Tag Archive: assistive technology
August 13, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Where we live, the DIY movement has impacted everything from home repairs, to decorating, to assistive technology. We love the idea of empowering clients, families, and professionals to take things into their own hands to make, adapt, use, and share. Take a look at Meryl Alper’s Ignite session on the topic of building an inclusive maker culture.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: assistive technology, community, DIY, inclusion, Meryl Alper
August 10, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Allyson Robinson, SLP at the Oklahoma ABLE Tech Project, shares some thoughts on working as a team to conduct AT assessments that draw on the Quality Indicators for AT. Direct link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=s3r8M-lFQfs
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: Allyson Robinson, assessment, assistive technology, AT, Oklahoma, QIAT, quality indicators
February 7, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
What was the first technology that allowed teachers and SLPs to use personal computers in their work with students who had significant physical disabilities? Probably the Adaptive Firmware Card (AFC). Developer Paul Schwejda and SLP Judy McDonald discuss in this wonderful video from the AT Oral History Project at the University of Connecticut. How interesting that this wonderful tool stemmed from an accidental meeting by two forward-thinking people! Direct Link to Video: http://youtu.be/xu40fnC94Hk
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: access, adaptive firmware card, AFC, assistive technology, AT, history, Judy McDonald, Paul Schwejda
October 23, 2013
by Robin Parker -
A really great explanation of assistive technology by RSLSteeper Assistive Technology . We will definitely will use it in training and education.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: assistive technology, communication
October 2, 2013
by Robin Parker -
Another must watch TED Talk. Learn how assistive technology helped Ron McCallum prove his mother wrong. He discusses how technology has progressed to improve every aspect of his reading and writing life. He advocates for full accessibility of written material for everyone in every country.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: assistive technology, literacy, reading, writing
August 21, 2013
by Robin Parker -
One of our wishes is that all of our students have educators like Think Inclusive’s– Tim Villegas. He has worked in special education and with people with disabilities for the past decade. He has been dedicated to talking and writing and talking about inclusion for everyone (and yes, everyone means everyone). We feel so lucky Tim is our guest blogger today. Read and learn about ‘essentials’ for assistive technology in the inclusive classroom. One of my favorite things to tell people when I discuss what kind of assistive technology (AT) to have for a particular student is to think about their strengths and build from there. In my first year of teaching students with significant cognitive and physical disabilities, one of my students was really good at pushing her foot out to make an affirmative response. So when looking at where to provide a switch or button for her to access…the natural choice... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: assistive technology, Inclusive Education, Special Education, Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas
June 12, 2013
by Robin Parker -
Some thoughts in poem form about communication, technology, and preferences. It humorously illustrates a high priority communication perspective. It was written as part of a learning challenge for a graduate course . It is reprinted with permission from the author Stacy Ganwer. Listen to Me AboutWhat I Need & Want by Stacy Gangwer Would you like my advice? On this device I use it to talk Even when I walk I use it everyday Even when I play I would like it to be small So I can still throw a ball This device needs to be tough Sometimes I’m rough on stuff It would be cool If I could use it by the pool I like things that are easy to learn So it doesn’t have to be returned I don’t have a ton of money So let’s not be funny If it could be cheap I won’t have... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: ASD, assistive technology, autism spectrum disorders, communication
November 11, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
This week our video focuses on the little ones and features a detailed workshop presentation by OT Amy Henningsen. If you serve very young children, you’ll find this video extremely helpful. It is hosted by wonderful team at the Utah Assistive Technology Program. –
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: assistive technology, babies, early intervention, preschool, toddlers
July 5, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
Play is the work of children and a gateway to learning about the world. And so when we met a toddler who couldn’t access regular toys for play, we set out on a quest to help solve this problem. Here are some resources we’re using. – Pick out some toys: Sites like AblePlay are invaluable for objective information on which toys to consider. Toys R Us also has a special needs section of their website. How to make battery-operated toys accessible through switches: Instructable by John Schimmel and instructional document by the Alliance for Technology Access How to make battery interrupters so you can make toys switch accessible: Instructable by Gavin Phillips. How to use battery interrupters: Document by AbleNet Once you have your switch-adapted toy, you can make some minor changes to make adapted play a better overall experience Get creative: Creating play environments by Let’s Play. Great info and ideas... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: access, assistive technology, physical disability, play, switch accessible, toys