The Assistive Technology Blog

From an October 22nd press release:

"DynaVox...today announced a full line of solutions for veterans living with speech disabilities and/or cognitive deficits arising from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Designed to supplement or replace diminished or lost skills, the products allow veterans living with the effects of TBIs to live more independently...The Co-Pilot is a new comprehensive, research-based tool that assists individuals with TBI by supporting the executive functioning that influences organization, memory, emotional responses, and social skills and in turn affects performance at home, work and in the community. The compact handheld device increases independence by combining many tools into one intuitive system. The Co-Pilot has an integrated global position unit (GPS), and provides picture cues, audio cues, audible alerts and other features that help users manage daily tasks and reduce the need for caregivers to manage all aspects of the individual's life."

For descriptions of the other tools from Dynavox aimed at assisting veterans living with speech disabilities and/or cognitive deficits arising from traumatic brain injury, click here.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Interested in earning an Assistive Technology Certificate? Click on http://it.gse.gmu.edu/degrees/atc to read about a certificate program "designed to provide supplemental training to practitioners needing to use AT with the individuals with disabilities with whom they work." Our own George Mason University, here in VA, offers the certificate program!

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Look for a web resource where you can find great information on technology? Check out http://www.bigdealbook.com

Posted by Fran Smith at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ok, I need help. I have tried several different ways to organize all of my Boardmaker pictures. I have used the notebook system....ie. keeping them in the plastic trading card pages. I have tried the recipe box system, filing the pictures by category. I have used plastic baggies and attached the baggies to the inside door of my storage cabinet with magnet clips. I have even kept a folder on my computer with categories of pages ready to be printed. But it still seems like I can never find what I need when I need it. I think the problem is I have so many pictures, some of different sizes and for different uses...ie, adapting books, communication devices, schedules, directions, etc. Can anyone give me some new creative ideas? I'm getting lost in the mound of pictures and will need a picture cue to get out of this mess!!

Posted by Mona at 3:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have found a new free reader, ArtenSPEAK. It will read webpages, email or any document with text. Similar to ReadPlease, you select the text you want to have read copy and paste it into the ArtenSPEAK window and depress the loudspeaker button to have the text read aloud. Check it out along with a lot of other free software!
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/FreeSoftware.html

Posted by Kelly Ligon at 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Check out the 2008 AccessWorld® Guide to Assistive Technology Products, also available in ASCII on CD-ROM and online, from the AFB Press (ISBN: 978-0-89128-837-4). The text profiles and compares over 280 products for people who are visually impaired, including cell phones, PDAs, GPS systems, screen readers, braille printers, CCTVs, and more.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Click on http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml to read an Education World article by writer Sherril Steele-Carlin. The article talks about assistive technology and the parents and teachers who facilitate use of the technology. It also includes links to online resources!

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As the 2008-09 school year unfolds, keep in mind several technology conferences that will be held in and around Virginia. These are wonderful places to learn about ways to infuse and apply assistive and instructional technology into the classroom:

VDOE TTAC's and Hospital Education Program at Children's Hospital
Richmond, VA
November 13-14, 2008
http://www.vcu.edu/ttac

National Center on Technology Innovation Annual Conference
Washington, DC
November 20-21, 2008
http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/events-main-page/2008conference/

VDOE Technology Leadership Conference
Roanoke, VA
December 10-12, 2008
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/conf.shtml

Virginia Society for Technology in Education Conference
Virginia Beach, VA
February 22-24, 2009
http://www.vste.org

National Educational Computing Conference
Washington, DC
June 28-July 1, 2009
http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/NECC2009/

Posted by Fran Smith at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We are hearing more and more from our school divisions that budget cuts have taken a toll on professional development opportunities. As we are trying to develop AT teams within our school divisions, we need to find a creative way to make sure that our school personnel have a background knowledge regarding the various forms of AT. Mayer Johnson and Dynavox are now offering on-line training on both the Dynavox and Boardmaker products. Presentations can be viewed in "real time" as well as viewed in the archieve section. This is a great way to train staff on site without the cost of travel and substitutes. Check out the offerings at this website.. I found the session on Using Visual Supports to Support Individuals with Autism during Daily Transitions a very helpful session for teachers of studetns with ASD.

Posted by Mona at 6:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The iPoint presenter is a combination of Wii technology and iPhone technology. The idea is that a person can stand in front of a large projection screen, and without touching the screen, manipulate the objects on the screen with only gestures. Cameras are used to track the movements and as with voice technology, certain commands prompt certain actions on the computer screen. Business folks see it as a wonderful presentation device—you can control the computer from a distance and to allow anyone to operate it intuitively and without the need for spoke words. Can you imagine what this technology will do for those with disabilities?
http://www.popsci.com/gear-gadgets/article/2008-03/key-free-pc

Posted by Kelly Ligon at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Click on http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/383325_msftaccess15.html to read about (and watch) how Microsoft "hopes to spur innovation by giving its employees, as well as visitors, a sense of how people with disabilities and the elderly interact with technology." They opened a new Microsoft showroom on Tuesday that features typical workplace and home settings--with a twist:

There are three cubicles, including that of "Garrrett," who has only limited use of his hands and therefore controls his computer desktop with a reflective dot placed on his forehead, which can be tracked by a webcam. There's also the living room of retired baby boomer "Anne," complete with a dark wood cabinet that hides an Xbox. She uses the video game console as a way to exercise while playing the "Dance Dance Revolution" video game. And there's the bedroom of "Vanessa," a third-grader with dyslexia, who can choosebetween just a few options at a time, like "e-mail," "Word," or "Internet," while using her personal computer, thanks to what is essentially a three-key keyboard.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 4:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In a previous blog posting (http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2007/01/gardening_for_individuals_with.html) we wrote about some free adapted gardening plans that are currently available. Another site, Square Foot Gardening, explains how to use raised beds to make gardens more accessible to all. Click on http://www.squarefootgardening.com/html/body_Fred.htm to read more.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How does someone who is blind access audio information? For many, they use screen reading software programs coupled with their keyboards. The keyboard provides the touch that is so essential for these users to "read" and navigate the information in a software program, on the web, or through email. But what happens when someone shifts to using a portable audio player - something more mainstream in today's technology rich world? My TTAC colleagues at George Mason University recently shared this invaluable resource which provides a review of the accessibility features of digital audio players. Read the following for more information and insight, http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw090404

Posted by Fran Smith at 1:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here is another great You Tube video on the use of iPod's in Special Education. I really liked the way this teacher was using the iPod to communicate with families and involve her students. What a great idea. It emphasizes even more the place that the iPod has in the classroom. Unfortunatley I'm finding more of our school divisions are not allowing the iPod or other portable device in the classrooms. I wish more of our administrators could see the value of using the technology our students are familiar with and reaching out to our students on their level. Unfortunately, it seems like our students will have to wait until they head off to college to really make use of the technology that they have in hand.

Check out this clip.

Posted by Mona at 6:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I found this device fascinating. As an educator, many classrooms have the digital whiteboards that are typically placed vertically on a wall---some students are not always able to interact with the boards due to physical challenges. I imagine the Surface being wonderful way for those with vision challenges, physical challenges to be able to control the digital world more freely. I’m sure it will not be inexpensive, but the idea is great! As they said in Popular Science “It’s a coffee table sized iPhone”—imagine the possibilities. Check it out!!
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bown/2007/computing/item_38.html

Posted by Kelly Ligon at 3:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Washington, DC university for people with hearing impairments is planning a universally designed architectural vision called "deaf space" that focuses on the visual and tactile experience of being in a community.

" 'It's a way of designing buildings that support and express deaf cognitive and social sensibilities,' Bauman [the architect of the project] said. "It means lots of spaces that encourage people to come together as a community and be free of barriers to visual communication." The university has tested the aesthetic on campus with the construction of a $32 million language and communication center, which features a glass elevator and rooms spacious enough to allow students to sit in large circles and converse. The aesthetic also could mean avoiding wall patterns that are distracting or colors that blend too easily with skin tones and make reading sign language more difficult. For the Sixth Street project, it will probably mean a preference for ramped walkways, as opposed to stairs, which can be difficult to navigate while conversing in sign language. 'You have to stop and look at the steps, and it interrupts the conversation,' Bauman said."

Click on http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/03/AR2008100303708.html to read more about their fascinating plans!

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Say "ahh" and the cursor zips toward the northeast corner of the computer screen. "Ooo" sends it shooting straight south. Want it to head southeast? Say "ohh." To make the cursor do a circle or figure 8, let vowel sounds bleed into one another, like eee into ahh into aww and so on. You can make it hurry or slow by regulating the volume of your voice. To open a link, make a soft clicking sound. So goes the University of Washington's "Vocal Joystick" software, which uses sounds to help people with disabilities use their computers...There are several options for people who need accommodations in using computers, but the UW software is distinguished on several levels. For one, it doesn't use standard voice-recognition technology. Instead, it detects basic sounds at about 100 times a second and harnesses them to generate fluid, adaptive cursor movement. Vocal-joystick researchers maintain the system is easier to use because it allows users to exploit a large set of sounds for both continuous and discrete movement and to make visual adjustments on the fly.

Click on http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008231288_btjoystick06.html for more information about the Vocal Joystick.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A new resource from the Department of Education has been recently announced..a UDL Toolkit! This website provides great links to several contemporary articles discussing the importance and benefit of universal design for learning (UDL) as well as links to numerous resources. Visit at http://www.osepideasthatwork.org/ for more details and resources.

Posted by Fran Smith at 1:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dinell Stuckey from Derby, Kansas submitted the following resource list of electronic books to the qiat listserv. It is a very extensive list of a widely growing population of websites offering electronic text to a variety of learners. Dinell created this resource list for a presentation she was giving on teaching literacy to individuals with dual sensory impairments. Check out the list, I'm sure you will find some new sites. I did; I liked the Genie books in Powerpoint.

Here is the list:
Download file

Posted by Mona at 6:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Who want to write a list ahead of time?---why not do it on your WAY to the store. Brookstone has a new gadget—a handheld digital grocery store list. You speak in you items and then you can print out the list---Some complain that device is unable to recognize voices with an accent, many enjoy the convenience. Voice technology has improved, but it’s not perfect. If you are one who DESPISES writing a list---why not just use your voice to create one? Oh the time you’d save!! Think how many other things you can get done at the same time!! Multi-tasking…we are masters at it! Might make a nice gift for someone !
If anyone has tried this item, let us know!
http://www.brookstone.com/

Posted by Kelly Ligon at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

AT enthusiasts look forward to fall as a time when manufacturers frequently introduce new AT products. This year is no exception! Crick Software is introducing a new writing tool, WriteOnline. WriteOnline does just that—allow students grades 4 to adults to write online. It's an online word processor with built in tools for writing support. It features a familiar screen design and tools such as integrated speech, word prediction, word banks and writing frames! Students can access this program and save documents online and offline. Visit Crick Software to learn more about it! http://www.cricksoft.com

Posted by Sharon Jones at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Click on http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10053201-37.html to read how "Apple will make iTunes U fully accessible to those with visual impairments by December 31, 2008. It will then work to provide full accessibility of the iTunes application and the remainder of the iTunes Store by June 30, 2009."

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Assistive Technology Outcomes Measurement System (ATOMS) Project was launched by a five year assistive technology (AT) outcomes and impacts project funded in part by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) program. Its website hosts one of the largest resources specifically related to assistive technology outcomes. As the website states:

The need for AT outcomes are comprehensive and urgent. Specific indications of the need include: - Consumers of outcome information have almost no outcome data and reports - Virtually no studies on costs of AT (cost-benefit was assumed to be obvious) - Few valid and reliable AT outcome instruments - Lack of understanding about the causes of abandonment - Challenges in AT Outcomes Research

Creating AT outcomes information is a daunting task, but the project is ready to face and address the challenges including:
- Diversity of populations
- Diversity of AT service settings and environments
- Many interpretations of what outcome is from different stakeholders
- The urgent need for outcomes
- Few available outcomes models in AT
- New models require crossing disciplines
- Developing outcomes that are person centered rather than service model centered

Read more at http://www.r2d2.uwm.edu/atoms/index.html.

Posted by Susanne Croasdaile at 5:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A new tool now enables free screen reading access on the web for people who are blind or low vision users. Visit http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/ for more information!

Posted by Fran Smith at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)