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Project
ABCs
Assistive Technology to
Build
Capacities
and Support
Individuals with Disabilities |
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Evaluation
and Intervention Assistive Technology Services |
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What is
Assistive Technology? |
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 The Individual's with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) defines Assistive
Technology (AT) has devices that supplement the existing skills of
the individual with disabilities. These devices are tools
that are used to increase a child's functioning in one or
more developmental areas (e.g., communication, fine motor,
gross motor, etc.); 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 children.
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What
Needs To Be Considered by the Child's Family and Family Support
Team?
What does the family
and members of the support team want this child to do that
he/she is not currently able to do because of cognitive, physical,
and/or developmental limitations?
What strategies
and/or devices have been used to meet these areas of concern?
Is it working? Why or why not?
What devices or
strategies can be utilized to meet the goals outlined in the
child's educational plan?
How can these devices/strategies
be integrated into the child's environment at home, school,
and play?
What training and/or
follow up will be required to members of the Family Support
Team: family members, teachers, therapists, etc.?
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What
Does This Mean for a Child with Special Needs?
AT devices commonly used for
young learners with special needs include, but
are not limited to, the following: |
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Augmentative
communication devices like picture symbols, picture schedules,
eye gaze boards, photographs, voice output devices
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Vision devices
such as Tactile symbols, Braille and books on tape
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Hearing devices
such as microphones, speakers, headphones, hearing aids,
and FM systems
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Adaptive positioning
equipment · Appliance control devices-electrical control
units for switch activation
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Learning tools,
games and specially adaptive toys such as switch toys, sensory
toys, adapted books, built up writing instruments, and knobbed
puzzles
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Computer adaptations
such as touch screen, switch interface, adapted keyboard,
and trackball
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Adapted daily
living tools such as built up spoons and bath supports.
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What Can Project ABCs Do for You?
An assistive
technology/educational specialist can assist
your agency/family with the following services:
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Provide assistive
technology assessments, implement assistive
technology intervention strategies,
recommend AT devices for trial use, conduct
follow up sessions as needed, and evaluate
the child's progress.
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Provide training and
technical assistance to professionals and
families related to the availability,
benefits, and use of assistive technology.
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Share resources and
equipment from the Assistive Technology
Lending Library at the Mailman Center for
Child Development.
Project
ABC
Online Course:
"Interdisciplinary
Fundamentals in Adaptive and Assistive
Technology©"
For additional information
on Project ABC©,
please contact:
Michelle
Schladant, M.S., Ed.
Assistive
Technology/Educational Specialist
University of Miami
Mailman Center for Child Development
Department of Pediatrics
1601 NW 12 Ave., Room #4022
Telephone: 305-243-4466
Fax: 302-243-4467
E-mail:
mschladant@med.miami.edu
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Last Updated:
May 13, 2008
Please contact
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Phone: (305) 243-4466
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