Information about the Author

Brooke Shanahan is currently in the Moderate/Severe Educational Specialist Program at California State University, Chico. She plans on Graduating in May of 2014 and becoming a High School Special Education Teacher. Her experience with students with disabilities has been though Kindergarden to Adult Transition Programs. She has volunteered through non-profit organizations, providing access to the members of the Work Training Center(WTC) to go cannoning in the Fore Bay in Oroville, CA. Her Phase 1 student teaching was at Oakdale Heights Elementary in which is a title 1 school in Oroville, CA, she was in a kindergarden- first grade class and had 11 students in the classroom with 3 paraprofessionals. Phase 2 of her student teaching at Marsh Junior High School in Chico, CA where she worked in a 6th-8th grade class. The classroom is a highly structured moderate/severe class with an emphasis in Autism. Brooke's future goal of being a marriage family therapist for families with children who have disabilities inspires her to learn ever day through her teaching experience. Brooke currently has been accepted to the Masters in Education Program with an emphasis in Special Education at California State University, Chico. She is also the founder and Coach of the Chico State Cheer team. Here is a Blog about how Brooke Started the team and what she experienced through it Cheerleading Blog. She also works at Starbucks coffee company in Chico, CA while doing her student teaching and having a full work load. Brooke Shanahan wants to learn through all individuals and finds what is unique about each individual. 

History

History of individuals with Disabilities and Assistive Technology 

IDEA:

What is it?

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Why is it important?

The United States Federal Law governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities. It addresses the educational needs of children with disabilities from age 3 to age 18 or 21. 

History 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

PL-92-142

(Public Law-94-142)

 Allowing people of all abilities to be included. Individuals with disabilities are allowed access to free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. 

 

websites that can provide more information:

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/Policy/IDEA/index.html

The Television Decoder Circuitry Act

PL-101-336

The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.

websites that can provide more information:
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unframed/47/613.html


Rehabilitation Act
Section 508 Rehabilitation Act 

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that all electronic and information technologies developed and used by any Federal government agency must be accessible to people with disabilities. 

websites that can provide more information:
http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=12 
http://www.itpolicy.gsa.gov/cita 
http://www.ataporg.org/itqa.asp


Assistive Technology Act
PL-105-394
The Assistive Technology Act, also known as the “Tech Act” provides funds to states to support three types of programs:

• the establishment of assistive technology (AT) demonstration centers, information centers, equipment loan facilities, referral services, and other consumer-oriented programs;
• protection and advocacy services to help people with disabilities and their families, as they attempt to access the services for which they are eligible;
• Federal/state programs to provide low interest loans and other alternative financing options to help people with disabilities purchase needed assistive technology.

websites that can provide more information:

http://www.ataporg.org/stateatprojects.asp

Historical Timeline 

Communication Devices

Assistive Technology Communication Devices 

What is it and why is is used?

The terms assistive device or assistive technology can refer to any device that helps a person with hearing loss or a voice, speech, or language disorder to communicate. These terms often refer to devices that help a person to hear and understand what is being said more clearly or to express thoughts more easily. With the development of digital and wireless technologies, more and more devices are becoming available to help people with hearing, voice, speech, and language disorders communicate more meaningfully and participate more fully in their daily lives.

Examples of devices:

• Go to Talk 20+
• Description: 

20+ is a handy communication device with 20 1” square buttons with five recording levels, holding a total of 100 messages. New features make it more user-friendly. For example, users can keep “core messages” in each level, requiring no rerecording. Recording quality is improved through better sound and volume control. Another new feature allows users to delete the recordings of an entire level at once rather than deleting them one by one.

• Switches or Buttons 
• a single switch 

 Description: 

This is a single button communication device with 20 seconds of memory. Teachers, parents, siblings, and friends can record important messages for nonverbal students to share in social settings. The button has a large 5-inch activation surface and is brightly colored, making it an easy target.

(available in red, black, blue, green and yellow)

• Boardmaker 

• Description: This software package is used to create a variety of line-drawings and symbolic representations of ideas that are frequently used in communication. In classrooms, they can be used to help students understand basic concepts and communication their needs and wants.

Places to find Assistive communication Technology:

There is assistive technology everywhere, however when people have a disability it is important for the individual to communicate in a functional way that is best for the individual. 

CommunicationAccerssories

 This allows you to have full description of the assistive communication devices as well as other devices that can be used for individuals with a disability. Purchasing can be made right on the website. 

EnableMart

This website is designed for people of all abilities. It is easy to use and breaks down everything by the needs of the individual. 

Wheelchairs

Positioning for Individuals with Disabilities

Types of Assistive Technology:

Mobility access:

• Wheelchairs 

Many people who use wheelchairs have a disability in their physical impairments. Most physical impairments are due to paralysis or damage to the nervous system, including brain or spinal cord, or  damage to the muscles that impair movement.  The impairment causes the individuals to have impairment with their limbs. Wheelchairs provide individuals with physical access. Here are some helpful websites that talk about types of wheelchairs, living a healthy life style in a wheel chair and information about wheelchairs. 

KidsHealth

Wheelchair health is a positive website that allows individuals with disabilities to be knowledgable about living a healthy lifestyle and knowing their body. The website is user friendly and for adults and children.

wheelchairs.com
This website has any wheelchair that you could imagine from inside to outside and from daily living wheelchairs to sport wheelchairs. Wheelchairs.com is a website that you are able purchase wheelchairs, customize the wheelchair to the individual preferences and see a description about the wheelchairs and the reviews.

Wheelchairs4You
Melrose kiwi concept chairs is a company that has individualized wheelchairs. Their website provides information about all types of wheelchairs and their functions. They help find and design a wheelchair that best fits the individual. Their website provides information about the different ways other wheelchairs are used. 

Assistive technology for people with Disabilities

Assistive Technology for people with Disibilities

Assistive Technology is designed to help or assist people with disabilities. According to IDEA 2004, assistive technology device refers to "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, weather acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability" (Section 602[1]).

What Types of Devices are used?

According to Bryant in the book "Assistive Technology for people with disabilities" there are seven types of devices that are used:

Positioning:

Placing someone in a comfortable position that provides the individual with the best posture. Assistive technology can for positioning can help individuals move around in their daily lives. Some of the areas it can be used in is moving from one place to another, sitting still, laying down or standing up. Physical and occupational therapist make the recommendation for what particular device should be used for an individual. Disabilities vary and it is important to keep in mind that having equipment that is confortahbe, accessible and function can provide an individual with access. 

Mobility:

Movement is used daily for individuals with disabilities. From getting into a car to typing on a computer, there is equipment that can be used to help individuals with disabilities. The function of a mobility device can help individuals use a wheelchair or white cane to get around. Vehicle devices and electronic directional finding/mobility aids are used to provide an individual with disabilities access and individuality. 

Argumentative and Alternative Communication:

Argumentative and alternative communication also known as (AAC) devices are used for any communication, verbal or nonverbal. Communication is important to have for individuality, getting your primary and secondary needs met and having a social life. It is important to have a functional communication device for that is best for the individual with disabilities. Speech therapist, doctors and families make the choice for the what comminication is best for an individual.  

Computer Access:

Providing access for individuals with disabilities to use a computer. Computer access can be used to communicate with individuals, provide educational and occupational access. Technology is used for alternative keyboards, beams of light to activate or simulate a terminal or speak into a microphone to tell a computer what functions to imply. A simple form that most people are familiar with is siri on an iPhone. iPhone's by Apple inc. use siri to filter through devices on their phone, access can be provided though going on the internet, text-to-speach, and much more. There are more individuals with disabilities seeking computer access because it helps with communication.  

Adaptive Toys:

Is is proven that cognitive development can be improved in the youth through adaptive play and adaptive toys allow individuals with disabilities to have access to increase their cognitive development. It also provides individuals to be included with social play, children learn through modeled behavior and adaptive toys allow children to connect with their peers. 

Aids to Daily Living:

Aids to daily living are devices and approaches that allow a person to manipulate the environment to allow for daily living, working, schooling, playing and so forth. An example of this would be a remote used while watching the T.V.  it provides people channel access without getting up out of their seat. people with disabilities use this to turn on and off lights, respond to a ring of a doorbell, adjust their beds and carry on a number of activities in their home, school or workplace.  

Instructional Aides:

Are used to help educate in school or during employment training. Instructional aides also can be used during functional living skills training in an adults new home. Devices and adaptations are used to help compensate a person's functional limitations or technology that is used for remediation purposes.