Assistive Technologies

The Special Education program addresses the following three types of Assistive Technology (AT): Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Instructional Technology, and Behavioral Technology. AT has been defined as "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" as described by Public Law 100-407, commonly known as the Tech Act of 1988. AT as a focus for special education affords a number of possibilities for collaboration for students and faculty within the College of Education and the university (e.g., instructional technology).

Such technologies used in this department include the following:

Low-tech Assistive Technology:

Raised line paper
Pencil grips
Color overlays
Writing spacer sticks
Squeeze balls
Concrete manipulatives
Gelboards and styluses
Movin’ sit air cushion
Braille alphabet blocks
Sensory toys

Assistive technology for the content areas (e.g., literacy, mathematics):

Dana Alphasmarts
The Writer
Franklin Children’s Talking Dictionary
Franklin Spelling Ace
Reading Pens
FLYPens and FLYPen software (spelling, writing, journaling, multiplication/division and algebra)
Leapfrog and Leapfrog books
Tag by Leapfrog
Calculators, including four-function, scientific, fraction, graphing, and talking

Speech generating devices:

Pathfinder -  by: Prentke Romich
Chatbox - by: Saltillo
Liberator - by: Prentke Romich
Go-Talk 20+
Go Talk Button
Tobaloo
Partner Plus
Communication books 

Software/Media:

The IEP Team & AT Decisions(VHS)- by: Attainment's AT series
 
Picture Master Language Software(DVD) - by: AT Engineering Lab
Boardmaker software - by: Mayer Johnson
TV/VCR Combo - by: Panasonic
Laurette Learning Software
Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Word Talk
C-Map
Inspiration and Kidspiration
ReadPlease
ClickSpeak for Firefox
Click-n-type
Virtual manipulatives
Big calculator
Dragon Naturally Speak
Natural Reader
Virtual Magnifying glass
 

Courses Devoted:

Primary Courses (major part of course devoted to AT):

EDPS 46200 - Advanced Strategies for Teaching Individuals with
                       Disabilities
EDPS 45900 - Assistive Technology
EDPS 56200 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication
EDPS 57100 - Advanced Assistive Technology

Secondary Courses (1-2 sessions devoted to AT):

EDPS 46000 - Strategies for Teaching Individuals with Disabilities
EDPS 52000 - Characteristics of Individuals with Severe Disabilities
EDPS 57300 - Medical and Physical Management of Indidivuals with
                       Multiple Disabilities
EDPS 57600 - Methods of Teaching Students with Severe Disabilities