Day+9

The question of the day isn't so much a question as a list. I'd like to know what assistive technology resources you think would be useful for a future section of this course, a wish list. Although AT is provided based on an assessment, a wide variety of options need to be available for this course so I'd like your input. This may be assistive technology or software and can be based on your research or wanderings on the web. Thank you.

I would buy overlays. I would love to see how they work -Katie

Jessica - A few software programs that the ERC could update are: 1) eReader - the ERC version didn’t work on my newer Mac (macbook) because it relies on the old "Classic environment”. The updated version should run on newer operating systems. Also, 2) Don Johnston’s Start-to-Finish Literacy Starters (it also needs the older Classic environment to run). I think these CD storybooks are a great addition to any classroom curriculum for older beginning readers, but it is unfortunate that they can not be used on newer computers.

Jamie- I am doing my software evaluation on Clifford Reading. It is a really fun/educational program for young children but it is a bit out-of-date. Perhaps the ERC could purchase a more up-to-date version of Clifford.

Bill: I really think we cover a great deal of ground in this course, and that on the high-tech end of things we have seen a pretty good sampling (whether in person or on video) of various AT devices. Here's an idea - how about a spending half a class looking at low-tech devices and resources for how to create or modify common objects to make tasks more accessible? I agree with Katie about the overlays. I also really liked the laminated menu that Marvin (from DATI) brought in.

Melissa - -New head phones :) -A PECS manual. I was surprised when I looked this up in the ERC catalog, and they did not have one, but they did have a video of the DAP from 1990 (a very fun viewing experience especially since many of the people are still there now). I know it is not really AT, but perhaps the ERC can get an updated video of the DAP? -AT specifically designed for students for autism. I looked this up on Amazon and many instructional software programs came up. I really do not know which one is good. I would be happy to see any. As I brought up in my presentation, I would like to see some "video modeling" examples since the is a lot of research dealing with teaching students with autism in this manner. This is something I will be looking into this summer, but for now I do not know any good ones. -Another issue that I brought up in class today that I would like to learn more about is some simple presentation things. For example, for the most part, I know how to use Power Point and Word, but I came across a problem with "embedding" the HTML. I realize that this might be too technical for this course, but I wondered about it, so I figured I would bring it up. Another example, was when I was trying to manipulate the sound files for Blabberize, I was running into problems here as well. This might be a silly question, but can I edit a sound file, so that it is smaller or just a portion of it? One more example, there are so many technical terms for technology. Is there a good glossary somewhere?

Brian- Only because I did my project on BigKeys, I would suggest updating with the adaption plug, so it is more accessible on all computers. The ps/2 plug is outdated and many computers simply lack the plug. I am sure many of the other alternative input devices are outdated and may only need accessories to become more accessible. I believe the same is true for the software, some may only need upgrades and some offer a newer version. I was impressed by the amount of hardware and software available, many of it simply needs a newer version or upgrade. If I had to request one thing it would be an eye tracking or head tracking device. Something to replace the mouse for paralyzed individuals who only have mobility from the shoulders up. We saw the blinking device in the video and many new tools are intorduced each year.

Kristin ~ I would like to see more devices in the ERC. Although I know funding is very limited all over UD at the moment actually having more devices ranging from no tech to high tech would be beneficial for all teachers. I would also like to see more emphasis on low tech or no tech devices because schools to put it plainly do not have the funding sources, Medicaid just does not want to pay, and many of the higher end devices are not accessible to us at the moment. An emphasis on low tech or low cost and no tech devices that you can make can possibly give teachers ideas when they have no where to turn.

Rob In order for me to make a better decision on a wish list, I would consider what amount of rentals the ERC experiences. If the equipment they have isn't being used, then I think you could step up and purchase a big ticket item. However, if the equipment is being taken out and the ERC is experiencing a high volume of rentals, then it may be more wise to purchase more smaller ticket items. My basis for this is to try and reach as many students in need as possible. I would hate to see a big ticket item purchased that can only help one person at a time, while 14 other students are left waiting. I haven't been down to the ERC, but I think the most beneficial AT that can apply to all disability levels would be associated with the PECs. Having BoardMaker availabe, more laminate, more cardstock paper, and more velcro would allow students and University students to make the necessary tools for learning and communication. These are also things that you don't need to worry about breaking and losing the investment. It would however, involve the occassional replenishment.