The Assistive Technology Blog http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/ The Virginia Department of Education's Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at VCU's Assistive Technology Blog is for Assistive Technology providers across Superintendent's Regions 1 & 8. Do you have a question you would like to see answered in the assistive technology blog? EMAIL US and someone on the Assistive Technology team here will post an answer as quickly as we can! en Copyright 2010 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.25 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Camera Mouse--Another hands free mouse option Camera Mouse is a free program that enables you to control the mouse pointer on your computer screen just by moving your head. To use Camera Mouse you will need Windows 7, Vista, or XP and a webcam. Camera Mouse was developed by researchers at Boston College and Boston University to help individuals with disabilities use the computer. The developers say

Camera Mouse works as a mouse replacement system for Windows computers so it should work with just about any application program. For example people use Camera Mouse with entertainment programs, education programs, communication programs, web browsers, and so on. Camera Mouse works best with application programs that require only a mouse and a left click and that do not have tiny targets. It's easier to use Camera Mouse with application programs that do not require extreme accuracy.

Check out this free download at: http://cameramouse.org

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/camera_mouse--another_hands_fr.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/camera_mouse--another_hands_fr.html Assistive Technologies Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 -0500 A Guide to Easier Living with AT The Alliance for Technology Access has published an online booklet documenting stories of people who use AT in their everyday life to make it easier. Great stories and a wonderful way document the importance of assistance technology and the difference it can make it someone's life.
Check it out:
http://www.ataccess.org/contrib/AGuidetoEasierLivingwithTechnology.html

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/a_guide_to_easier_living_with.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/a_guide_to_easier_living_with.html Assistive Technologies Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:43:37 -0500 Do you need a reminder? Voice cue is an auditory cueing device that gives verbal reminders whenever needed. Record your message and set the clock for the time you want it played. Great for school, home or on the job!
Click on the link to view:http://www.attainmentcompany.com/product.php?productid=16159&cat=0&page=1

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/do_you_need_a_reminder.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/do_you_need_a_reminder.html Assistive Technologies Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:42:17 -0500 An upcoming technology conference ... The COSN 2010 conference will be in Washington, DC at the end of this month. As our friends at NCTI advertise "CoSN Conference 2010 is the premier conference for district technology leaders from the public and private sector. Attendees will join their colleagues in Washington and learn the lastest on educational technology in K-12; hear exciting keynotes; network with colleagues; attend dynamic panel presentations; explore new emerging technology trends; and learn how education technology is being used strategically to improve learning."
For more information visit: http://www.cosn.org/Events/CoSN2010AnnualConference/tabid/4857/Default.aspx

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/an_upcoming_technology_confere.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/an_upcoming_technology_confere.html Assistive Technologies Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:55:02 -0500 Automate the door to your home, a easy way Many people not able to live independently because they can't even open or close the front door to their homes. Private-Door has come up with a solution to automate doors with low cost and limited installation. Have any of you used this before?
Check it out:
http://www.assistivetechnologies.com/detail.asp?product=54469&name=The%20Private-Door%20%22Assistant%22

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/automate_the_door_to_your_home.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/02/automate_the_door_to_your_home.html Assistive Technologies Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:41:14 -0500 Walk down memory lane with "The Assistive Technology Show" I've been applauding "The Assistive Technology Show" for some time now, so it's no surprise that I've enjoyed the most recent episode.

The latest show recognizes that every technology user remembers that first program or device which really made a difference for them and includes a walk down memory lane with Windows 98, Braille 'N Speak, DOS 3.3 .. and even earlier. The Kurzweil reading machine and other older devices also make an appearance.

Settle in and have a listen: http://www.atmaine.com/topic/atshow/2010/01/06/first-apps-the-assistive-technology-show-for-january-6-2010-now-available/

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/walk_down_memory_lane_with_the.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/walk_down_memory_lane_with_the.html Assistive Technologies Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:18:17 -0500 "Skishies"...anyone? Need an activity for stress reduction or sensory stimulation for students pre-k on up? Check out the link for "Skishies" These hands on aquariums were developed by an OT as an age-neutral calming activity.
http://www.attainmentcompany.com/product.php?productid=16414&cat=0&page=1

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/skishiesanyone.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/skishiesanyone.html Assistive Technologies Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:25:07 -0500 Who's in the UDL Spotlight? Wondering what others are trying to do with the UDL framework? Interested in models that seem to be working? Tune your blog channel to this address for the year, http://udlspotlight.wordpress.com/!

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/whos_in_the_udl_spotlight.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/whos_in_the_udl_spotlight.html Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:32:58 -0500 Some interesting trends projected in the new 2010 Horizons Report At the EDUCAUSE ELI 2010 conference in Austin, TX , the folks at New Media Consortium shared some interesting trends from their recently released 2010 Horizon Report. As noted in their projected trends, notice some of the following across anticipated years until adoption:

One year of less: Mobile computing and Open Content.
For many of us this is no surprise. Mobiles are everywhere and these authors confirm that these include cellphones, netbooks, smartbooks and other devices that offer the "form and function" of many laptops/desktops. This is exciting as many of these tools are lower in cost, lighter in weight and offer the ability to become customized tools to support reading and writing. Access to open content further extends the capabilities of education in this growing world of Web 2.0.

Two - Three Years: Electronic Books and Simple Augmented Reality.
This is another exciting trend. The growth of e-books has been amazing and, as such, often seems to include new functions and tools. Several upcoming announcements from major technology players indicates that we may finally see more functions in these tools such as color highlighting and background screens, enhanced multimedia functions, faster processing and even the ability to create material. Wider access to digital books will also be available. The second trend here, simple augmented reality, offers (in my opinion) a promising opportunity for educators. As these authors note, this has been popular in many game based websites. But the opportunity here to maximize a virtual environment to teach a task, share an experience, or extend an opportunity are amazing. This will be important for those with disabilities that are confined by limits in their mobility.

Three - Four Years: Gesture-Based Computing and Visual Data Analysis.
For those of us who use data in our work, the latter of these will be quite helpful...offering opportunities to explore and share information through visual means. However, the trend in gesture-based computing supports so many opportunities for the future. Here we see the continued expansion of all those "cool" functions that make computing quick and "to the touch". Think about how convenient access is on your iTouch with the touch of your finger. This close responsiveness to the computer by human touch or gesture interaction will continue to evolve in many applications. Again I see these developments as extremely empowering for many individuals who have lost their physical capabilities or range of motion.

Take a look at this report! These are exciting times for realizing the power of technology in teaching and learning.

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/some_interesting_trends_projec.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/some_interesting_trends_projec.html Assistive Technologies Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:55:15 -0500 Some free online training on "Description of Science Images" Just in from our friends at the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media....

"The WGBH National Center for Accessible Media is offering additional dates
for our web-based training on "Effective Practices for Description of
Science Content Within Digital Talking Books." We are offering free online
training on the dates listed below. In addition, we are pleased to announce
that we will be offering training in person at the CSUN Conference on March
26th for those attending the conference.The guidelines cover description of a variety of information types,including bar charts, line graphs, Venn diagrams, tables, pie charts, flow charts and complex diagrams and illustrations. A resource section is also
included, providing links to many organizations, tools and standards which
all contribute to generating more accessible STEM materials. The guidelines
are available online at: http://ncam.wgbh.org/experience_learn/educational_media/stemdx

The free webinars last an hour and a half, and offer the same training at
each session. (It is not a multi-part course.) You can register for the time
most convenient for you by sending an email to stemdescription@wgbh.org

Training times are:
* Wednesday, February 10th, 1 pm to 2:30 pm, US Eastern time
* Thursday, March 11th, 12 noon to 1:30 pm, US Eastern time
* Wednesday, April 7th, 2 pm to 3:30 pm, US Eastern time

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/some_free_online_training_on_d.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/some_free_online_training_on_d.html Assistive Technologies Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:16 -0500 For those who want a faster Dragon Redstart systems has created a new speech interface program called Utter Command, which make computer control twice as fast as the keyboard and mouse. The software provides a applet that has commands that are consistent and user friendly. It works with Dragon versions 5-10. For those that really rely on Dragon might not mind investing another $300 to speed up access. Check out a testimonial and price here:
http://www.assistivetechnologies.com/detail.asp?product=54907&name=Utter%20Command%20(Addon%20for%20Dragon%20Naturally%20Speaking)

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/for_those_who_want_a_faster_dr.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/for_those_who_want_a_faster_dr.html Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:38:16 -0500 A cool whiteboard alternative While listening to a presentation at the EDUCAUSE ELI conference, I had the pleasure of listening to what folks at Stanford University are doing. Their efforts with the Wallenberg Hall are impressive and showcase a classroom of the future. For example, take a look at this huddle board!

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/a_cool_whiteboard_alternative.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/a_cool_whiteboard_alternative.html Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:26:16 -0500 Don't know about "Closing the Gap"? Well, now you do. Budd and Dolores Hagen founded Closing The Gap in 1983 after their personal experiences raising a child with a disability. It's organization that "focuses on assistive technology for people with special needs through its bimonthly magazine, annual international conference and extensive Web site. Published six times a year, the Closing The Gap magazine highlights hardware and software products appropriate for people with special needs, and explains how this technology is being implemented in education, rehabilitation, and vocational settings around the world...The annual Resource Directory, the February/March issue, is a guide to the selection of the latest computer-related products available for people with special needs." Great subscription for AT teams!

You can sign up for a 14-day free "test drive" and read the articles at
http://www.closingthegap.com/solutions/articles/

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/closing_the_gap.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/closing_the_gap.html Assistive Technologies Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:52:56 -0500 Looking for ways to increase the awareness of teachers regarding AT? It's never too early to begin planning for professional development regarding AT. In an article entitled "A Model of an Assistive Technology Program to Increase Preservice Teachers' Awareness and Skills" by Marcie Bump in Closing the Gap, December, 2008/January,2009, the author explored the question what do teachers need to know about AT, although the model was developed for the University, you just may find ideas that will help you create professional development experiences, within your division, that increase awareness and skills regarding AT. Here is the link to Closing the Gap:
www.closingthegap.com

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/looking_for_ways_to_increase_t.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/looking_for_ways_to_increase_t.html Assistive Technologies Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:56:04 -0500 How do I follow those UDL guidelines? If you're trying to apply a universal design for learning approach to your instruction this year, you might consider reviewing the following UDL Guidelines. These are provided from the folks at the Center for Applied Special Technology and offer detailed examples, explanations, and links to supporting research.

]]> http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/how_do_i_follow_those_udl_guid.html http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2010/01/how_do_i_follow_those_udl_guid.html Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:35:02 -0500