Education is Power

Introduction

Adaptive/Assistive Technologies

WELCOME!

Description of Question/Project: What types of adaptive and assistive technologies are available in schools (elementary through college) to help aid students in need? The school systems in Indianapolis that I received information from and took pictures of their technologies include Warren Twp., Perry Twp., Franklin Twp., IUPUI Adaptive Education Services (Univ. Library), and Rise Special Services

Difference Between Assistive and Adaptive Technologies: "Assistive technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or system of products that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Adaptive technology aids users by adapting content or user responses into a medium appropriate for the user. For example, screen readers 'adapt' conventional text by converting it into content spoken by a synthetic voice, thereby making standard text accessible to blind students" (3).

List of Technologies: Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), ZoomText Extra, Sorenson Videophone, Roll-Up Keyboard, Speech Recognition, AlphaSmart, FRS Talking Calculator, Trackball Mouse, and Adaptive Ring-Pen

Disabilities Addressed:

• Low Vision/Blind
• Hard-of-Hearing/Deaf
• Learning Disability: Hyper-Sensitive to Noise
• Learning Disability: Dyslexia
• Learning Disability: Dysgraphia
• Arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Limited Motion/Lack of Fine Motor Skills

Ideas for Future Research: Aside from adding other technologies to this site, I'd like to expand it to address technologies that aid ESL and ENL students. I am already looking into the next technology software: The Rosetta Stone (4).

Works Cited

Works Cited

• 1. IUPUI Adaptive Educational Services. "Adaptive Technology." <http://www.iupui.edu/~sldweb/aes/about/learning-center.html>

• 2. University of Toronto Adaptive Technology Resource Centre. "Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)." <http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/tech/cctv.html>

• 3. Education World. "Assistive Technology Helps All Kids Learn." Bridge Multimedia. <http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech220.shtml>

• 4. Rosetta Stone Language Learning Success. <http://www.rosettastone.com/en/>

• 5. Peck, Alec and Mark Uslan. "How Closed-Circuit Television Users Develop Computer Vision Syndrome." Access World. American Foundation for the Blind. July 2001. <http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw020405>

• 6. Howarth, Lisa. "ZoomText Xtra Level 2." Department of Special Education at The College of New Jersey. 2002. <http://www.tcnj.edu/~technj/2002/ZoomText.htm>

• 7. Sorenson Communications. <http://sorenson.com/>

• 8. Burgstahler, Sheryl. "Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology." DO-IT University of Washington. 1992. <http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Technology/wtcomp.html>

• 9. OpAmerica. "The New & Improved Super Kool Keyboard." <http://www.opamerica.com/product_info.php/products_id/782>

• 10. MSN Encarta. "Speech Recognition." <http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861711497/speech_recognition.html>

• 11. Frank, Kit. "Assistive Technology in the Schools." TST Boces. April 10, 2006. <http://setrc.org/moodle/file.php/1/ppt/AT.ppt>

• 12. Fast Rabbit Software. "Talking Calculator." <http://fastrabbitsoftware.com/talking_calculator.htm>

• 13. Key Tools. "Big Track." <http://oldkeytools.bamroberts.com/mice/bigtrack_oversized_bright_large_trackball_for_kids.asp>

• 14. RANDEE Corporation. "Ring-Pen." <http://www.ringpen.com/whyringpen.html>

Adaptive Ring-Pen (Hardware)

Adaptive Ring-Pen

http://www.ringpen.com/whyringpen.html

Description of Technology: An ergonomically designed pen with a hole in the middle. Pen controlled mainly by thumb and index finger.

Features: Center of gravity is just below the hole. Pen allows for more rapid writing and reduces hand soreness and cramping (14). Comes with your choice of color. User manual and tips on how to use the Ring-Pen are accessible from their website.

Manufacturer: No Grip Ring-Pen by Grandee Corporation

Users/Benefits: Helps users with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and "poor fine motor skills" (14). Pen is recommended for anyone who does a large deal of writing. Since you do not use your middle finger with this pen, the potential for getting calluses or blisters is low (14).

Issues:I have not tried this pen myself; if you are used to using a regular pencil or pen, I have a feeling it may take some time getting used to the Ring-Pen.

Cost: $7.95

To Learn More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhGp9_GuVPc

Trackball Mouse (Hardware)

Trackball Mouse

http://oldkeytools.bamroberts.com/mice/bigtrack_oversized_bright_large_trackball_for_kids.asp

Description of Technology: An adapted mouse with a zooming wheel and buttons.

Features:

• Some available with sockets for ability switches (13)
• The trackball can be used with another mouse (USB plug-in)
• Designed for desktops and laptops
• Takes up little room on desk
• Colorful
• Made to "sustain rough handling" (13)

Manufacturers: Logitech, BIGtrack, Microsoft, Kensington, Fellowes Micro Trac, IOGEAR Phaser, X-Arcade, Marble

Users/Benefits: Persons with lack of fine motor skills, carpal tunnel syndrome, or arthritis. "Just a touch from a knee, finger, elbow, toe or foot on the...ball is all it takes to cruise around the computer screen and a tap on one of the...buttons pulls out various other computer functions" (13).

Issues: Since trackballs, unlike a regular mouse, do not come with a computer purchase, they are an extra cost. Prices range from $13 (basic) - $100 (optical).

FRS Talking Calculator (Software)

FRS Talking Calculator

http://www.prescottschools.com/premiervideos/TCalc/Tcalc101.htm

Description of Technology: A downloadable software talking calculator.

Features:

• Large buttons and type
• Voice feedback
• Available for the following systems:

version 1.4.1 for Mac OS X 10.4-10.4.9; version 1.3.2 for Mac OS X 10.2-10.4.9; version 1.2.2 for Mac OS X 10.1; version 1.2.3 for Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, and Vista

Publisher: Fast Rabbit Software

User/Benefits: "Big buttons are easy targets for students with limited motor skills. Large type on buttons and displays makes reading the calculator easier for students with vision impairment. Voice feedback aides students with vision impairment and benefits students with some types of reading difficulties" (12). FRS offers a free downloadable trial program, and once you purchase the software, use is immediate.

Issues: Must have a computer to download and use software.

Cost: $9.95

Note: While I do not concentrate on portable talking calculators in this blog, they do exist and offer some of the same benefits as talking calculator software programs. Prices range from $10 (basic with clock) - $700 (for scientific talking calculator).

AlphaSmart (Hardware)

AlphaSmart

Description of Technology: A simple word processor with no mouse capability that holds files and interfaces with a computer (11).

Features: Use the "F" keys to store up to eight files. Attaches to a computer using a USB cable and allows for "formatting, printing, and saving" (11). Includes spell check.

Models Available:

• AlphaSmart 3000 ($199)
• Neo-AlphaSmart Upgrade ($249)
  •Larger screen
  •Better font (11)
• Dana-AlphaSmart Upgrade ($350)
  •Easier to see text
  •Includes address, memo pad, datebook
  •Can add Palm programs
  •Uses stylus (11)
• Dana Wireless-AlphaSmart Upgrade ($429)

Users/Benefits: Individuals with difficulties writing by hand (dysgraphia and other learning disabilities). AlphaSmart quickly boots up and is lightweight and portable. It is inexpensive and easy to use and navigate. Comes with rechargeable battery (11).

Issues:

• Only four small lines appear on screen
• Only feature is word processing
• Must be charged once a week (11)