Pre-K 2003: Inclusive, Not Assistive, Technology
By Metheny, Rick; Closing the Gap, Vol. 22, No. 5, pp. 1, 24-25Publication Date: December 2003/January 2004
Article discusses the use of assistive technology (AT) as it applies to educating students with disabilities in a general education classroom. Educators are turning to AT more and more to meet the standards dictated by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as “No Child Left Behind,” which requires increased accountability for all students, including those with disabilities. The author discusses a systematic approach using the principles of universal design, which seeks alternate methods to present information and allow students to demonstrate understanding. The approach features activities matching content and tasks with the access strategies designed for students. So as to not only use computer-based activities, off-computer activities were created to mirror those performed on a computer. For example, each unit featured electronic books that students could read independently on the computer. In the electronic book, text was matched with BoardMaker symbols and would highlight as students read each page. Students could access the books with a mouse, TouchWindow, an IntelliKeys keyboard, or a switch. The same format, graphics, and text were used to create paper books, which were laminated and spiral bound, then adapted with Velcro to create interactive books students could read in class or take home.
Assistive Products Discussed: BOARDMAKER SYMBOL ADDENDUM LIBRARIES (1998, 2000, 2002, & 2004 EDITIONS)
TOUCHWINDOW
INTELLIKEYS
BOARDMAKER (INTERNATIONAL)
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
