Assistive technology for accessing computers and mobile devices PRESENTATION!

https://prezi.com/p/edit/dbszkanixzvb/

Daily Schedule GRADE 1 for a child with SPEICAL NEEDS (copy paste link)

file:///C:/Users/ktis9/OneDrive/Pictures/VCC/EA%20135/Daily%20Schedule%20Grade%201.pdf

Journal entry 2 'technology tools that support early communication development'

Assistive technology offers a solution for children with learning/intellectual disabilities in overcoming communication difficulties. Some of these difficulties may arise from physical impairment or neurological impairment. Assistive technology provides these individuals with the opportunity to develop and understand topics within the classroom alongside their peers. There are certain barriers that are present that can inhibit a child’s ability to learn effectively within the classroom if they have communicational limitations. For example, a child who has a disability that effects their motor skills, they may not have as many opportunities to interact with peers and objects which prevents them gaining joint attention within their environment, furthermore, limited opportunities in being able to converse with both peers and teachers can also cause behavioural issues. This can also be a barrier in developing their communication skills. However, there is supportive assistive technology that can help overcome these barriers. For example, the switch. The switch ‘enables students with disabilities to achieve positive interactions with their immediate surroundings and exert control over relevant stimuli.’ As well as providing students with the opportunity of learning from cause and effect, it also gives these children the freedom of choice and decision making which they otherwise would not have. The need of a switch is determined early on by a group of professionals which can include therapists, speech pathologists and the educational team.

3-year-old Daniel is a great example of how effective the switch can be in the classroom. Daniel is non-verbal and has intellectual and motor disabilities. With the use of the switch Daniel is able to take part in the majority of his classrooms activities and is also able to experience the power of his influence within the classroom.

Example of getting ready for recess planner

file:///C:/Users/ktis9/OneDrive/Pictures/VCC/EA%20135/Recess%20time%20schedule.pdf

Example of an arrival schedule for a child with special needs

file:///C:/Users/ktis9/OneDrive/Pictures/VCC/EA%20135/Arrival%20time%20schedule.pdf

Copy and paste link to see my brochure on CLICK 8

file:///C:/Users/ktis9/Downloads/Brochure%20%20(4).pdf

Communication boards

 

You might be thinking, what do all of these images mean and how is it relevant to communicating? Well above is an example of a communication board. A communication board is a great way of supporting children with intellectual/learning disabilities, especially those who have limited verbal abilities.

As you can see there are a variety of symbols and pictures, a child will communicate their needs, thoughts and preferences through pointing to the relevant picture or symbol. 

Communication boards help facilitate with

INDEPENDANCE 

SOCIAL INTERACTION

REDUCING BEHAVIOURAL CHALLENGES 

INCREASED AUTONOMY  

VIDEO

TAKE A LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING VIDEO TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO USE A COMMUNCATION BOARD IN THE CLASSROOM.