July / August / September • Issue 3 • 2017
Assistive Technology, continued from page 1
to troubleshoot when problems arise, as well as promoting self
advocacy skills (i.e., requesting modifications or adaptations,
knowing when to use a device or alternative method of access,
asking for help if there are problems) are critical steps we take.
In Denise DeCoste’s chapter on Best Practices in the
Use of Assistive Technology to Enhance Participation in Best
Practices for Occupational Therapy in Schools (2013), she states
“... practitioners must have expertise in providing AT services
as well as a working knowledge of AT devices and apps that
enhance learning and independence.” This not only promotes
more efficient use of students’ clients’ and patients’ time in
exploring and trying out devices, but also helps to provide
support to other team members. An example of this is when
working with a Speech Language Pathologist who is considering
an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
device to trial. Our knowledge of how the device is set up, ease
of access to the cells, positioning of the device to reduce glare or
the need to change their head position in order to see and select
choices, provides more information that will promote successful
use of the device.
Sorting Through the Information
Given the volume of information online, there are several
“go to” resources we have found to be the most helpful in
learning more about Assistive Technology, how others are using
AT across a variety of environments and ages, as well as how we
can be good consumers.
This is just a sample of what is available. As noted earlier, a
basic google search for “assistive technology” will identify almost
9 million hits but hopefully this will give you something to start
with.
AT Conferences
• Assistive Technology Industry Association
www.atia.org
• Annual International Technology and Persons with
Disabilities Conference via California State University at
Northridge
http://www.csun.edu/cod/conference/2017/sessions
• Closing the Gap
www.closingthegap.com
• The Rehabilitation Society of North America
www.resna.org
Illinois Resources
• Illinois Assistive Technology Guidance Manual 2012
https://www.isbe.net/Documents/assist-tech-guidance-manual.
pdf
•
•
IIlinois Assistive Technology Program
https://www.iltech.org
Infinitec (school, home, work, resources)
www.infinitec.org/home
AT Outcomes
• Assistive Technology Outcomes & Benefits
https://www.atia.org/at-resources/atob
AT & Vision Assessment and Access
• Luis F. Perez, Ph.D., Inclusive Learning Consultant
(Videos of computer access)
https://luisperezonline.com
• Ike Presley, National Project Manager, American
Foundation for the Blind (eLearning, public policy
information, publications)
www.afb.org
• Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(resources, webinars, publications, resources)
www.tsbvi.edu
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
http://www.asha.org
• Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA)
http://www.ishail.org
• Lauren Enders, MA, CCC-SLP: Gail Van Tatenhove, SLP,
Augmentative Communication Specialist, Orlando, FL
http://www.speechtherapypd.com/ets/pages/?p=lauren_enders_
ma_ccc_slp
Computer Access
• Windows: Ease of Access (tutorial)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srAzan-RmAs
• Mac: Accessibility menu
https://www.apple.com/accessibility/mac
• Chrome: Accessibility extensions
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/collection/
accessibility
• Android: Accessibility Overview
https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/ui/accessibility/
index.html
Curriculum Access
• Mark Choppin The Anne Carlson Center (access, apps,
modifications)
http://www4.esc13.net/uploads/assistivetech/docs/CTATC/14_
15Meetings/GPAT_ATConsiderationResourceGuide_
rev2014.pdf
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