REACH, the Classroom and Assistive Technology (AT):
Putting AT into PracticeStudents with special needs often require a variety of AT supports to help them succeed in classroom learning. As part of a student’s learning team, REACH consultants assist in identifying educational goals and learning needs. REACH AT knowledge and expertise supports the learning team in identifying AT solutions that will best help the student to meet these educational goals.
In order to determine the most appropriate and cost effective AT solution for students, REACH team members trial AT equipment from the REACH AT lending library and/or use technology to create customized materials. Assessment and trial of AT occurs in the student’s natural setting: the classroom. REACH consultants provide ongoing support to ensure the effective and efficient use of the AT in the learning environment.
Assistive Technology Team
REACH has made a committment to the growing field of Assistive Technology by developing an AT Team. The AT Team represents a variety of disciplines and meets regularly to support the use of AT both within REACH and with students.
AT Team Leaders facilitate the REACH AT team. These individuals are available for in-servicing school teams, collaborating with REACH team members about specific students with AT needs, and keeping REACH up-to-date on the latest AT products and upgrades.
REACH Mobile Assistive Technology Library
REACH has an expanding AT library that is dedicated to in-house use, demonstration and one-month loans to students. This comprehensive library consists of a variety of hardware and software options:
- Communication – e.g., picture boards, speech generating communication device (SGCD)s, word/ picture processing programs, communication display maker/ graphics database, visual strategies
- Written Output – e.g., portable word processors, Braille writer/notetaker, rate enhancement software, voice recognition software, enlarged or alternative keyboards
- Vision – e.g., screen magnification software, screen reading software, audiotapes, large print materials
- Software – e.g., early learning, educational, organizational, keyboarding, games, single switch, Braille translation, talking word processor
- Play – e.g., switch toys, adapted games
- Environmental Controls – e.g., devices to enable remote, ultrasound, and infrared switch access to operate appliances and environmental control units
- Computer Access – e.g., specialized keyboard, adapted mice, touch screen, joystick, switches
- In addition to the materials available in the lending library, REACH team members will create customized materials using technology for students to trial. REACH will also collaborate to support the use of technology in the school that has been provided by other community agencies. REACH team members support families and school jurisdictions to fundraise at a local level in order to provide students with a permanent AT solution.
REACH and AT: Looking to the Future
Providing access to AT has been identified as a priority within REACH, and for the students we support. Our vision includes continued expansion of our lending library to ensure we have access to AT that is compatible with the newest technology in the schools.
As well, REACH consultants are dedicated to ongoing professional development within the vast field of AT. We will continue to support families and school jurisdictions to fundraise at a local level to provide students with permanent AT solutions. Finally, we will continue to advocate within the schools, and at a government level, for the use of AT with students to help meet the challenges of their unique learning needs.
Reach consultants assess students and collaborate with ACETS either as the primary or secondary team for the current AADL SGCD pilot project. REACH will provide long-term follow-up for students who are successful in having an SGCD funded by the government.
REACH: Assistive Technology Brochure (PDF)
October 24, 2009
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