https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd Discussion about Assistive Technology en-us 2017-06-09 06:30:12 UTC 2017-06-16 22:47:40 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/File.png deleon_melissa https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/175832864 Asssitive Technology (AT) has been around for decades. Manual typewriters are one of the first known Assistive devices in History(Dell, Newton, & Petroff, 2017, p.9). The manual typewriter was created in 1808, and it gave people with disabilities the tool to write legibly, and learn to read  (Dell, Newton, & Petroff, 2017, p.9). As the need grew for these Assitive devices in schools, laws were created, in which all students were able to get the resources they needed to succeed in the classroom. IDEA 1997/2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act(1973), Americans with Disabilites Act specify that if needed, Assistive Technology would be considered and if necessary, implemented(Dell et al,. 2017, p.4-8).  Working with children who are on the spectrum, allows me to witness the advancements in Assitive Technology, and how much people with disabilities can benefit from having an assistive device. Low- Tech devices such as, pencil grips, can help students work on their pincer grasp when writing. Whereas, high-tech tools such as an iPad, can help a nonverbal student communicate to parents and teachers through the use of a talking app(Dell et al., 2017, p.5).

 Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2017). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of children with disabilites (Third Edition). Pearson Education.

Question for discussion: Did you ever have to use an Assistive Device, or know anyone who has or does? If so, talk about the affect it has had on their/ your life, and where you/ they would be without it. 



]]> 2017-06-09 06:32:44 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/175832864 ari_v_0424 https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/175885896 Hi Melissa, my name is Ariana Vasquez.
While creating my own wall I came across an interesting and remarkable story about a young man named Reo Kobayash. Reo was born with cerebral palsy and lives with very limited physical abilities which created many obstacles in learning. However with the help of AT Reo was able to successfully finish high school and has recently accepted his admission to USC. This is a great example of how AT and a supportive team of educators can be beneficial for students with disabilities. ]]> 2017-06-09 14:17:25 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/175885896 jayson_bijak https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/175917841 Hi Melissa! I never personally benefitted from any AT devices or services when I was in school. I’ve used fidgets since I got out of high school to help with my anxiety. They help a lot more than I initially believed they would. But that’s about the extent of my personal use of AT devices. I do, though, have a cousin that uses an iPad to help him communicate. It’s helped him become a lot more confident in his communication, as well as helped his family and friends understand his needs and wants.]]> 2017-06-09 19:47:19 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/175917841 saafraz https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/175927870 Hi Melissa!
Based off of some of your responses I have read you posted, it is cool to see that we work very similar jobs.
 I currently work in a clinic where we offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA--which is what I do), Speech, and Occupational therapy services.
As I said, I am an ABA Therapist, where I provide behavioral therapy to children with autism. I have a couple of clients who are non-verbal, and them we use ATs--such as ios and Android capable devices. Installed will be an app that has been chosen for them after deciding which would help them best (I have  worked with TouchChat and LAMP) to communicate their words and thoughts to us. I started off with a client who was non-verbal, but did not have a device yet. For her, we adjusted her programs to Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) board to show her what and where we could be doing. Now with her device, we have the ability to expand on her vocabulary and give her more independence to use "her voice" instead of me reading her choice. It is truly amazing what the use of your day to day devices can do!
The text asks the question as to why have these mobile devices become so popular. The answers that I appreciate the most in my experience is that, "the mobile devices are fast. You touch a button and the device immediately begins to work. There is no need to spend time waiting while the device “'boots up'” or a program opens [and] mobile devices are lightweight and portable, easily carried in a backpack or purse [and] mobile devices are versatile and flexible. They come with many functions built in, and hundreds of thousands of apps are available that enable users to perform a multitude of tasks."

Dell, Amy G.; Newton, Deborah A.; Petroff, Jerry G.. (2017). Introduction to Assistive Technology. In Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities (pp. 11). Pearson Education.

These devices speak in real time for my client, and can be carried easily in their hand like a briefcase or attached with a strap to place around their body, and are installed with their communication app or many apps for fun or other resources. The possibilities are endless! 

I have gotten formal training on LAMP and also use TouchChat, with the assistance and training from our SLPs. Knowing how these "words" work in the minds of my clients has helped me realize how our options to communicate are always available and no one person should feel like they cannot express themselves!]]> 2017-06-10 00:08:25 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/175927870 aricruz https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176130123 Technology has been called “the great equalizer” for people with disabilities because it offers “better opportunities to communicate, learn, participate, and achieve greater overall levels of independence.



Dell, Amy G.; Newton, Deborah A.; Petroff, Jerry G.. Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities (What's New in Special Education) (Page 13). Pearson Education. ]]> 2017-06-12 16:51:10 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176130123 dnmikeska37 https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176193143 With the wide variety of AT that is in the world, it is easy to say that the impact on everyday life is significant. AT devices range from low-tech, which are inexpensive and do not have an electronic component, to high-tech, which are expensive and sophisticated pieces of technology. Below is a video of the impact that AT can have on someone's everyday life.

Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2017). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. Boston: Pearson]]> 2017-06-13 05:13:11 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176193143 lexydavis https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176457195 Assistive Technology has a substantial impact on everyday life as many of us use it daily, even if we don't realize it at the time. AT like automatic doors, calculators, and apps are examples of such that I, for one, use regularly. Since I don't have a disability, these are simply tools that speed up and/or facilitate certain tasks for me. The same kinds of AT, however, would have a more profound impact on individuals with disabilities. Automatic doors enable those confined to wheel chairs to pass through as they may not be able to open a door manually, calculators help students with learning disabilities complete daily math tasks, and apps of all kinds exist to assist a wide range of needs. ]]> 2017-06-14 20:02:59 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176457195 dnwiseman1 https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176490776 I have never personally had to use an assistive device but a student in one of my classes did. He used a tablet to take all of his notes and used a special projector when he took his math exams. I'm sure these devices had a great impact on his life. The student was able to be independent and complete the assignments in a way that was comfortable for him. 

]]> 2017-06-15 03:27:52 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176490776 c_reimer https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176607332 AT has a great impact on everyday life. Maybe using technology on a daily routine would increase fluency in using the technology...ultimately making the technology more useful. 

Question: How do you think AT would impact everyday life if the technology is negatively affected like electricity is out, internet is down, incompatability, etc? ]]> 2017-06-15 22:45:32 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176607332 kkmoney https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176613557 AT can impact not only school life, but the student's life outside of school.  Having the extra assistance outside of school can help the student's overall living, which is great! - Kandece]]> 2017-06-16 00:52:05 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176613557 shirley463444852 https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176627980 AT can impact not only for students, but also in everyone's life. For example, we use laptop to help us during learning. This is a kind of assistive technology. For teacher, to use assistive can give them more ideas in how to teach in an effective way.]]> 2017-06-16 05:27:32 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176627980 tdhernandez11 https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176702645 As many people have mentioned, AT impacts a variety of people in numerous ways daily. If you think about it even phone or laptop cases can be considered low-tech AT devices for those of us who are clumsy. In my school we also have an AT library of sorts where teachers can check out different devices, toys, or supports to try in their classroom. Having this available has really broadened my view on how AT can seamlessly fit into the classroom but can also vary per person. There have been many times I have checked out a particular tactile cause and effect device for a student of mine with a visual impairment, however it supported two other students as well to learn cause and effect.]]> 2017-06-16 22:42:40 UTC https://padlet.com/deleon_melissa/uouc691uzlcd/wish/176702645