Technology and inclusion

[Charlene Hallman]

After teaching 2nd grade, I am beginning my first year as a computer lab teacher. We are a full-inclusion K-2 school. I have a special needs student who has significant gross motor skill difficulties. She is academically at a kindergarten level, and socially she is below kindergarten level. She can use a mouse somewhat, but cannot write or use the keyboard very well. I am looking for advice in two areas. First, what software or technologies can I use to work with her in the lab while her peers are working on grade-level material? Second, since she cannot write or type well, are there any technology assistive devices that she could use in the classroom? We have alphasmarts, but she can't type well enough for them. Thanks!

[Wendy Homlish]

Wow! How much room do I have?? LOL If she has OT that is your first line of defense for assessment for writing tools. Off the top of my head - start looking at alternate mice, including a track ball, or just go into your accessibility options and try changing some of the mouse settings, slowing it down, etc., possibly a touch monitor, onscreen keyboard - she obviously needs a method of alternate input at the computer. I would think she would benefit from a team assessment and trials to determine how to access the computer. There is certainly no way this is a "one size fits all" type of situation. It will probably be a process of trials, with input from the OT,e tc. Do you have access to an AT consultant/specialist in your school district? I would think that she has an IEP and you should determine if AT is checked on the considerations page (it certainly SHOULD be) and also what type of SDI is listed. It's great that you are interested but you need the team to help you out here! Good luck - keep us posted.

[Charlene Hallman]

Thanks for the information Wendy! I actually meet with the OT last week and she was able to give me some good advice on where to start. Like you, she suggested looking into an alternate mouse, and trying the accessibility options. She also gave me some advice on software and other things I could try with my student. Hopefully with everyone's great suggestions, I will have a good starting point. Thanks again!

[K Greenhaw]

It sounds like your student may need to still get down the basics of grammar and sentence structure using verbal and visual learning tools first before getting into typing and writing words and sentences out on the computer or on paper.

Maybe trying AT software for basic level reading and writing as well as computer games that teach grammar concepts and basic exercises, have clickable interactive pictures and basic words and phrases would work to get her started, but the accessibility options should help as well.

I know that EnableMart had a lot of options on their site when I worked there: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Learning

But I'm sure that RJCooper would have a lot of tools and programs you could use as well as Softtouch.com, Pro Ed inc, and Riverdeep.

[KarenJanowski]

Charlene,
Wonderful that you came here for suggestions. And you have gotten great ideas from others.

What I think is an important next step is that your student have an AT evaluation completed so that specific and appropriate recommendations can be made. So much depends upon the students strengths and skills and what is difficult for her to accomplish. It always has to be student driven first.

Can you suggest that to the IEP team since you are looking for specific recommendations?

[Samuel Charles Sennott]

Hi,

This accessible book launcher may be helpful. http://alltogether.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/accessible-books-launcher/