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Assistive devices are essential tools for students with physical and learning disabilities. The following devices can be used to increase productivity and independence in the learner:
The classroom will have one PC workstation that is set up for basic accommodation. It will be set-up on an adjustable table so that it can be raised for wheelchair access. The station will include a Kensington Expert Mouse® Trackball. If this does not provide a viable solution, it is recommended that an Assistive Technology Organization assess the student for an effective alternative pointing device.
The Touch Window, by Edmark, will be available for students who lack the fine motor skills to manipulate a mouse or keyboard.
It is recommended that an Intellikeys keyboard by Intellitools be available as an alternative keyboard and that it has the following software available to use with it:
Overlay Maker (to create overlays - can turn Intellikeys into a communication board)
Intellitalk II (text-to-speech word processing software for individuals with reading difficulties)
IntelliPics (to create accessible multimedia activities)
A Single Switch, by Don Johnston, will be used for students with extreme physical limitations. It will be used for computer activities and as the need arises for other objects. The switch will serve as an effective means of communication for children who are challenged by augmentative communication deficits.
The word prediction software, Co-Writer 4000, by Don Johnston, can be used for students with learning disabilities, language delays, or limited physical abilities on language arts activities in this unit.
E-mail should be set up to serve as a means for general communication with deaf and hard of hearing students
The Windows 2000 operating system's Accessibility options can be utilized to provide solutions for many physical and cognitive disabilities.
It is recommended that the accessible system have a web browser with speech such as the freeware Web Talkster.
Software was chosen for this unit based on ease of use for students with disabilities as well as appropriate age/developmental levels. Teachers will use a variety of instructional strategies including whole group, small cooperative groups, and one-on-one instruction, pre-teaching the software and creating cue cards with instructions. A variety of resources will be used to address differences in learning styles. If the listed accommodations do not provide a solution for accessibility then, it is recommended that an Assistive Technology Organization assess the student for effective assistive devices, which should only be purchased for the individual as needed.
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