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Step By Step Accessibility Consulting - Moving a Whole Idea Forward

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Ramesh Lad, founder of Step by Step Accessibility, is a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) Professional having worked in the field of Accessibility Assessments since 2018. As a professional Accessibility Assessor, Ramesh brings with him:

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I’ve been working closely with Johanna*, an adult with Cerebral Palsy, who has expressed an interest in continuing her digital art portfolio, however, she has been struggling with fine motor function which is causing frustrations. In order to support her, I’ve looked into assistive technologies that could benefit Johanna with this endeavor. I believe one of the best solutions is a screen-based eye tracking device to assist her.

Eye tracking is an assistive technology developed for individuals within the Disability community who have mobile, cognitive, or other impairments. Screen-based eye tracking uses infrared and camera technology to measure eye movements, eye positions, and points of gaze. It then processes and interprets the data in a way that it is reflected on the individual’s screen. This technology has been used by individuals such as Stephen Hawking. Hawking started with using cheek-assisted technology in order to communicate before eye tracking technology came available. Eye tracking technology has advanced over the past 20 years due to people like Stephen Hawking advocating for assistive technologies within the d/Disability community and we are now seeing it come mainstream. Eye tracking is now being used in Gaming, Virtual Reality programs, and the automobile industry is looking into applying eye tracking technologies in order to keep distracted driving to a minimum.

Not only will a screen-based eye tracking system increase Johanna’s ability to create digital art, but also will allow her to continue to browse the internet, communicate with others on social media. It will open more opportunities for social and personal growth during times when her disability has previously hindered her from such activities.

Tobii, a global leader in eye tracking software and research, delivered the world’s first eye tracking software over 20 years ago, and has dedicated their company to the advancement of technologies in order to create a better future for everyone, including those within the d/Disability community. They have studied the use of eye tracking technology in early language development and acquisition, in autism spectrum disorders, as well as other cognitive and developmental disabilities. There are over 12,000 scientific publications that feature Tobii eye tracking software (Tobii, 2023).

*Made up person, not based on any real situation

References:

Tobii. (2023). Scientific Publications. Tobii Inc. https://www.tobii.com/learn-and-support/scientific-publications

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Assistive Technology  - Trexo Robotic Gait Trainer

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Assistive Technology  - Trexo Robotic Gait Trainer

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Technology has many benefits for individuals with disabilities. It has helped to break down some of the barriers. Thanks to technology, individuals with disabilities can access education, work remotely, and improve communication and community connection. Here, I will address the issues surrounding accessibility, and I will introduce you to a new and exciting assistive technology device. Throughout this transformative journey, I will inspire you through education, help you take action, and champion a world inclusive for all. I have learned of an individual within your school who requires a device to perform specific skills and assistance with the ability to walk.

The content in this presentation is tailored to enrich your understanding and help you implement best practices in your teaching. This new device will upgrade the brain, assist in learning anything faster, and unlock an exceptional life. Every child deserves to walk and feel strong. A little boy named Bowdrie is four years old and is in Kindergarten. When Bowdrie was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and told he would never walk, the assistive technology options available to the family were scarce. Bowdrie deserves to walk, and we now have found a solution. It is Trexo, the Robotic Gait Trainer for children. Trexo Robotics operates with the same determination and dedication to helping children walk. Taking action and getting more information is a fantastic step to help educate you on the Trexo and share all the information needed. The benefits of robotic legs and gait trainers are game-changing. Mobility issues will be a thing of the past, and independent steps will assist Bowdrie in becoming mobile. There have also been past clients who have shown progress in walking even after wearing the Trexo device. Bowdrie’s disability should not define what he is capable of, and the Trexo will get him upright and walking so he can keep his whole-body active. The Trexo is adjustable and is a versatile tool to help him with over-the-ground walking. There is ongoing video technical support, a full range of accessories, and training on the system. Bowdrie will gain more independence, strength, and confidence with regular Trexo use. Using Trexo Robotics will give Bowdrie the hope he needs to accomplish once impossible things. An in-depth assessment will occur to ensure that the Trexo Robotics Gait Training System is the right fit for Bowdrie. When the Chief Executive Officer of Trexo Robotics, Manmeet Maggu, learned of his nephew’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy and searched for technologies to help his nephew stay healthy and active, he discovered there were very few. That is when he worked to create the Trexo Robotics Gait Trainer. Trexo Robotics is continuously developing technologies that help individuals of all ages and ability levels so collectively, they can all build healthier and happier communities. The purchase price of the Trexo Robotics Gait Trainer is approximately $ 39,000.00 and financing options are also available to you. Included in your order are Robotic Legs, a tablet to operate the Trexo, a 3-year warranty, a 14-day trial period with a full refund, a training video call to ensure the proper fit for Bowdrie, all safety information, how to use the device and more. Ongoing video technical support from a Trexo-certified technician. Regular check-ins with the customer success team to track progress and goals and access to the Trexo Chat App support and community.

You want what is best for your students, and with the Trexo or Trexo Plus Robotic Gait Trainer, you will level up your services. The opportunity to explore his environment and do fun activities is endless. The Trexo is tablet-operated and gives you easy access to control the speed of the gait and monitor Bowdrie’s sessions. You can easily monitor the number of steps he takes, the time he spends walking, his walking speed, and whether he is actively participating. The Trexo can be used indoors and out and incorporated into walking side by side with family, playing games with classmates, exploring the outdoors during recess and lunch, and participating in games during gym class. The Trexo also allows you to not physically strain as you assist Bowdrie with walking or when assisting him while using a wheelchair. The benefits of the Trexo Robotic Gait Trainer are endless and will fine-tune Bowdrie’s gait pattern, stretch out his muscles, improve his gait styles, and improve his overall mental wellness with step celebrations and remarkable impact on his life and his family’s life. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience and will answer any questions you may have regarding the Trexo Robotic Gait Trainer or other items available through our company.

References

Trexo Robotics. (n.d.). Reimagine your child’s future one step at a time. www.trexorobotics.com

Trexo Robotics. (n.d.). Robotic Gait Trainer. [Photograph]. https://www.trexorobotics.com/?s=gait+trainer

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Hello Val, I have found an amazing new assistive technology that I think would do wonders for our new student joining the classroom. Her name is Rose, she is on the autism spectrum and is mostly nonverbal. She can speak and will repeat a phrase or word but has trouble communicating what she needs or want. She can get quite frustrated and discouraged when she can’t get across what she is trying to, and her old school would send her home as much as 3 times a week. She is in grade 5 and was working at a grade 1/2 level in her old school. The family is moving to our school in hope of more support. The last school they were at didn’t do much to support, so I am hoping we can make this a much better experience for the hold family.

The tech is called ProxTalker, and it was voted #1 for new augmentative and alternative Communication devices.  It used radio frequency identification technology to make it the first picture communication system to actually talk in full sentences and helps to develop speech. It uses sound tags to retrieve real, audile words. It stores up to 1,000 minutes of 8 second sound tags. The best part is you don’t have to download any software to use it, just pick a tag and press it on the button and it talks! There is an option for pre-programmed educational sound tags, or you can record your own tags. You can also choose a female or male voice depending on what makes the student most comfortable. It is also waterproof and built very solid for any bumps and falls, it can be mounted on a wall, and comes with its own carrying case. Its so light as well, only 5 pounds.

I truly think this would help, not just Rose, but so many other students as well. Because it is so easy and durable to use, all the students can use it with Rose to make them all feel included and interacting together.

Have a look and let me know what you think!

Talk soon,

Connie

The 5 Best AAC Devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) [Updated for 2022] (rehabmart.com)

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Jeremy is an extremely intelligent grade six student with cerebral palsy. Jeremy has difficulty with fine motor skills, although he can operate his motorized wheelchair, typing on computer keyboard or using existing devices which consist of tapping buttons to turn thoughts into speech are almost impossible. His cerebral palsy affected his speech as well so using tools that change speech to text are difficult. Jeremy needs to be able to keep up with his peers and excel in the classroom subjects that use computers. Soon that will be most subjects and post-graduation almost all courses.

There is a new device called the MouthPad, it is tongue-operated. Like a retainer, it would attach to Jeremy’s upper teeth. The MouthPad is made to custom-fit the user and has Bluetooth capabilities that convey directional commands. For example, the cursor would move to the right if Jeremy would touch the right part of the MouthPad or left click when touching the tongue to the top. He would be better able to navigate different devices we use in classroom and because MouthPad is more intuitive than other products it may be easier to teach to someone his age. As of now there are less than ten being used and no one uses it under the age of eighteen. Jeremy could get in on this groundbreaking technology as creators of MouthPad want to see its use grow to 1,000 in the next couple of years. This Device could open doors socially as well, making friends throughout the whole school and social media not just the few in the class. It could give him the opportunities to seek out professions that may not have been considered before. I believe we could see him blossom into the student we know he has the potential to be with this assistive technology.

Reference:

EdTech. (2023, August 22) A New Device Could Help Students with Disabilities Navigate Technology. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2023/08/new-device-could-help-students-disabilities-navigate-technology

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I found an assistive device called Guided Hands. This device would work for any persons with limited hand mobility. It will give them the opportunity to write, paint, draw, and work a tablet on their own. It comes with four handpieces of various sizes and designs for multiple levels of hand impairment. (imaginablesolutions.com) It is only $629 CAD, making it reasonably affordable for most people.

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I found an assistive device called Guided Hands. This device would work for any persons with limited hand mobility. It will give them the opportunity to write, paint, draw, and work a tablet on their own. It comes with four handpieces of various sizes and designs for multiple levels of hand impairment. (imaginablesolutions.com) It is only $629 CAD, making it reasonably affordable for most people.

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I thought it was also cool that part of proceeds go back into a fund called, ImaginAble Fund, making it so the company can gift one to a family in need that may not be able to afford it. They also have financing options available. This device is Canadian, created by a 20 year old Canadian, in her first year of University. She has received awards for the engineering of this product. (McMaster Engineering Youtube Lianna Genovese's start up story)

Lianna started working on this after getting introduced to a lady who has Cerebral Palsy, and she took her insight and knowledge on what would work best for her hands, as well as others like her, and ones living with other disabilities.

I could see Guided Hands working for multiple different people and multiple different disabilities, not just one (possibly even MS patients).

A student I would suggest for this device is myself! As well as anyone else struggling with MS. I feel this device would be beneficial during an MS flare, as well as when there is lots of writing to be done. This would help alleviate the cramping and spasms. Anyone further along in their diagnoses, or diagnosed in the earlier years with less medical options available, would already benefit from this daily, as most would have severe hand movement impairments.

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I've been thinking about assistive technology this week, and reading about all the amazing things everyone has been writing about, then while on Twitter I came across this post! Of course this is still in its very early stages, but what an interesting tool! - Eliza

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Developed by two 19-year-old students, these gloves translate sign language into sound.

[📹 LemelsonMIT]
https://t.co/dkpAprrz0g"

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Developed by two 19-year-old students, these gloves translate sign language into sound.

[📹 LemelsonMIT]
https://t.co/dkpAprrz0g"

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Developed by two 19-year-old students, these gloves translate sign language into sound.

[📹 LemelsonMIT]pic.twitter.com/dkpAprrz0g"
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) November 12, 2023

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Developed by two 19-year-old students, these gloves translate sign language into sound.

[📹 LemelsonMIT]
https://t.co/dkpAprrz0g"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Developed by two 19-year-old students, these gloves translate sign language into sound.

[📹 LemelsonMIT]
https://t.co/dkpAprrz0g"

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Developed by two 19-year-old students, these gloves translate sign language into sound.

[📹 LemelsonMIT]
https://t.co/dkpAprrz0g"

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Did you know, that just like Cafe Inclusio in our Wrap Up week video - there is an inclusive Cafe right here in our own Province!

My friend works at Coco Cafe in Nanaimo. Check out their website here

It was fabulous getting to interact with you all this term. I hope to see you again in the real world

Bee

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COCO Cafe is a social enterprise whose mission is to provide employment, training, and socialization opportunities for people with developmental disabilities within their community. COCO Cafe provides a social service that is in high demand and is making a valuable community impact. Check out our story for more information on our mission and our programs.

At COCO Cafe our day starts early with fresh baking including house-made bread, cinnamon buns, as well as freshly made muffins and scones. We prepare our menu with the freshest ingredients available. COCO Cafe offers all-day breakfast, sandwiches and wraps, soups and salads creative daily features.

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COCO Cafe is a social enterprise whose mission is to provide employment, training, and socialization opportunities for people with developmental disabilities within their community. COCO Cafe provides a social service that is in high demand and is making a valuable community impact.

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Hi Val,

Who doesn’t love music? It can bring relaxation and enjoyment to your life. For many individuals living with a disability, playing a musical instrument can seem impossible. We have a young boy who is blind in our classroom who has a dream to play the guitar. We have music class in our school and I will watch him listening attentively to all the other students playing their instruments. I have seen the joy in him when he grabs one of the school’s guitars and strums away. So, lets make his dream come true with Chord Assist.

What is Chord Assist you ask? Well, let me explain! There is a young man by the name of Joe Birch who is a musician with retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a genetic eye condition that causes vision loss over time. He is a true developer who has taken his love for playing guitar and his technical knowledge to help people with disabilities, especially those who are blind and deaf. He has developed a guitar that contains a tiny computer known as Raspberry Pi (which is like a mini computer), as well as an LCD screen, braille display and a speaker. You can ask the guitar questions about how to play, and it’ll show you the way.

Children and youth with disabilities can struggle in school. Days can become stressful and mundane. Music feeds the soul and lifts you up. Feeling joy is so important for health and wellbeing and learning a musical instrument can become a passion and bring so much joy to life. It can build confidence and give individuals a sense of achievement.

So, what do you say Val? Shall we order a few of these up and make some dreams come true?! 😊😊😊

Kim:)

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Hi Val,
I want to talk to you about a new technology that will allow us to incorporate all hearing impaired students into the classroom.

Recent approximations show that there is estimated to be 382,700 deaf and 3,827,000 hard of hearing people in Canada. There are very few schools for the deaf in Canada and there can be many benefits to providing a way to include children who are deaf and hard of hearing in the school system. In our classroom there is a little boy who is completely deaf. He wants so badly to communicate with his classmates and to follow the teacher and keep up with the work, but is only able to communicate through his teaching aid. I have invented a system that allows more effective and interactive communication between students and teachers of the hearing community, with deaf and hard of hearing students. Each classroom would be equipped with an interactive screen at the front of the room that would translate the teacher and students’ speech into ASL. The teacher would wear a headset and each student’s desk would be outfitted with a microphone and a push to talk button. Although inventions that translate speech into text already exist, visually seeing and reading ASL is a much faster and easier way for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to communicate. I also believe there to be great benefit for hearing students to visually see ASL as dialect flows through classrooms. This system will not only benefit the hearing impaired, but also provides a tremendous opportunity for the hearing community to expand their communication abilities as it provides them the opportunity to naturally pick up on and learn ASL. This system will incorporate students with all abilities into the classroom providing an enjoyable and inclusive environment.

Please consider introducing this into the classroom as it would open up a whole new world of opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing community. There needs to be more inclusion in the school system, and I think this is a great place to start!

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Hi Val,

I am proposing a multi purpose, revamped piece of assistive technology.

There’s a prototype in Switzerland for what they’re calling the Scalevo Wheelchair, it provides the usual mobility assistance of a powered chair with the added bonus of being able to climb stairs!

This equipment could help our students become even more independent and help them gain access to areas of the school that right now require a lot of extra effort, this chair also have increased speed and agility which means that some of our kids may be able to participate in the otherwise less accessible outdoor excursions as well as our sports activities.

Not only would this chair provide newfound mobility independence, but I am also proposing the add on of smart technology. Much like the concept of Google homes etc, a built in AI would also help our students with communication. The AI can be trained to interpret non verbal cues so that even in the event of high staff turnover, the needs of the child remain consistently clear. We could also program the student’s schedule and the built in smart hub can further the child’s independence by helping them stick to their routine. PECS can be incorporated if there is an add on screen option, the possibilities are endless!

Having and individual’s tech needs centralized to one device that can be accessed with anything from physical touch to eye gaze technology, means that the student can be largely responsible for their own needs, if they need to call or text someone it can be done from the AI device, if they need to access a higher floor without an elevator or external supports they can do so, if they need to communicate something specific they can, and if they need to take certain medications the AI tech can set timers and keep to a schedule.

I see the possibilities of this investment being endless, these are only a few of the ways in which such equipment could transform the meaning and scope of independence for some of our students. I hope you agree!

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I found this last video so informative! I loved every minute of it and I wish I knew about sources a long time ago! They could have helped my children and I through a lot of hardships this past few years. Thank you Val so much for allowing us to view this slide with them. Thank you as well for getting us all through this semester! I wish you all the best in the future and hope to stay in touch with you.

Dellanie Ransom

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Evie has been struggling with the current app on her iPad.  She is finding it difficult to find the proper words when she is trying to express herself.  This often results in a meltdown because we are unable to understand what she is trying to tell us. Evie can tell that the word pictures she is choosing aren’t quite what she is trying to communicate and it really frustrates her. We need to find a better app, one that is more intuitive and easier to use. I have been researching better options and found a new app.  It’s called AACORN.  AAcorn is a symbol-based AAC app, much like what she is already familiar with using.  However, this app is specifically designed for children.  The pictures are clear, grouped in categories that make sense for children, but most importantly it uses a word prediction tree that remembers what the child has chosen in the past.  It automatically chooses the words that the child has used before or makes the most sense with the input already selected.  We can add words that Evie is working with or familiar with to their own category section.  We can actually design a classroom category that is completely personalized to Evie’s routine.  Oh and it uses real children’s voices – not the computerized monotone voice that is on the app she currently uses.  Evie has already demonstrated a desire to communicate with her iPad.  We need to support her with technology that is adaptable and easy for her to use.  I have communicated with the support team who designed the app.  They are very helpful, quick to respond and would love to give Evie a chance to use the app before we commit to buying it.  Check out this video demonstrating the app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU-MHpaN3e4.   I think we should definitely take advantage of the free trial and allow Evie a chance to try out this app.

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Sarah at 7 years old has a speech and language impairment with select mutism in the school environment. Teachers and staff find it very difficult to communicate with her and have explored several options for communication. Equally Sarah often gets frustrated and acts out in the classroom due to the communication barrier. She has made some progress with assistive technology, however, the programing still creates a barriers that causes frustration on both sides. A new and innovative technology has now been developed that will give Sarah her own voice within the class room. This software is called my-own-voice available on Windows 11, ISO, and android, this service comes it several languages. The user has to record as little as 50 sentences at own pace and listen to the voice in the type and talk interface. Try this software free until you need use the voice in a specific application. This software works by creating voice banking. Cost of this new innovative is 99 EUR or USD excl. VAT/yr and a onetime licencee fee of 999 EUR or USD excl. Vat/yr. With this software Sarah could effectively communicate with school staff lessening the frustration all around. Furthermore, Sarah can record sentences in an environment she is comfortable with and feels safe to use her voice.

my-own-voice | | Create a digital copy of your voice, to keep this essential part of your identity. (acapela-group.com)

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Please provide us with some background information about your project, application field, OS, languages and anything else that may help us understand your needs. We will get back to you quickly.

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Please provide us with some background information about your project, application field, OS, languages and anything else that may help us understand your needs. We will get back to you quickly.

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The idea of 3D printing comes to mind as with many individuals who are in need of custom pieces/equipment could be one of the most ground braking in accessible equipment. Creating anything from accessible tools for daily life (cups, cutlery, pencil holders, grips, and holds) all the way up to precise braces, prosthetics, supports, and aids. beginning with the first point of creating adaptive everyday items. If one looks online there is a whole catalog of 3D print files that could be useful for personal living. I have personally seen a hard glasses case that was designed, printed, and used for an individual who was had struggles with mobility in their fingers. This whole process took only a week from start to finish. From a more practical end I could see the same idea being used for making adaptive items That are not frequently needing to be replaced such as a motorized wheel chair joy stick grip that is ergonomic and comfortable for the hands, or a plastic holder to make holding keys easier. Expanding the thought process 3D printing would shine in the medical field where everything is customized and made to order. Example: To get a special brace for an individual with a malformation of his legs he would have to go to a specialist, get his leg measured (this may or may not involve creating moulds) send the information to a manufacturer, have the brace made, sent back, and try it on. It I likely that this whole process would take a month at minimum. With 3D printing the machine used to make the brace would be much smaller, fit in two office cubicles for the really big ones, and can be more readily on sight. Now in this time around The process begins with a scan (unfortunately we may still need moulds) of the limb, the doctor can make adjustments on the computer for support/correction, sent to the printer, and printed in a few days. It will depend on how dense the plastic, how large, and how complicated the brace is but it could  be finished in a week on sight. As someone who likes to advocate for quick supports to kids be for they grow, it is a solution that is not super costly both to health care and to families. now This in no way will replace some pieces of adaptive equipment just because of material limitations, steel pipe in an artificial leg to provide strength and support of the individual using it. What it can be used for in this example is the top bucket what the limb can be settled in as well as the foot at the bottom. If they break for one reason or another it is simple enough to print a new replacement that is the same or custom for another purpose.

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Mary is a bright and enthusiastic grade 3 student. She has dyslexia, which makes traditional methods of reading and learning a difficult task for her. Dyslexia is a “learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problem identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words ” (Mayo Clinic, n.d., para. 1). Mary’s challenges include difficulty decoding words, poor reading fluency and struggles with spelling. Dyslexia not only hinders Mary’s academic progress, but also affects her confidence and her engagement in learning.

Kurzweil 3000 is literacy support software that is primally designed to help individuals with reading and learning challenges. The program can be used as a word processor, or it can scan a textbook or worksheet which then can be read aloud or completed within the program (SET-BC, 2023). It is a powerful tool for students with dyslexia which can help them to unlock their academic potential. Kurzweil 3000 can be used to support three types of classroom task – “written output, reading comprehension and test or worksheet completion” (SET-BC, 2O23, Model 1).

The core feature of Kurzweil 3000 is its advanced text-to-speech technology.  It reads the text aloud, allowing students to absorb information through listening. For Mary who struggles with decoding written words, this function will be very helpful. By seeing and hearing words at the same time, Mary will improve her comprehension of the text. Also, Kurzweil 3000 can be used to scan textbooks or worksheets which then can be read aloud or completed within the program (SET-BC, 2023). Dyslexia manifests differently for each person, so Kurzweil offers some customizable visual settings. So, Mary can adjust the font size, spacing and background color, making them more suitable for her. For children with dyslexia, building vocabulary and language processing are big challenges. This software provides definitions and synonyms for words within the text. It will help Mary with a deeper understanding of the material. Also, Kurzweil 3000 can be used to scan textbooks or worksheets which then can be read aloud or completed within the program (SET-BC, 2023).   Reading fluency is another challenge for people with dyslexia. The text-to-speech function of Kurzweil 3000 will help Mary to improve reading fluency by providing an example of correct pronunciation and pacing. This function of Kurzweil 3000 can be very useful for English Language Learners (ELL). Over time, this software will help students to build a proper reading pattern.

Kurzweil 3000 is a cost-effective solution for “providing support in the classroom, at home and with the web license – anywhere. (SET-BC, 2023). School staff and students can get access to this software through any web browser and the iPad  and Chrome apps.

This great literacy software is available at a reasonable price ( around $ 1,065.00).

Not only students with dyslexia but also other students with reading and learning challenges (including ELL) will benefit from using Kurzweil 3000.

References:

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Dyslexia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353552

SET-BC. (2023). Kurzweil 3000 v. 20 (Win). https://www.setbc.org/resources/kurzweil-3000-v-20-win/

SET-BC. (2023). Kurzweil 3000 v. 20 (Win). [Photograph]. https://www.setbc.org/resources/kurzweil-3000-v-20-win/

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Emily is a student in our classroom who is blind. Emily is a brilliant student, who is ambitious and wants to learn. Emily runs into the problem of not being able to see so it's more challenging for her to complete her schoolwork. The classroom uses tape recorders and some braille books for her to learn, but it just isn’t enough. The first half of the school year has been challenging for her. She has been having breakdowns before getting into the classroom because she is discouraged. Emily deserves a chance to succeed with the best assistive technology we can provide for her. She comes from a low-income family who cannot help with the additional costs of education that will benefit her. A lot of the time she feels excluded and not connected to anyone in the classroom when it comes to classwork and assignments. There is a new assistive technology to help Emily to succeed in all areas of her curriculum. The BrailleNote Touch Plus is a Google-certified tablet that has the ability for Emily to take notes, write assignments, learn math, send emails, create, and read graphs, keep in touch with teachers, and many more features. This tablet also allows teachers to review her assignments for marking. The tablet has 2 options available to purchase. The first option is a 32-cell BrailleNote Touch Plus or the second option is an 18-cell BrailleNote Touch Plus. The 18-cell BrailleNote Touch Plus will be perfect for what Emily needs. The cost of this tablet is $6,667.40 and it comes with a free Victor Reader Stream 3 – Handheld media player that is worth $595.00. There is also an option to do a payment plan interest-free. This tablet will help our student achieve her highest learning potential, which is priceless to me!

References:

Humanware. (2023). Braille Devices. https://store.humanware.com/hca/braille-devices

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‌HumanWare. (2020, March 12). BrailleNote Touch Plus – Tablet and note taker. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A540enmNyY

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The video about Jane Velkovski helped me realize what the roll of assistive technology in human’s life and children’s life in particular.  Their purpose is to meet the basic needs of people with disabilities. Jane said that his motorized wheelchair gave him “freedom, independence and ability” (Velkovski, 2021, 02:08). Freedom of movement is a basic human right which should be ensured by the government for every person. Assistive technologies should be given to every child who needs them because it can change their life tremendously.    It is very sad that lack of funding is often the main obstacle to get this product for the person who needs it. This used to be a big issue in my home country, Ukraine. Many children and adults with disabilities were “imprisoned” in their homes because they did not get a proper wheelchair or another assistive technology that would help them to move independently. Now, as the war in Ukraine is continuing, the number of wounded children and adults is increasing every day. It is heart braking.

Before making a decision about assistive technology being most beneficial for the nonverbal student, I would have a look at his/her individual educational plan (IEP).  It should provide information about student’s abilities and skills that need to be taught. Close observation of student’s behavior and his interaction with others will be helpful in this situation. Also, I would try to use other ways of communication such as sign language, visual boards, or picture exchange communication system (Hobbs, 2023). Then, I will use the method of communication that works the best for this student.

References:

Hobbs, K. (2023, September 21). Assistive Communication DevAices for Children with Autism. Autism Parenting Magazin. 20 (8), 7-9. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/assistive-technology-autism/

Northwest Access Fund. (2023). Assistive Technology. [Photograph]. https://www.nwaccessfund.org/assistive-technology/

Velkovski, J. (2021, December). The life-changing power of assisted technology. [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_velkovski_the_life_changing_power_of_assistive_technologies

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Straight ahead to the future: the CloudMinds Meta helmet. Photograph: CloudMinds

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All the readings and videos we watched this week are very informative as they show the importance of technological advancements that are helping people with disabilities to become productive and achieve the goals of their lives. For example, in the video, the power chair used by the kid made him independent and provided him a chance to achieve better and give back to society. Such assistance contributed to his confidence and intellectuality as well as helping him to achieve his dream such as becoming a football coach. I think assistive technology should be available to everyone who needs it but unfortunately, many people cannot have such technologies due to financial limitations, especially in developing countries.

If I have to decide on a nonverbal child, I will choose an assistive technology that fascinates and aligns well with the child’s mind and interests. I will aim to avoid the moral model and will find other ways to assist such a child to become more independent and productive. It seems like using advanced computers with interactive technology can assist nonverbal children, especially in the classroom environment. The use of various technological modes will increase the child's independent functioning and learning, avoiding the support needed from another person in the learning process. Assistive computer technology can motivate nonverbal children to communicate with computers and learn independently with the help of adaptive hardware. This will be only possible if these technologies are integrated into the child’s day to day-to-day activities instead of solely for entertainment. For example, the use of adaptive hardware such as a touchscreen and interactive keyboard can be very useful for nonverbal kids to work independently either by simply touching the screen (no mouse control) or pushing various locations on an overlay that is placed in the interactive keyboard. Another example can be a camera that can use hand gestures to interact with computer software or learning modules. Overall, the child will become an independent learner by finding the computer less confusing and easier to interact with. I will therefore recommend such computer setups coupled with adaptive hardware to the teacher to assist the nonverbal child/student. It means that the school will need to invest in this new setup only for students who need assistance.

Along with adaptive hardware, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming technological advancement and is now commonly used by computers and many instruments such as phones, self-driving cars and many more. While looking around to find new technology for people with impairments, I found assistive technology that can help blind people (Potier, 2019). Recently a Chinese company CloudMinds introduced a helmet that can help blind people understand the environment around them (Photo by CloudMinds). The helmet is like a bike helmet and is equipped with many sensors including cameras that visualize and map the environment. The information is sent to cloud-based AI technology through the internet and finally communicated to the person wearing the helmet. The blind person then hears the information and navigates through streets or recognizes all the objects around him in real time.

Potier, L. (2019, September 8). New tech to help disabled people. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/sep/08/the-five-technology-to-help-disabled-people-blindness-paralysis-research-ai

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Jane Velkouski seems like a bright young man who speaks well to advocate for himself and on behalf of other people with disabilities.  He states that his mobilized wheelchair is his legs and moreover, his life. He believed that without his chair all his successes and social life would not have been possible. According to him, he believes that every child who needs a motorized wheelchair should have one as early as the age of two years old. With a little help, they could learn how to use it safely and become more independent. Jane also says, that having his chair gives him more than just independence but freedom and more abilities. I feel that Jane is so bright that he could do many things without a motorized wheelchair but for him to reach his full potential he needed his mobilized wheelchair. This helps him to continue to be the successful young man he is. Jane has been able to make that choice due to the charity given to him but he should not have had to wait for charity to reach his decision and full potential.

In Ramesh’s case, he chose not to have prosthetic legs and that was his choice. Other persons with the same condition might choose differently and that choice should be up to them. I feel like all opportunities for assisted technology should be presented to that person on an individual level and then a person with disabilities can make their own decisions and choices from that point. However, if the d/Disabled person is a child who is not able to make that decision due to their age they should have a person who takes in all considerations and opportunities to help make that decision. The person who is assisting in the decision-making process should also be open to having the opportunity to try different options if one does not work for the person with disabilities.

If I were in the place to make assistive technology decisions for a child who was nonverbal, I would try to find a way to communicate with them. Many nonverbal people can pass on information in many other ways. This would probably take time to assess them and the situation, but their information, understanding, and feedback is important. Hopefully, once a decision has been established, we could give the new assistive technology a try.  If that does not work, try something else until the right fit is made. Understanding that assistive technology can be very expensive those decisions would have to be made with expensive in mind.

If I were able to purchase any assistive technology without a financial barrier, I would buy a student a Jamboxx Music/ Therapy Special Needs for a student who is interested in playing or already loves music. The Jamboxx is a hands-free musical device that is easy to use for beginners or for advanced musicians. Students can use this device by simply blowing into the mouthpiece and moving their head back and forth to make music. The Jamboxx can play up to eight different instruments and play animal noises and other fun animated sounds. They can play their own music or play along with other songs.

The Jamboxx comes with 15 disposable mouthpieces to prevent contamination with other students. (Should the school have more than one student who needs it or for any child with any ability) With an unlimited budget, I would purchase a thousand disposable mouthpieces at $3.00 a piece which would be $3000.00. The Jamboxx itself is at $279.00 which I would also include a tabletop stand at $29.95 and a Jamboxx connection kit at $29.95. The Jamboxx needs to be connected to a computer, laptop, or tablet and I would purchase an Apple iPad Pro. iPads can range anywhere from $140.00 and up. As I have an unlimited budget, I would buy the Apple iPad Pro for $1456.49 because I feel that it would be a more mobile device.  That would bring the cost to $4756.49 before tax. I really wanted to so spend more money so maybe I would be a second one to put me over the $5000.00 range with a total of $5,035.49.

I think that the Jamboxx is a super cool assistive technology device that could possibly bring so much joy to a child who would otherwise not be able to play an instrument. Of course, this would all depend on the child and their disability. Perhaps a child, with disabilities like Ramesh, would prefer to try to play an instrument the old-fashioned way. Perhaps this child would like to try to play the piano and could find other assistive technologies or modifications to help that child. Ramesh can build models with the modifications that have been provided to him perhaps other modifications can be made to play other variety of instruments. However, I still think the Jamboxx is super cool and would be a great tool to give a child a chance to enjoy music on a different level.

After careful selection please see the link below to listen to the young man, Tobias Koslowski play an instrumental cover of “Happy” By Pharrell Williams.

https://youtu.be/XwcZnXyTcrY

Tobias has Muscular Dystrophy he started off his music career by playing the keyboard, however, with his condition becoming more severe, he lost the ability to play music until he discovered the Jamboxx.

References

Jamboxx. (n.d). Jamboxx Music/ Therapy Special Needs.

https://www.jamboxx.com/product/jamboxx-music-therapy/

XArc64. (2018, January 22). Happy (Jamboxx Cover) [Video]. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiqG9J5ohXQ

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Watching through the videos this week helped me learn a lot. I was unaware of the lack of support give to people with disabilities.

The person in the video, had such a positive outlook and it reminded me of a student I got to help work with. They have one eye, due to a surgical removal of the other one, but it is very hard for this student to see. They have their walking stick to help them direct around the building and throughout everyday activities. This student is happier then a clam and is the sweetest there ever has been. In order to help them with their reading and writing, the school had decided to use braille because that is what has been taught at home and what has been most successful. Every morning the EA that is with them and the supporting teacher(s) would get the braille "typewriter" (I'm unsure what its called) and punch the letters if the instructions on their paper.

A piece of technology I think would be useful in this situation would be with a braille display such as a keyboard to help communicate/ write down thoughts. It would look similar to a normal key board just instead of letters we are used to it would be alphabetically in braille.

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A Necessary, Exciting and New Assistive Technology by Andrea Blakeney 

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A Necessary, Exciting and New Assistive Technology by Andrea Blakeney 

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There’s a student in grade 9, I’m working with that is blind. This student struggles to keep up, as he cannot see the assignments or do any of the required reading for his classes. Being in grade 9, this student longs for more freedom, and independence like that of their peers. They would love to be able to do more things on their own, and they love being read to, especially the Harry Potter series, and would love to be able to read independently.

The assistive technology I know that would absolutely change his life, is the Orcam MyEye 2.

This product is small, lightweight and attaches to a pair of glasses, and what it can do, is truly amazing!

The Orcam MyEye 2 has the ability to read all printed materials in 3 languages. It gives the wearer the ability to read anything they like, from emails to menus to textbooks, and does so with simple voice activation. It can connect to Bluetooth for reading privately, and operates offline, so it can be used anywhere!

This product even has the capability to recognize faces, of friends and family, easily identify products by and read barcodes, and recognize and make counting currency possible.

This life changing product is available at the great and reasonable price of only $3500, or $145 a month for 24 months.

The Orcam MyEye 2 will allow this student the ability to read on their own, and give them the independence they do so desperately long for.

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1.     A) I decided to write a poem to portray the fifth principle “There is joy [or celebration] and vitality to be found in disability” (College of New Caledonia, n.d.) discussed in the CASS 120 textbook, Disability: A Diversity Model Approach in Human Service Practice (2022) by Mackelprang, Salsgiver, and Parrey.

Nothing makes sense without You.

White snow on Christmas day, and sunny weather in June and May,

What would I do if the night didn’t come with stars and a moon?

Could it be a birthday without balloons?

What if the grass never turned green in spring and the flowers never bloomed?

That would be a life without You pursued.

A life without a blue sky or fluffy white clouds,

A life with less challenges allowed.

A left without a right, and a ‘go’ without a ‘stop,’ how would I know when I reach the top?

It would be a road with new paths to pursue.

But it would be a life pursued without You.

A story with a different ending,

A story where beauty has no beast,

A story where the beast was deceased.

A story where the beauty did not see the beast’s heart, and he wander lonesome in his castle from the start.

Fear is strong, but I am stronger.

I have pursued a life with You and brought light into a once dark room.

B) I started my poem with the sentence “Nothing makes sense without You” because someone’s disability is part of what makes them who they are. I purposefully capitalized the “You” throughout my poem, as if I was talking directly to Disability. I did this to identify Disability culture in my poem.

I then continued on to list things that are beautiful the way they are, and tried to express how that beauty would not be the same if it were any different. Such as the snow on Christmas Day, since Christmas would not feel quite the same without a soft, beautiful blanket of snow, and so forth. This representation is a main theme that I carried throughout my poem. I use this as a metaphor that you would not be the same person without your disability, just like the night sky wouldn’t be the same without the stars and moon. It is part of what makes it beautiful, like disability is part of what makes other people beautiful. There is no need to change the way that they are because one’s identity comes hand in hand with their disability.

As we read through the poem, we reach line 10, “It would be a road with new paths to pursue.” This details that one’s life would be very different if they didn’t have their disability, but that they are comfortable with the life they have. They embrace their differences, and hope that others will do the same. This idea is also explained during the metaphor on Beauty and the Beast. They are two parts that complete a story, and without one, the story would not be the same. It explains that we should not fear disability, and rather accept it, like the beast was accepted in the fairy-tale of Beauty and the Beast. It explains that we should recognize the beauty in disability, rather than isolate people with disabilities from the general public. People with disabilities are capable, and people with disabilities are beautiful.

Although people may fear disability, we will continue to advocate for the rights of people with disability, despite the challenges we have endured for this, as described in line 17, “Fear is strong, but I am stronger.” Whereas the last line further explains the comfort people have in their life with disability, “I have pursued a life with You, and brought light into a once dark room.” The dark room described in this line is the struggle for the rights of people with disabilities, and the time they were discriminated against and treated inhumane because of their disabilities. Nonetheless, people with disabilities still bring light into the “dark room” with their beautiful identities and personalities, and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. They decide to find acceptance in their disability, and live in light, rather than in the darkness, rather than falling down to discrimination; They are the ones that show us the beauty in Disability. I urge you to read each line carefully to find meaning in my words that connect to the fifth principle, as there are a number of thoughts that connect each word to a meaning, and maybe even a new meaning that you find for yourself. That is what poetry is about.

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I thought this weeks video was really eye opening. I didn’t know that there’s over a billion people that need access to assistive technology that aren’t able to get it, and that only 1 in 10 people have the technology they need to allow them to live more freely and independently.

I was inspired by the person in the video, and their belief that they can accomplish anything they dream of! They had such a bright outlook on their life and disability, and were more than happy to be asked by strangers about why they were unable to walk.

This week’s readings and video prompted me to do more exploring on the topic of assistive technology and I came across some truly amazing products.

One that I found, for the vision impaired, is the Orcam MyEye 2, which allows the wearer to read anything they like just by wearing this tiny device. It has facial recognition technology and can read anything from an email to a restaurant menu for its wearer!

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Seeing AI in new languages A free app that narrates the world around you, now available in Italian, Turkish, Dutch, German, French, Japanese and Spanish.

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I would like to bring a new app to your attention for Jamie. I see they are struggling with life outside of school and being independent. I also noticed she is asking more people to describe the things around her. As I know she has just received her new IPAD for using text to speech to read her assignment I think this would be a great addition to that. It is called the Seeing AI App and it is amazing. The app will read short text as soon as it appears in the view of the camera wherever she points it. This will be great to read flyers around the school and cafeteria menus on her own.  It also has the same ability to read any documents so she would be able to access any books without braille. Being able to go to the library and just look around and read all books not just a select section of braille books will give her such independence and feel included when all the kids are talking about these animae books they read.

Another great feature this app has will help her outside of school as well. The app will give a beep once the camera is pointed at a barcode and it is located. It will then identify that product for her such as a can of corn or a can of beans. This is such an important feature for her to be able to scan barcodes on some of the websites teachers usually send a barcode link to an email or on a flyer in their classroom linking kids to information on projects.

One more interesting feature, it can recognize her friends when they are near. She will be able to say hi before they even expect it, what a confidence booster that would be. While scanning with her camera it can also describe the people around her, including emotions like someone is happy or sad, smiling or has a tear in their eye. How great she would feel saying how nice it is to see you happy to someone.

This AI app is also capable of describing scenes around her. As she is walking around outside with friends it will tell her the scenery that is around the school. Imagine walking out in your own backyard and hearing that there is a big yellow tree behind the neighbor’s blue house.

One of the most exciting thing I found was the app is able to identify currency bills when paying cash at a store. How great would it be to show off to the class the ability to identify the money they are learning at the moment. Imagine the freedom of paying for your lunch in the cafeteria and saying here is a five-dollar bill or thank you for my quarter and two dimes for change. You know as well as me she will be such a show off with that one and grinning ear to ear.

It will generate an audible tone to tell her about the lighting in her surroundings if it is dim or if it is bright. I just think these little things will make her feel so included in daily activities in the school. Hearing her say, hey who turned the lights down brings a smile to my face.

With the app able to describe perceived color allowing her to know the colors around her feels like it would be so enlightening for her. Being able to use that to describe the colors of the pictures in books she can now get read to her allows more freedom of expression. Imagine her describing the colors to a friend without her seeing the pages, incredible!!!

Not only can this app read, but it can also read handwritten scripture as well. Think about all those old hand written recipes from our grandmothers. Those handwritten love letters from our great grandparents, the ability to read old notes from long ago would be beyond anyone’s imagination.

This will not only help her now in the present but think of the future students that don’t see colors, or for kids that just need help with reading. The number of possibilities for future students is beyond our imagination. This is not a huge cost to the school district either and the parents, I am sure, would be more than happy to assist if the district was able to find some extra funding for this, even if just for the iPad that stays in the classroom. Let’s make this happen!

Reference

Microsoft. (2023). Microsoft AI. Microsoft.com. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai

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What is Disability?

For this principle I chose to write a free verse poem about the joy that individuals with disabilities feel, despite the assumptions and ignorance of nondisabled people.

What is disability?

Is it something to mourn?

Is it something to fear?

Apologize. Apologize.

But why? Oh why?

We do not live in pain or fear.

We are happy and our lives are clear.

I don’t see the same as you,

but I still run and play.

I roll instead of walk,

but that won’t slow my day.

Sometimes I am sad or scared or lost,

but I find peace that puts the fear at bay.

I don’t sound like everyone else,

But I talk and laugh in my own special way.

I don’t learn like the rest,

But I love to learn when I have a say.

What is disability?

Disability is joy.

Disability is diversity.

Disability is for celebration.

By, Jordan Langlois

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I am working with a 16-year-old student, who, because of a severe spinal neck injury, is tetraplegic. The accident occurred when he was 13, so he has been tetraplegic for 3 years. He does well at school, using speech to text applications and voice control on tablets and computers for any writing and math work, and relying on an EA for assistance.

He comes from a musical family, and prior to his accident, he was an aspiring musician. His instruments of choice were the guitar and piano, and he enjoyed spending his free time playing, composing, and singing. Since his accident, the joy he found in music has gone. He has expressed a desire to play again, although the knowledge that he will not be able to engage in instruments the way he had before can bring on bouts of depression.

The assistive technology that I would love to introduce to our classroom consists of two parts; the Tobii eye tracker and EyeHarp.

The Tobii eye tracker would cost approximately $400 and would allow our student to engage with computer games and programs using only head and eye gestures. It doesn’t even need to be worn as a headset, just a simple, small, and lightweight bar, that when installed and mounted underneath a screen can control programs and games. This will also have the advantage of allowing him to play computer games with his friends, which is another activity he has not been able to do for a long time. Even though this is not the main reason I want to purchase the Tobii eye tracker, it would be such a huge benefit! Allowing him to be a part of that social experience again would be so incredibly good for his self-esteem.

The next asset we would need is a computer program called EyeHarp. It would cost about $900, but when used with the Tobii eye tracker, it would allow our student to play music and compose. It has over 20 different instrument “voices”, including his preferred instruments of piano and guitar. It also contains lessons, so he could improve his musical skills. He would even be able to perform live if he so chose! He would be able to do all this by simply using the Tobii eye tracker. Head gestures and eye movements would allow him to play to his heart's content and compose his own songs again. He can record different instruments and could even record his voice so that he can sing along to his music once more. Not being able to engage in music has been so difficult for him, so this would open up that world and aspect of his life. It would also allow him to reconnect with his family musically, as they used to play together, prior to his accident.

Regaining his identity after his accident has been a huge hill for this boy to climb. Although he has come such a long way, I think giving him the gift of music would help him express his emotions and feelings, allowing him to process and grow. It would also help his self-esteem, which in turn would benefit his social relationships.

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I have worked with many children who are non-verbal, they usually have autism as well. Although the technology is not brand new I do believe it is one of the most helpful things… the iPad! Most of the nonverbal children or the ones high on the spectrum get an iPad with a text to speech app, this comes in handy often. I find the hardest thing about working with nonverbal children is that they know what they want to say but they can’t get it out and they start getting very frustrated with me and themselves. Sometimes I see that they get babied or helped like they are helpless infants and often it leads to them becoming angry or agitated. This then leads to their people getting frustrated with them because they do not take a moment to try and work with them instead of against them. While I work with nonverbal kids I can see it in them, they know exactly want they want/need, the issue is the “barrier” of not being able to vocalize it. So when you bring in this iPad with text to speech it is a total game changer because now they can express to you exactly what they were thinking. You are no longer dealing with both sides, student and education assistant being angry with each other. They have to go to the bathroom or they are hungry, they can express that to you and you don’t have to play a guessing game. Maybe they just want to tell you some random thing that popped into their head and they tell you through the iPad. They may not be able to have real conversations with you like someone who is verbal but that does not mean they don’t want to. If I am being honest I have had my moments were I have fallen into the ideas that since they are disabled or can’t talk they are slower or not as smart because they don’t function the same as me. That was more of a thing when I first started working and I hadn’t been around many people with disabilities. However, I have been working as an education assistant for awhile now and I have worked with many different kids with all kinds of disabilities and I no longer have those thoughts or underestimate them. Another reason the iPad is so amazing to me is because now not only can they tell me when they want something, they can share their amazing brains with me. These kids are brilliant and have so much to share and express, the way the think is so unique. Unfortunately, because of the verbal barrier they are looked over all too often. Some of the children I work with could be a mathematician or the next top scientist if they wanted. The saddest part is that not all the children have access to an iPad and I bet most of them do not receive one until they get to school. That leaves them with many years which could be some of the most important years stuck behind a barrier. Also when I work at the lower income schools not all of them receive iPads and they are left again with this unfair barrier. I believe this iPad should be way more accessible for nonverbal or disabled people. It is not the newest or the coolest technology but it helps so much.

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In working alongside a behaviour interventionist is when I first learnt about board maker. I was blessed to be able to get a copy of the program through my daughters ASD funding. This program is the most versatile assistive support and should be in every classroom. It offers the ability to create any visual aide you can think of. For a non verbal student you can have pictures laminated that are magnetic that the student can arrange into answers, or to make requests of wants and needs. For individuals who are unable to hold a pencil or type you can creates images or labels that when placed below light up bottoms then easily allows students to answer and communicate during classroom exercises.

The program is very user friendly and allows you to add your own pictures as well as customize the preloaded options. If you are making a face to represent a person you can choose hair, skin, eye color, head, eye, nose, ear shape and placement as well as accessories and facial hair. By having this amount of customization available you can easily create cartoon depictions to accurately represent what you need represented. You also can decide the size, font and how you plan to use these images.

Other then labels, and images to represent things in board maker you can also create charts, calendars, to do lists and the blank fill in-able templates for everything as well. This allows board maker to be usefully to autistic, and other cognitive disorders, physical, learning challenged individuals. It also makes board maker an asset to the teacher in being able to make custom agenda labels, name tags and especially visual supports to help any student.

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Ares is a bright five-year-old with moderate-severe conductive hearing loss for the left ear. The right ear indicates a slight loss. He was recently fitted with a new bone conduction hearing aid (Oticon Medical Ponto 5 Mini on a softband) for the left ear. He previously wore the Oticon Ponto 3 Superpower which he was fitted with when he was 10 months old. The newer technology of the Ponto 5 Mini gives him better speech understanding with less effort in noisy environment than his earlier processor. As you are aware Ares is emerging with letter fluency and language. He is struggling with many of the concepts taught in kindergarten, particularly letter knowledge and fine motor skills. He needs support tp complete most activities and routines in a timely manner. Language development is a focus for Ares due to his hearing loss.

With the change in Ares processor there are better technological advancements, such as the EduMic which is Oticon’s new wireless remote microphone system. The EduMic is a remote microphone system (RMA), which is a technology that has successfully been used for individuals with hearing loss for decades. Unlike traditional systems, the 2.4. GHz wireless receiver is integrated into Oticon hearing devices powered by Velox S platform. The lightweight device is more affordable than most other remote microphone systems and, due to the integrated receiver system, there is no need to invest in added components. (Leininger, 2021)

The EduMic is designed to let teachers focus on what's important-connecting with and teaching children both in and out of the classroom. The EduMic can be connected to a computer, smart board or tablet using the 3.5mm audio jack connection and can be unplugged from the audio source to resume microphone mode. (Leininger, 2021)

The use of RMS is a crucial component for auditory accessibility for children with hearing loss. It is recommended for children using amplification to help improve speech understanding in complex listening environments that are typical of today’s classrooms.

The results of the study investigating speech understanding across SNRs supported this, where hearing aids alone resulted in the poorest speech understanding across different noise levels. The study also found that the EduMic provides equal or greater benefit than traditional RMS technology, with significantly greater benefit in the noisiest condition. EduMic can be considered as an excellent alternative to the conventional RMS, especially in classroom environments where noise levels are typically high. (Gordey & Rumley, 2019)

From doing quite a bit of research with Ares current bone conduction hearing aid the Oticon Ponto 5 Mini, I feel that the EduMic would be perfect for the classroom to support Ares through his school years.

Oticon EduMic for Children

Gordey, D.W., & Rumley, J. (2019). Enhanced learning with EduMic [White paper]. Centre for Applied Audiology Research, Oticon.https://wdh02.azureedge.net/-/media/oticon/main/pdf/master/whitepaper/65216uk_wp_edumic.pdf?la=en-ca&rev=38F6&hash=F92D84C5E4CDFA2C099A561AAEA28BDB

Leininger, G. (2021, December 28). Hearing Implant Updates for Professionals. EduMic-The Easy FM Connectivity Solution. EduMic – The Easy FM Connectivity Solution | Hearing Implant Updates for Professionals

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Hey Val, while researching some ways to help Maggie with her social skills in the classroom, I came across this great new invention called, “Milo”, it’s a robot who helps kids with socialization and learning. Milo is backed by therapists who specialize in ASD and was created by a speech pathologist. A company called, "Robokind" created Milo and they create many other robots like him. I believe Maggie struggles with the concept of having two-way conversations with her peers, humans have emotions, and robots do not. I believe taking out the emotion from the way she communicates with people will help her to have more typical conversation without sarcasm, or judgment. Also, while taking the emotion out of it “Milo” does not get overwhelmed, or have hurt feelings when Maggie gets frustrated and has outbursts. This may help her to feel less overwhelmed taking out the emotion. Milo is also built to speak slower, and show icons and images, making it easier for Maggie to understand what she is doing, as she is a more visual learner and sometimes the classroom is too loud, too fast paced and chaotic for her to even understand a word a teacher is using. While we can use this in the classroom, I think this is perfect for a one on one approach for learning. The article in the Republican written by Jana Wiersema states, ““It’s more concrete,” he said. “It’s not emotional. The biggest challenge they have is emotions fire off, and they don’t have the skills to manage their emotions. The robot is not emotional, right? It’s disarming. It’s digits. It’s ones and zeros, coding, right? So that is the catch — to them it makes more sense, because it’s maybe more like them. And then so that’s the breakthrough for them.” (Jana Wiersema, January 23, 2023) I also believe this will help her communicate better than she can with the teacher, and she will relate to him more than others because it takes the stress of socialization out of the problem. This is not meant or built to replace her peers, it is quoted in the youtube video, a “bridge therapy” for teaching them the skills needed so they don’t have to learn in high stress environments with their peers who are less likely to engage the way they understand. Using a robot you get clear, calm and consistent results which is something humans all struggle with when working with behavioural students. CNET quotes statistics, ”Research has shown kids with ASD are engaging with Milo 87% of the time, while 3% with a therapist.” That is incredible numbers for kids, breaking such barriers will help a lot of student in our classrooms with learning, communication and social skills. I believe this investment will be so beneficial. We can also offer rental time to cover costs where kids from homeschooling, or other schools can rent time slots with “Milo” to help cover the costs, and opening up new resources for autism in our community! Vancouver is the first Canadian city to try Milo in the schools. Several districts are now looking into purchasing, or renting Milo for their schools as it's proven to have great outcomes for autistic kids in schools. TWENTY FIVE STUDENTS - twice weekly for 45 minute sessions in vancouver are benefiting from using Milo. I put bit expression in how many students cause that is just life changing for the students who have these opportunities with Milo. Vancouvers school district pays 30,000 for leasing 5 Milos throughout their school district. We should be proactive before they all sell out!

The article on Vancouver Schools Pilot plan of using Milo, such a great read!
https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/robot-opens-doors-of-communication-in-west-van-3062477

The republican - Learning from a robot: Meet Milo, the newest in technology to help students with autism.

https://www.therepublic.com/2023/01/23/learning-from-a-robot-meet-milo-the-newest-in-technology-to-help-students-with-autism/

CNET – Meet Milo – a robot helping kids with autism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uDorjtcm2s

Signed, Michaela Moffat

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Dear Val,

I’ve noticed that due to David’s challenges with the spasticity in his hands, he is unable to write for himself. I think if he had the ability to write, draw, paint ect., he would feel much more independent and this would also give him the opportunity to express himself in other mediums. I’ve done some research and found a technology called Guided Hands. Guided hands is a portable device meant to be laid on a flat surface, made for individuals who have limited mobility in their hands (like David). This device has a comfortable forearm rest with interchangeable hands rests, depending on size and stiffness of the hand. Connected to the hand rest is a small flexible attachment that can hold the tool of your choice. This arm and hand rest are both connected to a sliding track that makes for easy movement to any point on the page. I’ve watched a video on how it’s used and the results that David could have from it and I just had to tell you about it! I don’t want David to miss out on using a pen and paper himself anymore and I think this is a great option for him. Please give the website a peak :)

https://www.imaginablesolutions.com/pages/guided-hands%E2%84%A2

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Hello everyone, here is my post on Assistive Listening Devices. 

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Hello everyone, here is my post on Assistive Listening Devices. 

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Thanks for looking :)

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Hi there,

I would like to introduce you to the Jouse3. Jouse3 is a joystick that connects to your computer, phone or other electronic devices for individuals without hands/arms or with limited mobility and control of their hands and arms. You control the joystick through movement of your mouth, tongue, cheek, or chin. The joystick allows the users to navigate the cursor on the screen with precise and fast movement and provides all the same features of a traditional hand-held mouse controller, such as left, right and double-click actions through the “sip and puff” attachment. The end piece attached to the Jouse3 allows the individual to either blow (puff) into the device or draw air out of it (sip), and each combination of movements is coded for different controls, allowing the individual to access their computer or electronic device efficiently without the use of a hand-held mouse. The Jouse3 also has detachable and disposable mouth pieces, making it safe for use by more than one student once the contaminated mouthpiece has been removed, and a clean one placed back on.

For the quadriplegic student at our school who can not use our computers and traditional school supplies without the assistance of a teacher or EA, this assistive technology would be an amazing addition to their resources that would allow them to independently produce their own schoolwork. With the Jouse3, our student could write and edit their own school papers and assignments, research independently, also complete online art assignments. The precision of the joystick allows students to paint and draw electronically while maintaining the detail of hand created drawings and paintings. With this technology, we may be able to place a computer in the classroom for this student, which would allow them to work independently throughout the day, as well as take notes. I strongly urge you to consider how this technology would assist our student in becoming a confident and independent learner.

References:

Ergo Guys (n.d.) Jouse3 Joystick [image]. Retrieved from:
http://www.ergoguys.com/jouse-2-joystick-operated-usb-mous.html

Special Needs Computers, Assistive Devices & Workplace Ergonomics. (n.d.). Jouse3. Retrieved from: https://www.specialneedscomputers.ca/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1888#:~:text=The%20all%20new%20Jouse3%20is,the%20faster%20the%20cursor%20travels.

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Sarah is 6 years old and because of some damage to her eardrums she is partially deaf and now requires a cochlear implant. This vibrant, bubbly little girl has now lost a bit of her sparkle because she finds that she is missing out on everything the other children are doing. I think that there is a way to change this for her with the school purchasing an FM System to help Sarah and other children who are having this struggle. I know you are probably asking yourself or googling what exactly an FM System is, and I am here to let you know. An FM System is a frequency modulated system that is used to help someone with hearing loss listen in a noisy place like the classroom we have here. This system has two main parts which would be a microphone and transmitter that you as the teacher would wear for us and a receiver that would be used by Sarah to pick up your voice. There are also different types of receivers like the “Boots” which attaches to her cochlear implants or, “Desktop” which is a speaker on her desk or, one is also “Sound Field” which are speakers located in different points in our classroom and we also have devices that would be worn on the ear without her cochlear implant. This system will allow you to have Sarah able to hear you no problem because this will send your voice to her receiver with your transmitter. There is also a graphic novel that has what I would say seems like a early version of the FM system and it is called El Deafo and is an amazing read and it also gives insight into what it is like to lose part of your hearing and feel excluded and left out. If you are worried about the kids possibly getting a little rowdy and it disturbing Sarah and not allowing her to hear you any longer than no need to fear because this system is set up in a way where it will reduce background noise and really try and make your voice understandable no matter where she may be sitting in the classroom but forewarning if it as strong as the one in El Deafo don’t wear it to the bathroom unless you want Sarah to be able to hear you in there. I would love to be able to figure out how we can go about this for Sarah because she deserves to still get the same education as all the other girls and boys and because of this incident her quality of learning should not be affected and I also understand that she is now learning sign language as well so maybe we could see about learning that with her as well so we all can benefit and be able to help Sarah along. I know if my nephew suffered the same damage to his ears as Sarah, I would want to do everything in my power to make sure he still is able to understand us and enjoy his childhood and not feel isolated because of his uniqueness now with a cochlear implant. Kids should be able to be themselves no matter what and we should try to allow them that, so they are not being held back and if you do end up reading El Deafo you really see that this persons loss with their hearing really changed who they are and how they look at things in their life and made them a bit negative and willing to overlook people who gave them attention who weren’t always the nicest because they thought all people saw was their hearing aids. Once someone showed them that they weren’t really paying attention some bad friendships were made and I really don’t want to see Sarah go down this path and lose the ability she has to make people smile and laugh alongside her with her infectious laugh. I think that if we find who oversees acquiring the FM System or Special Education here in our school and we can ask them to consider helping with this request. Whatever route we go on as long as we keep track of the steps, we are taking we will be beneficial for Sarah in the long run and we need to make sure we don’t just talk to them about the request we can make it very official by writing it down for them and ensuring that they see what we can do to help this little girl. As I said before every child deserves the right to enjoy their childhood to the fullest extent they can and I don’t want Sarah to miss out on that or getting the best out of our teachings. I don’t have a set price for this system to help Sarah but it varies between $150 and a fe thousand dollars and I really appreciate you giving me the chance to speak to you today and for all your consideration.

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BrailleNote

We have a visually impaired student in our class. We have concerns that our student does not have everything he needs to succeed in school and post-secondary school, which is causing him to shut down. He is frustrated because he is limited in what he can do. He wants to be able to do so much more and not have to depend on an adult for so much help. We have found a device that will give him so much more independence. This device is the new innovative BrailleNote Touch. It opens a whole new world for an individual who is visually impaired. It is nice and compact and lightweight. It comes with a carrying case for easy transport. It can be used anywhere they go. This is something that will follow our student through school and right into their chosen career as a Lawyer. The individual can do whatever they so choose.

They can do their school research and work.

Take notes.

Write essays.

Communicate with friends, family, and colleagues all over the world via email.

They can use it to read.

Create professional documents as well as share them.

Whatever you can do on a computer, they can do, and more. The possibilities are endless.

This device is very quiet so it will not interrupt people around them or disrupt any teaching time.There's16 GB of internal storage, as well as WIFI, Bluetooth, and GPS capabilities. It's equipped with stereo speakers and a built-in microphone. It has a visual touch surface and screen that senses their fingertips. They then start moving their fingers like they were typing in braille and the device recognizes that. The BrailleNote Touch keyboard is designed for those who don’t yet have the dexterity to type on the TouchBraille, or those who want to write long documents or papers. Completely removable, it fits directly over the touchscreen to provide a familiar user experience with no learning curve. It has a physical braille keyboard that can be completely removed. Making it perfect for extended writing and long editing sessions.

I have researched this device and the cost is $7200.00. I feel that it would be extremely beneficial to this student and allow him to achieve independence in his studies as well as social and professional life. Can you please approve this purchase?

https://www.humanware.com/microsite/bntouch/Video_braillenote_touch.mp4

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Hi Val!

I’ve noticed that Taylor is having trouble communicating in class and with her peers. I would like to explore some ways to help her.

Taylor is very social and she thrives with her peers and has many friends. She is having trouble communicating her thoughts and feelings independently though. Initially, Taylor was having trouble organizing and deciphering her thoughts, so expressing them was difficult. We worked on ways to organize her thoughts so she could more easily express them, and she has been thriving and communicating with me using picture boards.  After working with her for some time, I believe the biggest thing standing between her and independent communication is the technology available to her. Since Taylor is non-verbal, we have been working with pointing at picture boards or using speech devices on her iPad for quite some time. However, she has some trouble with the mobility and fine motor skills that these resources require. Especially when she is tired. I have noticed her frustration intensifying when she cannot express herself the way she wants and needs to. She prefers her iPad because she likes having her own voice, but she often hits the wrong button. The picture boars are easier for her to use, but they require me to be her voice and interpret for her. She doesn’t mind this when it is just us, or when we are doing school work, but she doesn’t like communicating with her peers this way.

I have spoken to Taylor, and she would like a way to communicate and have a voice that doesn’t require the use of too many buttons. After speaking with Taylor I started to do some research on assistive technology that would fit Taylor’s needs and improve her autonomy. In my research, I found the Tobii Dynavox. Specifically, I came across one of their newer products. The TD Pilot. This product allows the user to use a device to communicate, but the feature that stood out to me for Taylor was the eye tracker. The eye tracker tracks the users eye movements so they don’t need to touch any buttons to communicate, just move their eyes. The product can be mounted to just about anything, so we could attach it to her wheelchair, or we could put it on the table. This device also allows the user to play games with eye movement which I thought was cool. Overall though, I think this product solves a problem that Taylor is experiencing. I think she would benefit from this device because it would relieve the frustration she is  experiencing with her current speech device that requires her to use buttons to speak. She would also benefit because she would be able to user her own voice and express her own feelings. We have been discussing the potential for Taylor to do a presentation to the class independently, and this device would allow her to do it. It would also allow her to communicate socially with her friends and peers. With this product Taylor would be able to communicate independently academically and socially.

Taylor has a unique voice and a wicked sense of humour. I would like to hear her talk more and allow her to share her thoughts and feeling with the world. Taylor does many things on her own already, and I believe this device would bring her another step closer to independence.

The video I watched

Tobii Dynavox. (2022, May 17). Unboxing the TD Pilot, AAC device for iPad. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2YxcPNzcRo

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After watching the video I was so impressed with this young mans wisdom. The words he spoke were beyond his years and we could all learn from him. I was very unaware of the amount of people needing assistive technology. The way he spoke on how we all need to work together was so inspiring to listen to. His outlook on life and his demeanor is far beyond many. I loved when he said, “ An able body doesn’t give you a direct pass to a happy life.” (Velkovski, 2021)

I have chosen to introduce the Seeing AI APP from Microsoft. It is an amazing app that reads documents and will read short text as soon as it appears by pointing the phone camera in the direction. It can locate barcodes and identify products and even recognizes friends and describes people around you including their emotions. Identifies currency for paying cash and can describe the scenery around you. I think this will be a welcome technology for the blind to not have to rely on braille to be added to grocery store shelves and to be able to get a sense of peoples emotions around them.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai