bowser, 2012)

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Tips for getting started to talk about At for your child: 

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Tips for getting started to talk about At for your child: 

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To start the conversation, talk with your child’s teacher and try to determine if he or she is familiar with assistive technology. Ask how
assistive technology is being used in your child’s classroom and ask to see some examples. One of three things will happen: 1) the teacher will show you several things that are being used in the classroom or in the school, 2) the teacher
will refer you to another professional who may take the lead role in the provision of assistive
technology, or 3) the teacher may not have any information about assistive technology. If you
get a “3” type of response, ask who in the school or agency is familiar with assistive technology. (Bowser and Reed 2012)

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Resources on:
-Early Childhood Supports
-Post-Secondary Transitions
-Tips on how to help your child
-Examples of AT

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PACER is the Minnesota Parent Training and Information Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs

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Webinars + Information

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Center on Technology and Disability (CTD)

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Family members are a child's first and most enduring teachers. Learning more about assistive technology devices and services can help you support your children in reaching their full potential. You will be able to better advocate for them during IEP meetings and to help them participate fully in school and in the community. AT devices can be invaluable to your children in completing classroom activities and homework, and in having a positive, inclusive school experience. Thank you for being here!

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speech and language assistive technology

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Family members are a child's first and most enduring teachers. Learning more about assistive technology devices and services can help you support your children in reaching their full potential. You will be able to better advocate for them during IEP meetings and to help them participate fully in school and in the community.

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Explore: Apps you can purchase/download for your child to help support them 

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Explore: Apps you can purchase/download for your child to help support them 

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Can be found on Apple App store or Google Play
-Touch Trainer
-Pictello
-TapTapSee
-Proloquo2G0

Example: TapTapSee
This app can be used to support learners who are visually impaired or blind and that helps them be aware of their surroundings. They can use this app to take a picture of what they would like to be described.

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Hard of Hearing Services

Evaluating the student’s need for a device

Buying, leasing, or acquiring the device

Selecting, fitting, adapting, repairing, or replacing the device as needed

Coordinating all the needed services for a student who uses a device (e.g., therapies, education)

Providing training or technical assistance to the student, family, teachers, or others involved in the use of the device

Taken from IRIS Module: Assistive Technology

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Go through this module and learn about services and devices and the purpose of AT

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This module offers an overview of assistive technology (AT) with a focus on students with high-incidence disabilities such as learning disabilities and ADHD. It explores the consideration process, implementation, and evaluation of AT for these students (est. completion time: 2.5 hours).

Work through the sections of this module in the order presented in the STAR graphic above.

Related to this module

Copyright 2023 Vanderbilt University. All rights reserved.

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This module offers an overview of assistive technology (AT) with a focus on students with high-incidence disabilities such as learning disabilities and ADHD. It explores the consideration process, implementation, and evaluation of AT for these students (est. completion time: 2.5 hours). Work through the sections of this module in the order presented in the STAR graphic above.

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Reading: Supporting students who use AT 

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Reading: Supporting students who use AT 

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"Implementing assistive technologies in the classroom gives students of all abilities a voice in their education" (Castelo)

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Technology Solutions That Drive Education

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This is just one example of how technology can give students who think and learn differently a more personalized and accessible learning experience.

Referred to as assistive technology, these tools are "any type of equipment or software that helps people to work around the challenges they have, whether that be with learning, communication or mobility," explains Kara Ball, an elementary science and STEM education specialist for Baltimore City Public Schools and a special education expert at Understood, a nonprofit organization providing support for people with disabilities and their families.

But what types of assistive technology tools are out there? And how can educators best use them in a modern learning environment to help students of all abilities reach their full potential?
MORE ON EDTECH: Read about the 2020 ed tech trends that focus on equity and tech accessibility.
Examples of Assistive Technology in the Classroom

Nearly 7 million students in the U.S. - almost 14 percent of all students - received special education in the 2017-2018 school year under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Department of Education.

To ensure those services are provided and that instruction is inclusive of all learners, school districts are increasingly integrating assistive technology tools in general education classrooms.

Ball categorizes them into two areas: high tech and low tech. High tech refers to devices or equipment with digital or electronic components, such as augmentative communication devices, alternative keyboards and power wheelchairs. It also includes software or built-in accessibility features on devices such as text to speech, word prediction and optical character recognition. Low tech refers to simple adaptive tools such as timers, graphic organizers and flexible furniture.

"Assistive technology really gives students the ability to access grade-level content and allows them to be independent," Ball says.
Discover how immersive technology sparks critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.
Adopting Assistive Technology in a Modern Learning Environment

As schools increasingly embrace modern learning environments and integrate technology into classrooms and the curriculum, they must also be mindful about potential barriers of technology in special education.

Here are a few ways educators can use digital tools in the classroom to meet the individual needs of their students and help them through learning challenges:

For students who are blind or visually impaired: Today, many devices such as Google Chromebooks come with audiovisual assistance. For example, Chromebooks have a built-in screen reader called ChromeVox, which reads content out loud for users on the Chrome browser. Chromebooks also have features that make on-screen content easier to read, such as screen magnifiers, high-contrast mode and select-to-speak. Teachers can also plug in or pair a Braille keyboard with Bluetooth if students need Braille support. Popular cloud-based applications such as G Suite for Education and Microsoft Office 365 also have dictation capabilities, allowing students to type by using their voice.

For students who are deaf or hard of hearing: Ball says she uses FM systems - wireless devices that directly transmit sounds to a hearing aid - to communicate clearly with students who have hearing loss, even in a noisy classroom. For teachers using video technology in the classroom, there are educational apps such as Flipgrid with closed-caption features, as well as videoconferencing tools such as Microsoft Teams, which comes with live captioning and subtitles.

For students with speech disabilities: Speech-to-text software and word prediction tools can assist students with speech disabilities in communicating with their teachers and peers. For example, Office 365 applications have Dictate, an AI-enabled add-in that allows students to speak into a microphone and have their speech converted into text on the computer.

For students with learning, cognitive and developmental disabilities: Besides creating VR experiences for students with autism, tools such as memory aids, audio books and text-to-speech systems are especially helpful for students who need assistance with learning, attention and organization. One particular tool is Microsoft's Immersive Reader, which was specifically designed to support students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. With the Immersive Reader, students can have text read out loud and broken into syllables - even in other languages. Microsoft's Tell Me feature allows students to access commands on Office 365 applications without having to remember them. There are also downloadable fonts such as OpenDyslexic, which can enhance readability and reading speed for students with dyslexia, Ball says. Plus, there are handy smart tools such as the Livescribe Echo Smartpen, which acts as an all-in-one microphone, speaker and storage device.

For students who need mobility assistance: One way teachers can optimize their classrooms for all students is by adopting flexible furniture, a key component of a modern learning environment. Standing desks, wobble stools and even exercise balls give students more freedom and comfort to move around in the classroom, Ball says. Another example is having students use interactive displays or touch-screen monitors if they aren't physically able to use a keyboard or computer mouse.

With assistive technology, schools can create more inclusive classrooms and empower students with disabilities to participate in the general education curriculum.

"If I'd had any of those options available to me, I probably would have been a very different student," says Ball, who has dyslexia and dyscalcula. "Being able to give students these resources to help them be independent is really the benefit of these technologies."

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Assistive Technology in The Classroom Empowers Students with Disabilities

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Assistive technology (AT) is available to help individuals with many types of disabilities. Learn how assistive technology gives students a voice in their education.

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Reading: Making your classroom INCLUSIVE! 

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Reading: Making your classroom INCLUSIVE! 

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Read about ways to make your classroom inclusive for all students

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Assistive Technology in Inclusive Classrooms

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Assistive technology is any device that supports the independence of a person with a disability. Assistive technology can be something very simple and low-cost such as pencil grips or text highlighters, or something more sophisticated, such as a computer station with speech-to-text tools. Find many…

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Videos: Other Educators Perspective in incorporating AT in their classroom! 

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Videos: Other Educators Perspective in incorporating AT in their classroom! 

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Watch these videos (Spanish Available) on teacher's point of view

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Video: A Teacher's View of Assistive Technology

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In this video, teachers of students with a range of learning needs discuss the ways in which assistive technology can help. (In English and Spanish)

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Reading: Advocating for your students ! 

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Reading: Advocating for your students ! 

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Students have complex, varying needs - some of which they can voice for themselves, some of which may be less visible or difficult to meet. While many students are becoming champions of articulating and fighting for their own needs (often, with the help of supportive teachers!) they often ultimately need adults to advocate for them. Educators are in a unique position to both identify and understand student needs and...

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Students have complex, varying needs - some of which they can voice for themselves, some of which may be less visible or difficult to meet. While many students are becoming champions of articulating and fighting for their own needs (often, with the help of supportive teachers!)

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Reading: More on Advocating for students! 

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Reading: More on Advocating for students! 

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Share This: `

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) refers to both tools and services that facilitate access to grade-level curriculum for students with disabilities. Access to the curriculum means that students are able to take in and understand the material being taught in school, understand and complete assignments, and demonstrate what they have learned.

An AT tool is a physical device that "is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." It can be a device that is available commercially "off the shelf," and it can also be a device or software that has been modified or customized to meet the specific needs of a student. An AT service is "any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (https://ectacenter.org).

AT is the bridge that provides an entry point to the content (the information that students need to understand and learn) that cannot otherwise be accessed. AT tools and services are used when a student cannot access the traditional curriculum independently. Until a student with dyslexia has received sufficient intervention to be reading and writing at grade level, he or she will need assistance in accessing grade-level content. This access is essential, as it minimizes gaps in knowledge that will result if grade-level content is too difficult for the student to read and comprehend without the technology.

AT tools can include specialized physical devices and equipment as well as computers and software. Examples include the following:

text-to-speech devices that read text to a student;

speech-to-text devices that allow students to dictate what they want to write and then types it for them; and

spelling, grammar, and vocabulary support options (part of most word processing programs) or web extensions or "plug-ins" that can be added to a web browser that can assist with grammar, word choice, and sentence structure.

AT services should be provided along with AT tools to select and use the tools effectively. Examples of AT services include the following:

evaluation procedures;

selection and customization of devices;

the development of plans to integrate AT tools with other aspects of the student's educational program; and

training for students and professionals who work with the student.

How is AT different from Instructional Technology?

Instructional Technology (IT) is technology that is designed to provide additional practice and exposure to educational content, and it's often available for all students. An example of IT is an app that provides additional practice for a particular skill, such as learning the states and capitals or reviewing multiplication facts. IT can be very useful for students with learning disabilities, but it is often available to students without disabilities as well. AT is uniquely critical for students with disabilities, to provide the same access to the curriculum that other students have.

How are AT services obtained?

The consideration of AT services for a student with an active IEP is required by law. The laws have been rewritten and reworded since 1975 and have had a variety of names. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), originally created in 1997 and last updated in 2006, explicitly stated "school districts were required to consider the need for assistive technology whenever a child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) was developed." As of 2011, IDEA applies to children ages birth to three years old, as well as school-aged children ( https://ectacenter.org/topics/atech/laws.asp). For more details on AT and the law, please go to www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/Legal-Mandates-for-Assistive-Technology.aspx.

The forms associated with an IEP vary from state to state, but the wording that relates to AT will generally be a variation of the following:

OR

Before an IEP meeting, the parent and/or caregiver should find the section referring to AT in the IEP and highlight it. During the IEP meeting, if the team does not offer it, insist that an AT evaluation be conducted to determine if AT services are needed for the student to access grade-level curriculum.

Implementation of AT services

Once the AT evaluation has been completed, the team must reconvene to determine appropriate tools and services and plan for their implementation. It is essential that these steps take place only after the SETT framework has been considered.

SETT stands for Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools (Zabala). The order of this acronym is essential as the following three factors should be considered first: 1) S: the strengths and challenges of the student; 2) E: the environment in which the student needs to complete the work; 3) T: the task the student needs to complete. Only after considering the first three factors should the team decide on 4) T: the tools or services needed. At times, a school district may want to suggest a specific tool because it is available within the district already, but it is essential to start with the student's specific needs and only decide on tools and services after discussing the student's strengths and challenges, the environment and the tasks to be completed. The types of tools and services that are readily available within the district may be different than what the student needs.

In addition to using the SETT framework, the tools chosen must "support achievement of goals and progress in the general curriculum (." Each tool must take into consideration the unique needs of the student and it is important to identify a way to measure and observe whether the AT device is working as intended (www.qiat.org).

It's also critical to ensure that use of the tool is helping the student meet his or her IEP goal(s). The IEP should be written with specific, measurable criteria to assess whether this is occurring.

Advocates should insist on transparent data collection and set a date to review this data to assess the effectiveness of the tool.

Rather than requesting a specific brand (for example: an iPad) make sure to write the features that are needed within the technological tool to support the learning goal.

Engage a a qualified AT specialist do the AT evaluation.

If the school does not have an AT specialist on its faculty, they must contract with an outside provider.

The school district pays for the evaluation and any tools or services needed as determined by the AT evaluation. The law states in Section 300.105 "that the school system is responsible for addressing assistive technology when it is required as a part of the student's special education services, related services, or supplementary aids and services. Use of school-provided assistive technology is not limited to the school setting" (www.gpat.org).

Follow the SETT framework.

Determine who will capture data about the effectiveness of tools and services, when the data will be collected, and the environments in which the data will be collected.

Once an AT plan has been put into place, it is important to set a time to reconvene to discuss how the tool(s) are working. Make sure to get feedback from the student, as well as the teacher(s) and parent(s). Make sure to discuss whether proper training for use of the tool was provided, review the data on effectiveness, and alter the AT plan as needed.

If a school states that it cannot provide an AT evaluation or any type of AT support, refer to the resource entitled " Strategies for Assistive Technology Negotiations " by Dave Edyburn, Ph.D. If the building principal will not comply, go directly to the director of special education at the district level.

AT provides an access point to the curriculum that is essential for students who have learning challenges. All students, including those with disabilities, have the right to access the information being taught in school and to demonstrate what they have learned, and AT can be the key to making that happen.

When advocating for AT, it is essential that communication is open, clear, and transparent. Although advocating for a student can be stressful and challenging, obtaining services that will facilitate access to grade-level curriculum is vital.
https://osepideasthatwork.org/node/121 https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics https://www.edutopia.org/article/assistive-technology-resources https://www.atia.org/at-resources/what-is-at/ http://www.joyzabala.com/ The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) thanks Nanci Shepardson for her assistance in the preparation of this fact sheet.
© Copyright 2020. The International Dyslexia Association (IDA). For copyright information, please click here. IDA encourages the reproduction and distribution of this fact sheet. If portions of the text are cited, appropriate reference must be made. Fact sheets may not be reprinted for the purpose of resale.

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How to Advocate for Assistive Technology Tools and Services - International Dyslexia Association

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Share This: ` What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology (AT) refers to both tools and services that facilitate access to grade-level curriculum for students with disabilities. Access to the curriculum means that students are able to take in and understand the material being taught in school, understand and complete assignments, and demonstrate what they have learned.

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Tips on Helping Students and Families:

Write a letter to a politician advocating for support in funding

Be in close communication with parents/families

Join Webinars and be educated

Ask Questions!

Check-in with the Student

Make your classroom inclusive

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Tips on how to help students who may have socio-emotional needs due to a disability

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When kids are diagnosed with a learning disability we naturally worry about how it will affect their school performance. What we often don't think about, but should, is how having a learning disability may affect children emotionally.

Not all kids with a learning disability become frustrated, sad, or anxious, but it is pretty common for kids to go through at least some period of emotional struggle. It isn't easy for children when they see themselves falling behind their peers at school. Even if they pretend that they don't notice or care, struggling in school can be a demoralizing experience. Here are some signs that kids might be struggling emotionally:

Lowered self-esteem

Increased anxiety, particularly in academic situations

Increased sadness or irritability

Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches

Reduced motivation

Some of the signs, like crying or worrying, can be obvious, while others, like acting out, are more frequently misunderstood. Laura Phillips, PsyD, a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute, explains the dynamic. "Sometimes kids would rather be the 'bad' kid than the 'dumb' kid, or they'd rather be the class clown. They're either trying to divert attention away from their academic struggles or they're trying to have the 'I don't care' attitude as a way of saving face."

In addition to getting kids help for a learning issue-strengthening skills and finding strategies that play to their strengths-parents should think about the emotional needs of a child. If you see signs that your child is struggling, try to understand what specifically is troubling him. Below are the three most common reasons why kids with a learning disability might feel bad, and what to do about them.

This is a particularly big one during the period before a child has received a diagnosis. Children often notice if they aren't learning at the same pace as the other kids, and can assume it is because they just aren't smart. Unfortunately kids can keep believing they aren't smart even after they are diagnosed with a learning disability.
What to do:

Make sure your child understands what a learning disability is."Kids might not know, but by definition a learning disability means that a student is of at least average intelligence," explains Dr. Phillips. In fact a learning disability is identified when an expert recognizes that a child is not performing up to her natural ability in a particular area. Hearing explicitly that a learning disability has nothing to do with intelligence can be very meaningful to kids.

Talk it through. Ideally you, your child, and whoever is working with your child should talk about the learning disability together. Sometimes parents think kids won't understand, but a learning expert can help you find developmentally appropriate language to use.

Think about the messages you are sending. Children are very sensitive to their parents' emotions, and if they sense that you are uncomfortable with their diagnosis, or that you think that having a learning disability is a bad thing, they will probably feel the same way.

Examine your own feelings. Because learning disabilities in children can be genetic, sometimes seeing a child struggling can also bring back difficult memories for parents, or make them feel guilty. You may want to schedule a separate appointment to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your child's provider. The best way to help your child feel more positive is if you start feeling positive, too.

The last thing most kids want is to look different from their friends. So when kids get pulled out of class for tutoring or called on by the teacher for something they're afraid they can't deliver, they may feel embarrassed and singled out. These experiences day after day can damage a child's self-esteem and make her dread going to school.
What to do:

Ask teachers to be sensitive to how kids are feeling. Dr. Phillips says that she sometimes works with schools to help teachers understand how a particular student's learning disability is impacting him emotionally. When a child is very anxious about reading, for example, she has advised teachers to wait for him to raise his hand and offer to read instead of calling on him blindly. If his teacher needs to assess his oral reading because it's part of the curriculum, it might be better to do that privately. Students and teachers can also work out a subtle signal the student can use when he needs help or feels himself getting too frustrated.

Single kids out for praise, too. Kids who are struggling in school may feel like they are mostly getting negative attention. When teachers make a special effort to give kids positive attention for the things that they are doing right-even little things-it can improve their mood and confidence. Dr. Phillips notes this is also a powerful technique for teachers to use with a child who tends to act out to divert attention.

Find the right academic environment. Sometimes kids feel like they stick out because they need more assistance than they are currently getting. Work with the school and your child's provider to consider what his needs are and if they are being met. He may need more accommodations, a different kind of tutoring, or even a change of school. Dr. Phillips notes that there are some specialized schools that offer remedial support in school as part of an individualized curriculum rather than making it a separate after-school activity. These schools may also be better prepared to support each child's specific social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Unfortunately, learning disabilities in children often means that kids need to work harder than their peers. This might mean spending more time on homework, going to tutoring, and working with an educational therapist. Spending so much time focusing on something that is challenging for them can leave kids feeling frustrated and resentful. It can also lead to waning motivation in school.
What to do:

Remember that success breeds success. It is important to set kids up for success-not failure-as much as possible. Teachers, therapists, and parents should consciously set modest, achievable goals that children can work towards meeting. When a child sees proof that she is making progress she will be more motivated to continue putting forth that extra effort.

Find their talent. This is possibly the most important thing you can do for a child who has a learning disability. You don't need to find her "passion," or the thing she will do for the rest of her life-most kids won't end up being professional athletes or ballet dancers-but every child has a talent. Find something that your child feels good about doing, and that gives her a sense of mastery and accomplishment, and give her time to practice it. As her talent grows so will her confidence, self-esteem, and overall happiness.

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Supporting the Emotional Needs of Kids With Learning Disabilities - Child Mind Institute

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When kids are diagnosed with a learning disability we naturally worry about how it will affect their school performance. What we often don't think about, but should, is how having a learning disability may affect children emotionally.

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Speaking up for yourself helps you get what you want and need.

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Assistive technology (AT) is anything that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities and independence of persons with disabilities, aging populations, and people with non-communicable diseases. AT enables people to live healthy, productive, and dignified lives, and promotes inclusion and participation in education, the labor market, and civic life.

AT comes in many shapes and sizes and for a variety of individuals; in fact, more than two billion people around the world are expected to need at least one assistive product by 2030. Some may associate wheelchairs, hearing aids, glasses, and prosthetic devices with AT, which are all accurate representations. However, some other commonly used, but overlooked examples include spell checkers and autocorrect, voice recognition, iPads and tablets, braille displays, text apps, audio books, automatic soap dispensers, and systems designed to remotely control appliances.

AT is everywhere and can range from no and low-tech solutions to high tech solutions to fit the diverse needs of the human experience.

Services

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Assistive technology (AT) is anything that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities and independence of persons with disabilities, aging populations, and people with non-communicable diseases. AT enables people to live healthy, productive, and dignified lives, and promotes inclusion and participation in education, the labor market, and civic life.

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We all need HELP!

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The National Center for Learning Disabilities

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Best FREE Assistive Technology for Students

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Introduction to Assistive Technology (AT) - Low, Mid, and High Tech

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"We are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with diverse abilities by helping them discover their voice and realize their dreams" (REACH Website)

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REACH: Resource for Education, Advocacy, Communication, and Housing

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REACH offers comprehensive, personalized support for people with disabilities, including communication, education, and housing assistance, in Los Angeles, California.

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Resource (Recurso) in Spanish (en Espanol) 

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Resource (Recurso) in Spanish (en Espanol) 

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El término "tecnología asistiva", acuñado en los Estados Unidos, y que en nuestro país recibe designaciones tan diversas como tecnología de ayuda, tecnología de apoyo o tecnología rehabilitadora, por citar algunos, hace referencia a toda ayuda técnica o tecnológica (utensilios, dispositivos, equipos) que busca incrementar, mantener o mejorar las capacidades funcionales de las personas con discapacidad, potenciando su autonomía, facilitando su integración social y mejorando su calidad de vida. Estos dispositivos abarcan desde herramientas muy sencillas (como las destinadas a simplificar, por ejemplo, las tareas de alimentación, vestido o aseo) hasta equipos extremadamente complejos basados en entornos inteligentes o en la más innovadora ingeniería biomédica. Reemplazando, complementando o aumentando los recursos de la persona discapacitada, estas ayudas constituyen un elemento decisivo para normalizar sus condiciones de vida y la interacción en los ámbitos educativo, familiar, laboral y social.

En el campo de las comunicación específicamente, son innegables las ventajas que aporta la tecnología asistiva tanto en el ámbito del diagnóstico como de la rehabilitación, del aprendizaje y de la adaptación a la vida cotidiana y ocupacional. Personas con problemas motores, sensoriales o cognitivos, plurideficiencias o incluso alto grado de discapacidad pueden, a través de las muchas formas de comunicación aumentativa y alternativa, ya sea sin ayuda (lenguajes de signos, habla signada o bimonal, por ejemplo) o con ayuda (que abarca desde sencillos dispositivos, como cuadernos personalizados, por ejemplo, a otros más complejos como programas informáticos capaces de sintetizar texto a voz o hardware adaptado (ratones, emuladores de ratón, teclados especiales y virtuales, varillas, pulsadores, etc.) que funciona aprovechando cualquier remanente motor (cabeza, pies, boca, etc.), compensar discapacidades que, en los casos más dramáticos, podrían condenarles al silencio.

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El término "tecnología asistiva", acuñado en los Estados Unidos, y que en nuestro país recibe designaciones tan diversas como tecnología de ayuda, tecnología de apoyo o tecnología rehabilitadora, por citar algunos, hace referencia a toda ayuda técnica o tecnológica (utensilios, dispositivos, equipos) que busca incrementar, mantener o mejorar las capacidades funcionales de las personas con discapacidad, potenciando su autonomía, facilitando su integración social y mejorando su calidad de vida.

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Ejemplos de tipo de tecnologia asistiva

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Destacamos algunos ejemplos de productos de apoyo, si estáis interesados en enviarnos información de vuestros artículos o servicios, podeis enviarnos vuestras recomendaciones a nuestro contactar: discapnet@ilunion.com

Silla-grua
La silla de ruedas con grúa de transferencia incorporada es un producto que facilita las labores de higiene personal, proporciona una mayor seguridad en el movimiento de transferencia y favorece la autonomía del/la usuario/a. En definitiva, nuestro producto de apoyo mejora la calidad de vida del/la usuario/a y de los/as cuidadores/as.

Chip para parapléjicos.
Creado por científicos británicos, es un pequeño dispositivo implantable que libera impulsos eléctricos para ayudar a personas paralizadas a ejercitarse. Se coloca entre los nervios espinales donde libera impulsos eléctricos.

Silla de ruedas robótica Chiba
Las ruedas tienen una limitación importante, los obstáculos aparentemente triviales como un bordillo o incluso el alféizar de una puerta pueden ser tan insuperables como una pared de ladrillos. La silla de ruedas robótica Chiba soluciona este problema al equipar la silla con cuatro ruedas con motor independiente montadas en cinco ejes. Estos ejes actúan como una suspensión para las ruedas, pero cuando las ruedas encuentran un obstáculo, se produce una transformación.

Las ruedas tienen sensores a su lado que escanean el obstáculo. Si girar no es una opción, los ejes se mueven y se convierten en patas, mientras que las ruedas actúan como pies. Sin embargo, hay más que eso, para evitar que la silla arroje sin ceremonias a su pasajero al suelo.

phantom
Mediante una combinación de escenarios de realidad virtual unidos a un dedo-robot este sistema - utilizado primero en las operaciones quirúrgicas a distancia - permite sentir el tacto de los objetos representados informáticamente. Ahora se ha diseñado de tal forma que le permite a un ciego apreciar si una estructura es cóncava o convexa, o conocer la textura o el grosor de una pieza.

'COT', el software que te permite hablar con tus electrodomésticos
Botpartner, una de las empresas taiwanesas galardonadas con el Taiwan Excellence Award, ha presentado 'COT', su nuevo software para controlar hogares inteligentes a través de la voz. La startup, con el apoyo de la agencia Francesa de Taipei, mostró su producto en la Presentación Taiwán Excellence, organizada por Taitra (Consejo de Desarrollo del Comercio Exterior de Taiwán) durante el Mobile World Congress 2018. Botpartner utiliza la última tecnología de IA para mejorar los chatbots para controlar los electrodomésticos sin la necesidad de descargar diferentes aplicaciones. Un chatbot puede satisfacer todas las necesidades.

Mouse4all
Ha sido ideado, diseñado y desarrollado por dos ingenieros españoles, es una solución de accesibilidad dirigida a las personas con discapacidad física que no pueden utilizar tabletas y teléfonos táctiles Android, con solo mover una palanca con el mentón o hacer un "clic" en un pulsador con la cabeza, por ejemplo, pueden acceder a Internet, redes sociales, juegos y cualquier aplicación de un móvil o una tableta.

MoviVoz
Aplicación para manejar el puntero del ratón con la voz. Se puede usar este dispositivo solo mediante comandos de voz. Muy útil para personas con movilidad reducida que tiene la movilidad de las manos afectada, y no pueden manejar un ratón convencional.

Top Doctors App
¿Qué te sucede? Introduce tus síntomas y conoce al momento un pre diagnostico con una fiabilidad superior al 90%.
Nuestro evaluador de síntomas ha sido desarrollado por doctores y testado en el Hospital Clinic de Barcelona.
La app ofrece también un chat para que puedas compartir el resultado con el Top Doctor más adecuado para tu caso.

Dexcom G5
El sistema GCM Dexcom G5 Mobile es el primer y único sistema de monitorización remota y continua de la glucosa (CGM) aprobado para adultos y niños mayores de 2 años. Gracias a la tecnología Bluetooth integrada en el transmisor, la CGM de Dexcom G5 Mobile permite la visualización remota completa de los niveles de glucosa, de las tendencias y de los datos en su dispositivo inteligente compatible.
EmoPLAY Irisbond Primma
Herramienta digital que permite entrenar el reconocimiento de varias emociones a través de las expresiones faciales.
Mediante una webcam o cámara integrada, EmoPLAY trabaja con distintas emociones como alegría, tristeza o enfado, de manera sencilla. Tras la elección de la emoción a trabajar, y una explicación tanto de la expresión facial asociada como de una situación en la que aplicarla, el usuario debe realizar los gestos determinan esa emoción, por ejemplo, sonreír para expresar alegría, y EmoPLAY analizará automáticamente su imagen indicando si la expresión es adecuada o no.

Control de dispositivos móviles con la mirada. La empresa IRISBON, ha presentado su último desarrollo tecnológico en 4YFN, es un sistema informático que permite controlar un ordenador, de forma muy precisa y sencilla, con el movimiento de los ojos, que consiste en el control de dispositivos móviles en entorno multiplataforma a través de la webcam con el movimiento de los ojos.
Telefono para personas mayores
ZEsarUX
ZX Spectrum Fue un ordenador muy popular en los años 80. Mi programa emulador lo que hace es que es pueda ejecutar el ZX Spectrum en un ordenador tipo PC (ya sea Windows, Linux, Mac OS X o Raspberry pi), pero accesible. De tal manera que se puede jugar a juegos antiguos de ZX Spectrum en un ordenador actual. Este emulador es capaz de pasar esos textos generados por un juego de Spectrum y pasarlos a un programa de texto a voz, tal como eSpeak, balabolka o jampal (por citar solo algunos) de tal manera que una persona invidente puede jugar a juegos, mayoritariamente en aquellos llamados "aventuras conversacionales" o "aventuras de texto" en los cuales se interacciona leyendo la situación del juego y escribiendo acciones mediante el teclado.

Ayuda a las personas mayores utilizan el teléfono.
Pone en la pantalla del teléfono a las funciones básicas.
Hace la experiencia de usuario muy fácil y agradable.
Fácil acceso a las aplicaciones, accesos directos y más claros.

Dependencia
Herramienta de ayuda a cuidadores en el entorno familiar de personas con dependencia. Incluye testimonios, mas de 60 videos con consejos técnicos, información sobre servicios y prestaciones y sobre los procesos de tramitación.

ABANCA
Primera APP de banca totalmente accesible.
Desde tu Banca Móvil puedes recargar cualquier tarjeta monedero de transporte ABANCA (Transporte Metropolitano de Galicia, Vitrasa, Millennium Coruña, Milenio Ourense)
Más información en movimientos en cuentas y tarjetas. Nuevos indicadores de información adicional
Puedes solicitar cita previa en las oficinas desde la aplicación de mapas de tu Banca móvil
Mejoras de rendimiento y corrección de errores.
Podrás hacer operaciones con cuentas, tarjetas, valores. Recibir avisos de nueva transferencia, pagar recibos, recargar tarjetas monedero.

Talk Around It español
Aplicación de logopedia para ayudar a las personas con dificultades para encontrar las palabras deseadas. Talk Around It está centrada en la práctica basada en la evidencia para el tratamiento de condiciones tales como la afasia, la anomia, derrame cerebral, demencia, enfermedad de Alzheimer y el autismo no-verbal.

Primma 2.3 . Lanza nuevas actualizaciones de su softwar que permiten acceder a diferentes aplicaciones del ordenador.
Irisbond Primma 2.3 aporta a las versiones anteriores una mayor independencia, ya que introduce opciones de actualizar y realizar instalaciones con la mirada sin perder el control Es más polivalente porque se puede utilizar el ratón mientras está activado el control de la mirada. Por último, permite un mayor movimiento de la cabeza sin afectar a la precisión y mejora la facilidad de uso mediante un indicador visual en el modo de fijación.
Irisbond tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de sistemas basados en tecnologías de comunicación asistida, tales como el Eye Tracking, aplicados a sectores diversos como la discapacidad, la integración industrial o las aplicaciones científicas.

Social Diabetes. es un Producto sanitario CE Miles de personas usan Social Diabetes para gestionar su Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1 o 2. Con Social Diabetes tendrás controlada tu diabetes de forma fácil e intuitiva. Podrás recordar que comiste un día, cuanta insulina necesitaste y como estaba tu nivel de glucosa después. Podrás corregir la insulina o seguir las recomendaciones de la aplicación. Utiliza Social Diabetes para mejorar y aprender cada día de tus propios hábitos y reacciones. Nunca más olvides un control, sigue los consejos de la aplicación para evitar hipoglucemias nocturnas gracias a su sistema inteligente y personalizado para ti. Consulta las gráficas para seguir tu evolución de forma visual. Con un listado de casi 11.000 alimentos con todas sus propiedades, procedentes de las bases de datos más importantes del mundo, EEUU, UK y España.

Wappa Senior avalada por la Sociedad Española de Geriatría y Gerontología, se presenta como una solución innovadora en el campo de la geriatría. Esta aplicación permitirá a los familiares estar informados de cuestiones relativas a la vida diaria y a los cuidados que recibe o las incidencias que puedan acaecer en la persona usuaria del centro. Esta aplicación está directamente vinculada con la calidad asistencial y es el resultado de un esfuerzo compartido buscando una atención centrada en la persona. Se pretende que sea de utilidad para acercar los centros a los familiares facilitando toda la información que les pueda resultar de interés.

La misión fundamental es favorecer la relación y colaboración de las familias y personas allegadas, partiendo del conocimiento de que las personas que mantienen relaciones sociales se sienten apoyadas, viven más felices

Apps educativa para iPad y Android

Happy Geese para Android. Appically, empresa española que se dedica a desarrollar apps para personas con necesidades especiales, presenta Happy Geese para Android. Happy Geese ofrece versiones simplificadas del juego de la Oca y del juego de Escaleras y Serpientes, permitiendo así integrar a niños con autismo y dificultades diversas de aprendizaje en una actividad de ocio inclusivo en la escuela o en familia.
Happy Geese incorpora 10 tableros de diseños limpios y dificultad creciente, apoyos visuales, 9 tipos de dados (de números, colores, letras y formas) y otros elementos que permiten, a padres y educadores, adaptar el juego a las capacidades de cada niño. Así, proporciona una gran variedad de tipos de partidas, posibilitando muchas horas de diversión.
En su faceta más educativa, Happy Geese ayuda a aprender las vocales, colores, números y formas, favorece la concentración y enseña a pasarse el turno. La app ha sido creada con el apoyo de educadores y expertos en niños con necesidades especiales.
Happy Geese está disponible en las tiendas de Google Play, Amazon y Samsung. El coste de la app es de 2,30 euros.

Apps para niños Autistas iSECUENCIAS mejorada para iPad y disponible para Android. Apps educativa con historias sociales, hábitos de autonomía y emociones para niños con autismo y Asperger. La Fundación Planeta Imaginario ha lanzado una versión mejorada para iPad y la versión para Android de iSECUENCIAS. Esta app educativa para niños con autismo y Asperger permite practicar con 100 secuencias diferentes sobre situaciones cotidianas a través del personaje Tatus y sus amigos.

Ilunion Salud - Ortopedia

En Ilunion Salud ofrecemos una amplia gama de productos de apoyo y soluciones para proporcionar bienestar y calidad de vida, que ponemos a su disposición en todas nuestras ortopedias. Confeccionamos productos ortopédicos (prótesis, órtesis, prendas de compresión, y sistemas de sedestación), tanto a medida como estandarizados, para que nuestros clientes consigan resultados óptimos, siempre seguimos las prescripciones y recomendaciones de los especialistas. Y gracias a que contamos con un equipo de logopedas y terapeutas ocupacionales, con una larga experiencia, también ofrecemos el equipamiento más adecuado para lograr la máxima independencia posible, desde el uso de las nuevas tecnologias para mejorar la comunicación y el acceso al ordenador, hasta el diseño e instalación de salas de estimulación. Más información en la Web de Ilunion Salud.

App para Android

Aplicación disponible en google play store (Virginia ayuda a personas con discapacidad) facilita la comunicación con aquellos que tienen dificultades para utilizar el lenguaje como un canal de comunicación. La aplicación es útil en el caso de las discapacidades congénitas, adquiridas y / o temporal, lo que permite a través de la intervención del dispositivo en el que está instalado, un mensaje de voz rápido, comunicándose eficazmente los problemas, las necesidades y peticiones.
Útil para aquellas personas que han tenido sus cuerdas vocales y quitado para pacientes hospitalizados que no son capaces de hablar el idioma español. Disponible en idioma español, inglés y italiano. Más información en la web de su desarrollador: Virginia App para Anddroid.

Acceso al ordenador

Eneso desarrolla, distribuye y adapta ayudas técnicas para personas con discapacidad. A través de productos funcionales, asequibles y fáciles de utilizar que buscan potenciar la autonomía de las personas con discapacidad. Monitores, Ratones, Teclados, Trackballs, Joysticks y otros productos de ayudas tecnoloógicas.

Localizador Keruve 2013

Sistema de localización que puede oroteger a las personas con alzhéimer. Iinnovador y líder mundial en localizadores especializados para personas con alzhéimer, presenta durante el Día Mundial del Alzhéimer, como primicia mundial, el localizador Keruve 2013, caracterizado por ser el sistema de protección ante los riesgos de la deambulación más efectivo desarrollado hasta la fecha, más información en la página web Keruve 2013

TooclickD01 Cámara adaptada a personas con discapacidad visual.

Trescucarachas, presenta una guía propuesta de buenas prácticas para un prototipo de cámara adaptada a personas con discapacidad visual y a las situaciones pudiendo utilizar su pantalla táctil, el parasol, instalar el visor o utilizar sus marcos de encuadre intuitivo.

A continuación se puede navegar por la guía o manual de la cámara TooclickDo1, en formato pdf: Guía buenas prácticas.

Pictogram Room (La Habitación de los Pictogramas) para personas con autismo

Esta herramienta permite, entre otras muchas cosas más, el poder verse en un espejo con una silueta de un monigote que imita nuestros movimientos, ayuda a conocer nuestras las partes del cuerpo, moverse, realizar posturas, con esto se puede trabajar dos aspectos del desarrollo de la persona: El Cuerpo y Las Posturas. Incluye videojuegos educativos para niños y adultos con trastornos del espectro del autismo, entre otras muchas más, llegando alcanzar 40 actividades, permitiendo jugar con un jugador o dos jugadores.

Se trata de un proyecto del Plan Avanza del Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo, creado por la Universidad de Valencia (UV), a través del Grupo de Autismo del Instituto de Robótica, Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (Irtic), y la Fundación Orange, los cuales han contado también para el desarrollo con la colaboración de la Universidad de Pompeu Fabra , la Universidad Birmingham, Fundación Mira'm, Fundación Adapta y las Asociaciones Autismo Ávila y Autismo Burgos.

Se puede descargar gratuitamente en Internet y es compatible con el sistema operativo Windows 7, se requiere del uso del sensor Kinect para Xbox de Microsoft.

Localizador Brazalete GPS para Personas con Alzheimer

El Localizador Brazalete es un equipo de alta seguridad, con tecnología punta GPS que permite localizar a personas dentro y fuera de un edificio, funciona como teléfono móvil para llamada de emergencia, su uso habitual está centrado en la monitorización de personas con Alzheimer, así como la protección de niños, el cuidado para la tercera edad, entre otras.

Es posible crear áreas limitadas de movimiento, de tal forma que si se abandona el área, se generará una alarma, así como si se aproxima a un área prohibida.

Ha sido diseñado basado en requerimientos de departamentos judiciales, de policías, de seguridad, hospitales, de organizaciones públicas y privadas. El dispositivo es resistente al agua.

Más información en la página web de aplicaciones técnicas: Buscatel. A continuación detallamos algunas de sus caraterísticas: GPS Asistido. GSM/GPRS. Emergencia. Geo-límite virtual. Detector de Caídas. Pulsera de Seguridad. Anti Manipulación. Synface, entre otros.

Synface

Se trata de un software que crea en pantalla un rostro animado para reproducir los movimientos faciales del interlocutor (normalmente a través del teléfono) para ayudar la comprensión por personas con dificultad para oír, sin necesidad de que el interlocutor tenga ningún equipamiento tecnológico especial.

Synface es un producto de apoyo para personas con discapacidad auditiva a la hora de mantener conversaciones telefónicas. El proyecto consta de un teléfono y un software diseñado a tal efecto, que combinados, permiten a las personas sordas mantener una conversación telefónica. Transforma las palabras o sonidos en gestos visuales, para la total comprensión del mensaje.

Dragon Speak

La Compañía Dragon Systems ha ideado el nuevo software Dragon Speak que permite transformar la voz en escritura, a una velocidad de 50 palabras por minuto.

No es necesario teclear o utilizar el ratón, únicamente se le dicta al ordenador a través de un micrófono. Permite al usuario redactar, formatear, editar en cursiva, negrita, o simplemente corregir un texto. El nuevo software está distribuido por el grupo Naga.

Discapnet tiene un informe en el que se evalúan las ventajas de este programa de voz (que publicaremos en breve). Se trata de un software recomendado para personas con discapacidad fÍsica, motriz o sensorial.

Enable Viacam

Es un proyecto que permita manejar el ratón con movimientos de cabeza, se ha desarrollado una versión libre del programa, funciona en entorno Linux y Windows, disponible en catalán, gallego, italiano e inglés. Una propuesta donde pueden beneficiarse las personas con movilidad reducida. Acceso a este programa.

Evuntu

EVuntu es una distribución basada en Ubuntu (Hardy Heron) y en Tiflobuntu personalizada para hacer más fácil el acceso al sistema operativo GNU/Linux a las personas que sufren algún tipo de discapacidad. Utilizando las herramientas de accesibilidad (ayudas técnicas) disponibles ya en Ubuntu y Tiflobuntu, se ofrece una configuración automática orientada a la accesibilidad para que el usuario no tenga que preocuparse en aprender o realizar ningún paso adicional para acceder al sistema y utilizar el computador para navegar, estudiar, trabajar o entrenerse. Más información en su website: EVuntu

Head Move

Descripción: Mando a distancia universal para el control y manejo de sillas de ruedas, ordenadores o televisiones digitales. Funciona a partir de los movimientos de la cabeza. Para personas con movilidad reducida en las extremidades superiores. Pesa 300gr.

Problema que resuelve: El dispositivo se orienta principalmente a personas con parálisis en extremidades superiores, a través de una interface no-invasiva que permite controlar dispositivos de forma natural con los movimientos de la cabeza.

Smartnav 4

Descripción: Fabricado por Natural Point. Permite el control del puntero del ordenador mediante movimientos de la cabeza así como realizar funciones de los botones del ratón mediante la detención durante un tiempo seleccionable sobre el elemento que se desea activar.

Problema que resuelve : Aunque hay versiones similares basadas en Webcams convencionales y aplicaciones de procesamiento de imágenes, éstas no tienen la precisión necesaria para controlar todas las funciones del ordenador. Este dispositivo permite el control de diversas aplicaciones en los casos en que existe imposibilidad de mover otros miembros del cuerpo como brazos, piernas o dedos.

Webanywhere

Servicio online totalmente gratuito que permite navegar a personas con discapacidad visual convirtiendo un texto a un archivo de sonido en inglés. Una herramienta que no requiere instalación alguna.

Más información sobre Webanywhere.

TalkingDesktop

Descripción general: Es una interfaz vocal con el escritorio que permite gestionar las operaciones más habituales sin necesidad de utilizar las manos. En el centro de la pantalla aparece un avatar que dispone de una inteligencia artificial suficiente para mostrar al usuario lo que necesita sin que éste llegue a ser excesivamente concreto en su petición por voz.

Problema que resuelve: Permite interactuar con el ordenador mediante voz, en vez de utilizar las manos. Facilita la accesibilidad a personas con discapacidad motriz y visuales.

Click-N-Type

Descripción general: Es un teclado virtual que permite a quien no pueda utilizar un teclado normal manejar un teclado en pantalla con un ratón, trackball, u otro tipo de puntero. Está bastante estudiado para facilitar la inclusión de texto en distintos tipos de elementos de las aplicaciones, como campos de texto específicos.

Problema que resuelve: Accesibilidad para personas con discapacidad física

Camera mouse

Descripción general: Es un programa gratuito que permite controlar el puntero del ratón simplemente realizando gestos con la cabeza. Para ello es necesario contar con una Webcam Standard USB que capture los movimientos del usuario. Además, Camera Mouse es bastante fácil de aprender y usar.

Problema que resuelve: Accesibilidad a ordenadores para personas con alguna discapacidad física

Signoguías

Descripción general: Proyecto para el desarrollo de una aplicación interactiva en donde un avatar guía a usuarios con discapacidad auditiva por un museo, explicando las obras de artes mediante lenguaje de signos y subtítulos. La aplicación se instala en PDA's y además de permitir seleccionar las obras de arte de las que informarse, dispone de un plano interactivo con información completa del museo.

Problema que resuelve: Acceso a las personas con discapacidad auditiva a la información de las obras de los museos.

Fundación Orange.

Human Exoskeleton

Descripción: dispositivo robótico basado en sensores y motores actuadores que detectan el centro de gravedad de la persona y actúan en consecuencia atendiendo a los impulsos nerviosos enviados por el usuario. Esta respuesta origina la activación de motores y articulaciones para que coincidan con la intención de movimiento humano.

Problema que resuelve: el sistema está pensado para adaptarse principalmente a brazos y piernas para proporcionar movimiento natural a personas con discapacidades, o proveer un aumento en la potencia muscular para actividades que requieren alto esfuerzo, como situaciones de carga o extenuación física. Una vez que la tecnología entre en madurez será una clara y atractiva alternativa a la silla de ruedas.

Intelligent Walker

Descripción: dispositivo de asistencia para la movilidad personal con funcionalidades añadidas como detector de colisiones, detector de caídas.

Problema que resuelve : a diferencia de otro tipo de ayudas como bastones, perros guías, andaderas y otros medios tradicionales, este dispositivo provee prestaciones para mantener el balance, prevenir caídas a demás de ayuda al desplazamiento en sitios estrechos.

TalkBack: Un lector de pantalla Open Source para Android

A principios de 2009, se presentaba en los blogs uno de los proyectos de software libre más interesantes. Una colección de aplicaciones de Android que permiten la interacción eficiente de los ojos libres con tu teléfono móvil. Desde entonces, una de las preguntas que ha recibido con mayor frecuencia la compañía trata de un acceso completo de API para permitir que las tecnologías de propósito general de adaptación, como lectores de pantalla.

El marco de Android Access genera android.view.accessibility.AccessibilityEvent en respuesta a los eventos de interacción del usuario; la carga útil de eventos contiene detalles adicionales sobre el caso, por ejemplo, el control de la interfaz de usuario que se centran en el material recibido.

ALES, Aprendizaje de la lecto-escritura: metodología de construcción de sistemas inteligentes, basados en actividades interactivas. Más Información: Fundación General de la UPM, Campus de Boadillla del Monte. Madrid.

DEMIUSIR, Desarrollo de mobiliario informático para usuarios de sillas de ruedas. Asociación Para la Promoción de las Personas con Discapacidad (PROMI). Ctra. Nal. IV, km. 396-A. Finca Rabanales. 14014 Córdoba. Tel.: 95743 60 42

TUTTO, Sistema de apoyo cognitivo para la ayuda a la resolución de tareas en el entorno laboral y doméstico. Fundación para el Desarrollo de la Función Social de las Comunicaciones. FUNDESCO, Pza. de la Independencia, 6. 28001 Madrid.

SIAMO, Sistema integral de comunicación y control con posicionador para dispositivo accionador. CEEI. c/ nº 3, s/n . 46980 Paterna (Valencia).

Proyectos de I+D

Dentro del Plan Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) se abrió en 1996 un capítulo que reunía Proyectos de Investigación en Tecnología de la Rehabilitación (PITER) . Los Proyectos financiados en la convocatoria inicial son, entre otros:

Para más Información sobre Proyectos PITER: CEAPAT. c/ Los Extremeños, 1 . 28038 Madrid. Tel.: 917789061. Fax.: 917784117.

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Destacamos algunos ejemplos de productos de apoyo, si estáis interesados en enviarnos información de vuestros artículos o servicios, podeis enviarnos vuestras recomendaciones a nuestro contactar: discapnet@ilunion.com Silla-grua La silla de ruedas con grúa de transferencia incorporada es un producto que facilita las labores de higiene personal, proporciona una mayor seguridad en el movimiento de transferencia y favorece la autonomía del/la usuario/a.