1_+Assistive+Technology+Overview

**Assistive Technology Overview** **Activities for this Course:** **Requirements include watching the slide show, downloading resource files, and answering 3 Essential Questions. **


 * Course Description:** This introductory level class introduces participants to the basics of Assistive Technology. Thoughtful exploration of the links below will provide the reader with greater knowledge of the range of devices and services that are included in the definition of assistive technology. This course applies to all teachers who have students on IEPs in their classrooms.

After you have explored this site, please take time to answer the following Essential Questions: Essential Question 1: **How does this information apply to my student(s)?**  Essential Question 2: **What are the steps I will take to implement the idea(s) from this training?**  Essential Question 3: **What resources are necessary to make this plan a success (other teachers, classrooms, materials, etc)?**

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Not all assistive technology needs to be complicated or expensive. Learn about low-tech tools that can be used with students at home or in the classroom through this online presentation. [|LoTTIE Kits - An Online Workshop]

[|Georgia Project for Assistive Technology] has good definitions of Assistive Technology Devices and Services.

The **[|Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)]** is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. They offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies. Whether you're an organization, a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, you'll find information that supports you in your efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities. Be sure to explore:
 * [|Search AT Resources]
 * [|PowerPoints]
 * [|Fact Sheets]
 * [|Success Stories]


 * [|Teaching Every Student]** is a website set up by CAST to explore Universal Design for Learning.
 * [|Explore the multimedia book Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning]
 * [|Watch a Video]

The **Assistive Technology Training Online Project** **(ATTO)** provides information on AT applications that help students with disabilities learn in elementary classrooms. The AT Basic Modules provide general assistive technology information on a variety of related uses for elementary students with disabilities. They include links to tutorials on the setup and use of several products as well as links to related resources. Be sure to notice the links on the left side of the page.
 * [|Introduction to AT]
 * [|Basic Technologies]


 * Toolbelt Theory** suggests that we must teach our students how to analyze tasks, the task-completion environment, their own skills and capabilities, an appropriate range of available tools… and let them begin to make their own decisions. Click on the link below to read posts by Ira David Socol, author of [|The Drool Room], a novel in stories that has - as at least one focus - life within "Special Education in America" -- available from the River Foyle Press through lulu.com. Be sure to explore the recommended blogs in the right margin.
 * **[|CSUN 2008/A Toolbelt for a Lifetime]**
 * Also use the **UDL ToolKit** to find a (mostly free) Technology Toolkit for UDL in All Classrooms developed by Karen Janowski

Each module in the **Assistive Technology in Texas Schools Series** was designed for use by regional education service center and district staff responsible for assistive technology (AT) capacity-building in the state of Texas. The modules can be used to build knowledge and skills in AT service delivery at various levels throughout the state education system. The content of each module directly supports the legal mandate of IDEA’97 that requires that AT devices and services be provided to a student with disabilities if required as a part of the student’s Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)**.**
 * [|Consideration Module]
 * [|Technology Supports for Struggling Writers]

Now that you have explored this site, please take time to answer the following Essential Questions. Use the Discussion Tab at the top of the page.

Essential Question 1: **How does this information apply to my student(s)?** Essential Question 2: **What are the steps I will take to implement the idea(s) from this training?** Essential Question 3: **What resources are necessary to make this plan a success (other teachers, classrooms, materials, etc)?**