AT in Early Education

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Using Assistive Technology in the Early Childhood
Classroom

• Kristine Jenkins

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What is Assistive Technology?

• Services
• Any service to the child with a disability,
  family or educator, that helps with selection,
  acquisition and use of the device.

• Devices
• Any equipment or software, purchased, modified or
  created that improves the access, functionality,
  understanding and participation of a child with
  disabilities.

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How is the need for AT determined?

• Observe the child in the classroom.
• Is the child having difficulty completing certain
  tasks or communicating?
• Discuss routines and activities with parents,
  gather feedback.
• What does the child do well?

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How is the need for AT determined?

• What does the child like or dislike doing in the
  class, and at home?
• What do the teacher and parents want the child to
  participate in?
• Are these activities developmentally appropriate
  for the child?

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How much assistance does the child need?

• One of the main goals is to provide an
  environment that is accessible to all children.
• Encourage independence.
• Provide support, scaffold learning,
  encouragement, then step back.
• Observe, evaluate effectiveness, adjust, repeat.

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Categories of AT for Young Children

• Computer Access
• Educational Aids
• Mobility Aids
• Sensory Aids

• Adapted Universally Designed Toys
• Daily Living Aids
• Communication Tools

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Types of Assistive Technology (AT)

• No Tech
• Simple changes made to environment or equipment.
  Homemade, or created.
• No cost
• Low Tech
• Modest changes, more involved mechanics,
  McGyver-ish changes to equipment.
• Low Cost or no cost

• Medium Tech
• More complicated mechanical or software
  modifications. May need expert assistance.
• Modest cost
• High Tech
• Very advanced computer software, hardware, or
  digital devices. Equipment purchased from
  manufacturer.
• High Cost

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Adapted UD Toys Daily Living Aids
Large push button switch. Lowered, slanted
easel.
Open grip utensils
Cut out cup
Key chain zipper pull
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Communication Skills Mobility Aids
Pediatric Walker
Microphone Amplifier
Positioning / Mobility Chair
Picture Board
Communication Board
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Educational Aids Computer Access
Writing prompts
Variety of computer aids
Swivel stick mouse
Fine Motor Writing Aids
Flexible touch pad
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Sensory Aids
Sensory Sit-upon
Sand Table
Oral Stimulators
Hammock swing
Scratch sniff book
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Low Tech Assistive Technology

• Many types of no-tech or low-tech assistive
  technologies are actually adaptations to a
  device, to the instructional method or to the
  environment.
• Through creating this change or adaptation you
  provide the individual more ease of use, ease of
  participation or ease of access.
• Some examples of adaptations may include
• Adjustable height table chairs
  Non-slip seat surface
• Adjustable lighting Pencil grip
• Pictures of objects/actions Variety of
  textures

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How does AT support inclusion?

• Technology can provide a bridge for students to
  Communicate, Participate, and Learn along with
  their typically developing peers.
• Communicate Through augmentative and alternative
  communication (AAC) devices and methods.
• Participate Through inclusive playtime.
• Learn Through adapted
• curriculum and materials.

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Making it happen in your class

• Observe, communicate
• Is there a need?
• Can you create a way to meet the need?
• Does it help the child participate?

• Do you need information or help?
• Resources
• Implementation
• Observe, communicate, adjust, repeat

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Resources

• Assistivetech.net - www.assistivetech.net
• Center for Early Literacy Learning -
  www.earlyliteracylearning.org
• Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)
  www.fctd.info
• SC Assistive Technology Program -
  www.sc.edu/scatp/index.htm
• Division for Early Childhood Special Needs -
  http//www.dec-sped.org/

• National Assistive Technology Technology
  Assistance Partnership (NATTAP) -
  http//resnaprojects.org/nattap/
• Tots-n-Tech http//tnt.asu.edu
• Frank Porter Graham Institute -http//community.fp
  g.unc.edu/