1. Shelly SheehanReading 25-31-11<br />Reading 2 Questions<br />1. Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product,whether acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified, or customized, which is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. <br />2. Three laws concerning assistive technology and students with special needs are the 1973 Rehabilitation Act (sections 504 and 508), the 1975 Education for all Handicapped Children Act, and the Tech Act of 1988.<br />3. There are 10 different categories of assistive technology. One category is Cognitive and Learning Aids, which is assistive technology that provides access to educational materials and instruction in school and other learning environments. Ex. (Pre writing motor skills aid). Another category is Communication, which is products and equipment related to speech, writing and other methods. Ex. (Electronic communicator). Another category is Computer Hardware/Access, which is hardware and software products that enable persons with disabilities to access, interact with, and use computers. Ex. (Color –coded keyboard). Daily Living aids are another category, which is self help devices that assist persons with disabilities in daily living activities such as dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, home maintenance, cooking, eating, etc. Ex. (Switch-adapted TV remote). Environmental Aids is another category, which is systems that allow access to and control of various environmental devices such as appliances, electronic aids, security systems, and etc. Ex. (Environmental Aid Kit). Hearing and Listening Aids are another category which are devices that assist deaf and hearing impaired individuals. Ex. (smart pens). Mobility and Positioning Aids which are adaptive seating and positioning devices that aid persons with physical disabilities. Ex. (Adjustable clamping holder for I-Pod touch). Recreation, Leisure, and Sensory Aids which are products that assist persons with disabilities as they participate in sports, leisure, and games. Ex. (adaptive art supplies). Switches which provide access to switch-adapted devices for persons with physical impairment that affect their fine motor skills. Ex. (switch adapted bubble maker). Vision and Reading Aids which assist people with visual impairments. Ex. ( Electronic book reader).<br />4. The SETT process is a framework for determining whether a student is a candidate for AT devices or services. It is used to see which students need assistive technology, what kind of technology is needed, who is involved in making these decisions, and what data the multidisciplinary team should gather to aid the decision making process. 1.) Collect Info, 2.) Generate Solutions, 3.) Implement Plan, and 4.) Integrate AT in IEP.<br />5. The case study that interested me the most was the one about Jim. I found it interesting because of the goals that Jim’s parents and teachers wanted to accomplish. I learned how much you have to take into account when you are dealing with IEP’s and the use of AT’s. The team had to even take into account that because of Jim’s wheelchair , he would not be at the same eye level as the other students. I was amazed at what all goes into making those decisions. <br />6. I read the scenarios. <br />7. To find out if one of your students is required to use AT, you should look in the students IEP or 504 plan. You can obtain assistance with the students AT needs from the IEP team and the school’s exceptional children’s staff. <br />