Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology in Special Education
Thomas Irwin
krustytwi@comcast.net
EDUC 504 Computers & Technology
Holy Family University
10/13/04
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
1
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology in Special Education is the use of a device and/or service that is
determined by an IEP team to be necessary to provide a student with educationally
relevant and necessary access to a Free and Appropriate Education in a least restrictive
environment (LRE). Assistive technology services must be considered for any student
receiving special education, IDEA, 1997. There is perhaps no greater realm that has
benefited from the advances of technology than Special Education. It gives the student
an easier way to communicate and learn. It gives us teachers a way to better connect with
the students, which enables us to basically educate more clearly. The world of assistive
technology is as vast as the area of Special Education. Assistive technology could be as
miniscule as a special pencil to as grand as a computer system that allows one to
communicate with their eyes, such as the case of Stephen Hawking. This research will
concentrate on assistive technology as applied to communication. With this abundance
of new found technology comes a responsibility for the teacher to be able to properly use
and understand all the nuances of the assistive technology device. Putting all this
together gives the Special Education Student an advantage that people only dreamed
about twenty-five years ago.
http://www.kidstogether.org/at.htm is a site that looks at assistive technology and
shows the categories and examples as well the steps to get funding to support the
technology. Technology has dramatically changed all of our lives over the past decade.
Technology can help us to be more productive and efficient. It can make our lives a little
easier and more comfortable. However, for some individuals with disabilities, assistive
technology can do much more.
"The provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services
enables some individuals with disabilities to -
have greater control over their own lives;
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
2
Assistive Technology



participate in and contribute more fully to activities in their home, school,
and work environments, and in their communities;
interact to a greater extent with nondisabled individuals;
and,
Otherwise benefit from opportunities that are taken for granted by
individuals who do not have disabilities."
(P.L. 100-407, Sec. 2, 1988)
Assistive technologies enable people to communicate, receive instruction, learn, play,
move about, achieve, and be independent (Blackstone, 1990). These technologies have
been used to enhance the abilities of people as part of early intervention services, in
educational and recreational programs, for employment, rehabilitation, and for
independent living (Solarz, 1990)
According to the Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act
of 1988 (Tech Act), an Assistive technology device is "any item, piece of equipment, or
product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized,
that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities." Assistive technology services are defined in the Act as "any services
that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an
assistive technology device" (P.L. 100-407, Sec.3 1988). According to the Act, these
services include;
1. evaluation of needs, providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices
by individuals with disabilities;
2. selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining,
repairing, or replacing, such assistive devices;
3. coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive
technology;
4. training or providing technical assistance for an individual with disabilities; and,
5. training or providing technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other
individuals who provide
Categories of Assistive Technology
Aids for Daily Living
Self-help aids for use in activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, dressing,
toileting , and home maintenance. Example: grab bars and a shower chair for
bathing
Augmentative Communication
Electronic and non-electronic devices that provide a means for expressive and
receptive communication for persons with limited speech. Example: using voiceoutput augmentative communication device for a person with limited speech
ability to effectively communicate with teachers, classmates , and family
members.
Computer Applications
input and out put devices, alternative access aids, modified or alternative
switches, special software, and other devices that enable persons with disabilities
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
3
Assistive Technology
to use a computer Example: Voice activated system for computer, allows an
individual with limited use of hands to write articles without the need for a
keyboard.
Environmental Control Systems
Primarily electronic systems that enable someone with limited mobility or fine
motor skills to control various devices such as appliances , electronic aids and
security systems in his/her own room, home or other surroundings. Example:
equipping a home with electronic controls for the doors, lights , television and
radio to allow greater independent functioning in the home.
Home/Worksite Modifications
Structural adaptations, fabrications in the home, worksite or other areas (ramps,
lifts, bathroom changes) that remove or reduce physical barriers for an individual
with a disability. Example: using stair glide installed in the home to have access
to the first and second levels of the home for a person who has difficulty using
stairs.
Prosthetics and orthotics
Replacements, substitutions or augmentation of missing or malfunctioning body
parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids (splints, braces, et.) Example:
using a leg prosthesis in order to walk.
Seating and Positioning
Accommodations to a wheelchair or other seating system to provide greater body
stability, trunk /head support and an upright posture, and the reduction pressure on
the skin surface (cushions, contour seats, lumbar supports). Example: Equipping
a wheelchair with straps to prevent injury to lower body, give greater upper body
support and to secure while chair is in motion.
Vision Aids
Magnifiers, Braille and speech output devices, large print monitor. Example:
adapting the computer at work with a large print monitor for a person with a
visual impairment.
Sensory Aids for People who have a hearing impairment
Telephone amplifiers, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, text telephone,
visual alerting systems. Example: a person who is deaf using a text telephone for
business transactions and equipping an entrance with a signal light to indicate to
them someone has entered. Amplifing sounds for a person who has a hearing
impairment
Wheelchair/Mobility Aids
manual and electric wheelchairs, mobile bases for custom chairs , walkers, three
wheel scooters and other utility vehicles used for increasing personal mobility.
Example: upgrading from a manual wheelchair to a power wheel chair allowing
for greater mobility and increased independence.
Vehicle Modifications
Adapting driving aids, hand controls, wheelchairs and other lifts, modified vans
and other motor vehicles used for personal transportation. Example: Driving a
van with adaptive control and a lift to accommodate a person who uses a
wheelchair
The Steps to Funding Assistive Technology
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
4
Assistive Technology
Step 1: Identify the need.
This step involves determining the purposes for which the assistive technology is
needed. For ex. it may be necessary for communication, or mobility, in order to
obtain employment, or benefit form a free and appropriate public education.
Step 2: Document the need.
At this point , a comprehensive evaluation may be necessary. This can be
accomplished through qualified professional, such as therapists, and rehabilitation
engineers.
Step 3: Determine what assistive technology is necessary.
Once the evaluation is completed, the health care professional or other service
provider will be able to make the appropriate recommendations for assistive
technology devices and services. Recommendations may include discussion of
possible alternatives and their pros and cons.
Step 4: Identify the funding source(s) and eligibility criteria.
To begin this process, some questions to ask are, " what funding does the
individual currently have available?" or " is there a potential source through
which the individual may be eligible to receive assistive technology?" Some other
points that should be considered here are the types of assistive technology
covered, and the amount of funding that may be provided by each source.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to secure funding from a variety of sources in
order to cover the total cost of the assistive technology.
Step 5: Obtain prescriptions and other supporting documentation.
A prescription will be required if the request is being made to funding sources
such as private insurance, Medical Assistance, or Medicare. No matter what
funding source is being considered, it is important to have written reports and
convincing letters of support as part of the funding package. In some cases
evidence of rejection from other sources may be included.
Step 6: Submit required paperwork.
If not already known, find out what specific information should accompany the
funding request (ex. application, prescription, summary of medical history and
reports, letters of support, pictures of the assistive technology).
Make sure the funding package is complete. Sign wherever a signature is
needed. This will prevent unnecessary delays or denials. It is also a good idea to
include a cover letter that lists the contents of the package. Doing so will ensure
that important documents are not overlooked by reviewers.
Step 7: Appeals.
When requests for assistive technology are denied by insurance carriers and
public sources, consumers should request a written explanation of why the request
was denied, and file an appeal. Information about the steps for filing an appeal
can be obtained from the insurance company or public agency to which the
request for funding was made. Although the process may involve time and
energy, it is likely that a decision to approve a request for funding will be the
outcome.
If a request is denied by private funding sources, it is important to find out why. It
may be helpful to meet with a staff person to discuss the decision, and based on
the outcome, submit the request again.
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
5
Assistive Technology
Do not give up! Remember: Persistence, along with knowledge and patience
will increase the likelihood that the vision of assistive technology for a person
with a disability will become a reality.
A productive and easily accessible way of communicating for non-verbal students is
the chat pc. It has many similarities to a palm pilot in that it works as almost a hand-held
computer that allows a student to verbally communicate. The device contains layers of
screens where a word or phrase can be programmed in for the student to push and
communicate. With the word is also the ability to have a picture of the noun or phrase
that the student wants to get across. This also allows a student with a low vocabulary to
be able to communicate by pushing the screen of the picture he/she does not know the
words for, but understands the picture. http://www.aroga.com/index.asp specializes in
these and other communicative machines. This is what a chat pc looks like:
The device ways only 17oz. and is usually worn around the waste or neck of the student.
Chat PC 2 contains numerous features for adapting the vocabulary for the specific
communication needs of the individual using the device. Approximately 8,000 Mayer
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
6
Assistive Technology
Johnson PCS symbols are included for customizing and creating your own pages. You
can also use the included PC Editor software to create pages and to import photos and
other images from a computer.
I am very familiar with this type of device being that one of my students uses it. It
really is incredible and very easy to program and understand. The only problem we have
with it is getting the student to use it.
http://www.freedomofspeech.com/ is another website designed to create “assistive
technology solutions.” It offers computer software and hardware for assistive
technology. Some of the technology includes devices to help students use a computer.
This includes augmentive communication switches. This is the Discover:Switch that
replaces the computer keyboard and mouse for people with cerebral palsy and other
physical disabilities that prevent them from doing direct selection with a mouse device or
keyboard. Discover:Switch puts a scanning keyboard on the computer screen. Press the
switch to begin scanning through the keyboard and press again to select an individual
key. Discover:Switch works with any software program – single-switch software, textentry programs, graphics applications and games. Discover:Switch talks to give users
auditory cues and feedback to help them make the correct selections from the scanning
keyboard. Built-in speech capabilities mean that users can also use Discover:Switch to
communicate as they work on the computer. Discover:Create software is included for
editing the scanning keyboards that are included with Discover:Switch and create new
setups to match the physical and cognitive needs of users.
A type of software for communication and social interaction is Words+ Talking
Screen. Talking Screen software is designed for non-literate or non-speaking individuals,
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
7
Assistive Technology
or for individuals who prefer using pictures and symbols to communicate. Ideal for users
whose language skills are developing, Talking Screen uses customized communication
displays to help the user communicate. Educators also can use the software to conduct
user assessments, trainings, and evaluations.
The Words+ company also lets one of the greatest minds in history talk to us without
the use of speech. Dr. Stephen Hawking uses the EZ keys program adapted specially for
him to communicate. http://www.words-plus.com/index.htm offers many communicative
programs. On his webpage, http://www.hawking.org.uk/text/disable/computer.html , he
tells how it works. “I communicate with a computer system. On the computer, I run a
program called Equalizer™, written by a company called Words Plus inc. A cursor
moves across the upper part of the screen. I can stop it by pressing a switch in my hand.
This switch is my only interface with the computer. In this way I can select words, which
are printed on the lower part of the screen. When I have built up a sentence, I can send it
to a speech synthesizer. I use a separate synthesizer, made by Speech+. It is the best I
have heard, though it gives me an accent that has been described variously as
Scandinavian, American or Scottish. I also can use Windows 98 through an interface
called EZ Keys, again made by Words Plus. I am able to control the mouse with the
switch through cleverly selected process from a small box shown on the desktop. I can
also write text using similar menu's to those in Equalizer. I can save what I write to disk.
I write papers using a formatting program called TEX. I can write equations in words,
and the program translates them into symbols, and prints them out on paper in the
appropriate type. I can also give lectures. I write the lecture beforehand, and save it on
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
8
Assistive Technology
disk. I can then send it to the speech synthesizer, a sentence at a time. It works quite well,
and I can try out the lecture, and polish it, before I give it.
Computers have become a way of communication in this new technological world.
http://www.abilityhub.com/ gives Assistive Technology for people with a disability who
find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible. The web site will direct you
to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers. It
offers a variety of simple and more advanced assistive technology. One such simple
device is a large print keyboard. This large print keyboard has been designed for
individuals who suffer from macular degeneration, visual impairments, or just have a
hard time reading the existing commands on their keyboards.
This website offers assistive technology for a wide variety of disabilities. For the
blind and visually impaired it offers the JAWS screen reader. With its internal software
speech synthesizer and the computer’s sound card, information from the screen is read
aloud, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job
related applications. JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays.
The website also offers technology for the deaf and hearing impaired. One such thing
is the iCommunicator 3.0. It is an alternative rather than a replacement for sign language
interpreters. The iCommunicator is not intended to replace sign language interpreters, but
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
9
Assistive Technology
to serve as an alternative access technology for
some persons who communicate in sign language.
The iCommunicator is a fully integrated system
that consists of a high-end laptop computer,
iCommunicator software, a wireless microphone
system and peripherals, and underlying software
programs. The iCommunicator also may be coupled with peripheral assistive hearing
devices such as personal FM systems, hearing aids, and cochlear implant speech
processors. Its portability allows the system to provide an interactive solution to
communication accessibility challenges in multiple environments - educational,
workplace, and public venues.
Overall, today’s technological advances have improved the lives of the disabled.
Assistive technology bridges the gap for the disabled to learn and live in a less restrictive
environment. One of the major problems with students in Special Education is their
ability to communicate. Whether it is that they are non-verbal, blind, hearing impaired,
or physically unable to communicate, they need assistance. The sites in this report give
links to such equipment. The technology is here, all we have to do is implement and
educate.
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
10
Assistive Technology
References
1. Kids Together
http://www.kidstogether.org/at.htm
2.
Aroga
. http://www.aroga.com/index.asp
3. Freedom of Speech
http://www.freedomofspeech.com/
4. Words+
http://www.words-plus.com/index.htm
5. Stephen Hawking Website
http://www.hawking.org.uk/text/disable/computer.html
6. Ability Hub
http://www.abilityhub.com/
Thomas Irwin EDUC 504
10/13/04
11