Expressive communication and it's challenges...

In my studies I've learned a key tool that is modified are ways of communication. My style of teaching is based on the Whole Brain Teaching movement. This is a high energy and exciting way to access the full brain while learning and actively engage all learners. While exploring this during my coursework a great question was brought up..."What about students with communication difficulties?". I decided to look into how/if this style of teaching would present extra challenges.  Many students with autism struggle with expressive communication. "Expressive communication involves sending a message to another person(s) to (a) make something happen or (b) stop something that is already happening.

Children and youth who are deaf-blind are able to express themselves in many different ways. Parents, siblings, and service providers must be responsive to their varied forms of communication. In addition, they must notice and encourage opportunities for expressive communication."(NCDB Products).  

Many students with autism will have great difficulties expressing communication in a variety of facets. In the book, Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Autism, a plethora of examples and strategies are given.  Students with autism may have difficulties reading social cues or facial expressions which is a large part of any communication person-to-person.  Car with pictures or extra social contact and role playing am be a great strategy to show students appropriate means of communication. Another important aspect of communication in person is personal space. Students with autism may not realize how close they're getting while chatting or may not understand why it bothers people. This book addresses strategies for the as well. The book has various pictures, assessment tools, options, strategies, and difficulties you may come across. Every child is different and they will need help in different aspects of communication.   One strategy to help children with autism to communicate are cards...

Break Cards -A visual aid to allow students to request a break from class to refresh mentally or physically.
 

Choice Cards- Another visual aid for students to pick an option. Great for students who need to see various options and have difficulties verbalizing what they'd like to do, eat, play, etc.

 

 

The website below is for the book I was able to find. It is full of strategies, picture examples, and fantastic information. 

http://www.attainmentcompany.com/sites/default/files/pdf/sample/TCSWA_Sample.pdf

 

Ipads in the Classroom.. Various Perspectives

There are so many tools to enhance classroom learning, one of which being, the Ipad.

From a teacher's perspective, I love it!  The students are learning new types of technology, actively engaged in something different, and can be working on customizable skills or apps.  Students also learn how to use the Ipads for more than games and apps.  In my classroom we use them for research, typing, video production, etc.  We also practice academic skills and then if time permits students may play a game of their choice.  I must add that I am incredibly spoiled to work in the school district that I do!  We have an Ipad cart at each elementary building (an are acquiring more).  At the upper building (4th through 6th) there are multiples carts of Ipads and each 6th grade class has their own set.  It's really amazing the functions the Ipads have that are so much more than games!



A parent perspective can be seen in the video below.  I was happy to hear that she originally had doubts that were addressed and changed to positives!

A child's perspective seems pretty predictable.  It's something different to practice skills with, often times this skill practice can be disguised as a game, and it's independent work time.  In the video below (which is long) they allow the students to chime in to say what they enjoy about the Ipads.  Love hearing from the kiddos!

Ipad Apps for Austistic and Nonverbal Children

In my exploration of so many assistive technology devices, one of my favorites was the Ipad.  I was the most familiar with the Ipad and it's something I have and continue to use in my classroom.  In the following link, you'll be able to watch a video on using Ipad apps with students who are nonverbal and students with autism. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGU1ELjS7bQ

The video begins with the presenter speaking about a 2.5 year old girls with cerebral palsy who would typically have closed fists.  This is very common as my brother with cerebral palsy has the same attributes.  When given the Ipad however, she started to open her hands and use only one finger to play songs on the virtual piano!  The presenter mentioned that some students who wouldn't use other devices would however use the Ipad.  The main focus of the lecture was that Ipads are effective and easy technology to use with a wide variety of learners.  However, the Ipad and coordinating apps shouldn't replace social interactions or other processes such as writing, puzzles, mazes, etc.

Introductory Apps:
 -Duck Duck Moose: Students use the touchscreen to interact with childhood songs.
- Drum App: Helps students to practice using one isolated finger to interact with the tablet.

Communication Apps:
- Going Places: Stories about social interactions.
- Yes, No: Great for making choices rather than using picture cards.
-Sonic Pix: This makes social stories about various topics.  How to order at a restaurant, etc.
-Speak It: Text to speech app.
- Tap to Speak: Not customizable (i.e. "I want fruit, please" Then click desired fruit)
- Proloquo2Go: This app is fully customizable but very costly at $200.
-Sono Programmable: Multiple and customizable ways to communicate.
-Sound Touch: This was used with triplets at different communication levels.  One verbal, one receptive, one nonreceptive.  The app taught about generalizations.
 - Leonard: Used with a boy who had a brain tumor and speech difficulties.  The voice back-up motivated the boy to speak more clearly.
- Vocal Zoo: All about animals and sounds.

Writing Programs:
-Little Sky Writers: Used with a 2nd grade child with down syndrome who was working on handwriting. She could spell and read. Used app to trace letters correctly. This helped her work up to 20 minutes of nonstop handwriting.
- Doodle Buddy: Practice writing letters and creating pictures with stamps.
- Various: Different puzzles and connect the dots activities.

Apps for Younger Students:
- Elmo's Monster Maker: Helps students learn about body parts.
- Grover's Restaurant: Great for hand/eye coordination.
- Maze: More hand/eye coordination.
- Monkey Preschool Lunchbox - Teaches about size, puzzles, fruits, colors, and letters.
- Following Directions Fun Deck - Teaches children how to follow directions.
- Matching- Match pictures.

Apps for Older Students:
- Angry Birds and Cut the Rope: Teach finger isolation and physics.  Also, good reinforcement of cause and effect.

Books:
- Toy Story- Read words, look at pictures, then swipe finger to turn the page.
- Disney books can also become coloring books for students!

Closing:
- iPad apps are NOT for everyone
- Think about skills- Communication? Writing? Motor skills? Physical skills?
- Can be used as a reward or motivator for many students

 I really love using the Ipads with my class.  It's taught them a sense of responsibility.  They take care of the Ipad when we're using them, they understand they are tools, not toys, in our classroom, and work very well with them.  I understand not all districts have the funds to support purchasing Ipads, but they are an excellent addition to any curriculum!

Electronic Touch Tablets

What is it?

These are similar to laptops but they lack a physical keyboard and are more portable.  The touchscreen allows for an onscreen keyboard and allows your finger to be the mouse so no external mouse is required. 

Who is it for?

Anyone!  These tablets are full of fun (free and costly) features to supports all types of learning and disabilities.  Great typing software, learning software, listening software, etc. are available on these tablets.  The possibilities are truly endless.

Common Brands...

Ipad

Pictures/Videos/Tutorials...

.

 

I find that my students love using the Ipads in our classroom.  We watch videos, conduct research, practice spelling words, etc.

Type to Learn

What is it?

This is a computer program used by students to develop their keyboarding and typing skills.  Students can play games to learn where the keys are and which fingers they should use for each key.  There are various assessment incorporated to track progress, explore strengths, and support weaknesses.

Who is it for?

This is excellent for students with hearing impairments or speech difficulties as typing is an important means of communication.

Common Brands...

Type To Learn 4

Pictures/Videos/Tutorials...

Voice Output Communication Device

What is it?

This is a small device that allows students to communicate and participate in conversations with others.  There is training involved for students to experience success but they are fairly user friendly.

Who is it for?

This is for students who are unable to speak on their own or who have speech difficulties.

Common Brands...

Nova Chat

Picture/Video/Tutorial...

Assisted Literacy Software

What is it?

Assisted literacy software is software that helps student develop their literacy skills.  This software helps students develop phonemic awareness, decoding and comprehension skills, as well as reading fluency. Students are identified by their teachers as having reading difficulties or challenges. The students then use computer programs to develop their reading skills.

Who is it for?

Assisted literacy software is great for students with reading disabilities, such as dyslexia.

Common Brands...

Computer Assisted Literacy Solution (CALS)

Pictures/Videos/Tutorials...

Portable Word Processors

What is it?

Portable word processors are lightweight devices that are easy for students to transport throughout their school day, as well as to and from school.  Portable word processors make writing more accessible for many types of students. Editing and revising work can also be done more easily through a word processor.

Who is it for?

They are great for students with limited fine motor skills and/or reading/writing disabilities. They are also beneficial for students who prefer typing to handwriting, since the physical act of writing can be daunting for some students.

Common Brands...

Neo

Pictures/Video/Tutorials...

 

Adapted Keyboards

What is it?

These are keyboards that can be customized to meet the needs of individual students.  Some keyboards need larger print, braile print, covers over certain keys, etc.

Who is it for?

These keyboards can be for students who have visual impairments, limited fine motor skills, or cognitive disabilities.

Common Brands...

IntelliKeys

Pictures/Video/Tutorials...

IntelliKeys create fully customizable keyboard overlays.  This is differentiated instruction at it's finest!

Multisensory Educational Software

What is it?

According to www.education.com, multisensory learning is "Learning that involves the processing of stimuli through two or more senses (e.g., through hearing as well as seeing)." Multisensory educational software is software that allows students to learn in this way.

Who is it for?

This type of software is great for a wide variety of learners, such as students with ADHD, visual learners, kinesthetic  learners, as well as auditory learners.

Common Brands...

TouchMath.

This video would be great to use in the classroom to help students become more mathematical thinkers which is where we're all headed with the Common Core!

Books on CD

What is it?
Books on CD are one of the easiest forms of assistive technology.  It is exactly what the name states, various books available in an auditory form.  These are available in children's and adult's books.
Who is it for?
This is for students who have difficulties reading.  It allows them to still hear and get to know the story and as their reading skills progress they can follow along and read with the story.
Common Brands...
Many reading programs such as Scott Foresman Reading Street offer their stories on tape.
Pictures/Videos/Tutorials

This is actually a picture of the website I created for my grade level partners and I to use.  If you click this link..
www.ccthirdgrade.blogspot.com
And use the links on the side (Reading Street Stories) You can listen to our stories online.  Our curriculum came with a CD but this allows students to practice with the story on their own time and is more accessible for us teachers to use through the Smart Boards.  Books on CD are incredibly easy to use either through a CD player, DVD player, or computer.  They'll play through each of those mediums with great sound quality.

Scan and Read Software

What is it?

A Scanning and reading software begins with using a scanner to scan paper documents into a computer. Software will then translate it into digital format so it can be read and edited. This process of converting an image of text, such as a scanned paper document or electronic PDF file, into computer-editable text is referred to as optical character recognition.

Who is it for?
Individuals who have print disabilities such as those who have difficulty reading paper based information due to dyslexia, visual impairment, learning difficulties or those whose physical impairments prevent them from handling and reading the printed word can benefit from having material scanned into the computer. This can help with reading books, mail, journals, reports and other publications.

Common Brands...

Open Book

Pictures/Videos/Tutorials

Ernie does a great job explaining/showing the Open Book software.  It seems incredibly easy to use and beneficial for many people to use this software.

Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software

What is it?
It turns your talk into text and can make virtually any computer task easier and faster. From capturing ideas and creating documents, to email and searching the web, to using simple voice commands to control many of the popular programs you use every day at home, work – and beyond.
Who is it for?
Great for students or people with dyslexia, reading, writing, or typing challenges.  Often times using the computer manually can be challenging for students with physical disabilities, this software allows you to create documents as well as control the computer by voice.
Common Brands...
Dragon
Pictures/Videos/Tutorials

I have used Dragon before for my own personal use and found it difficult.  Granted, there was more to the set-up I neglected to complete and as all technology, improvements have been made.  I have heard of teachers having great success with this in their own classrooms.

Talking Word Processor Software

What is it?
Talking word processors (TWP) are writing software programs that provide speech feedback as the student writes, echoing each letter as it is typed and each word as the spacebar is pressed. Many of these inexpensive programs, typically used to assist with writing, also incorporate powerful tools for reading.
Who is it for?
This is great software for students who have difficulties reading and writing, as well as students who have poor knowledge of phonemes.  The software can read items back to the student allowing them to find and fix errors on their own which provides a level of independence.  It also helps with letter recognition as it states each letter the student is typing. 
Common Brands...
Write Out: Loud
Intellitalk
CAST eReader
Pictures/Videos/Tutorial...

Each different software listed has it pros and cons.  Each is easy to use but each is also very expensive.  Some school districts or families may not be able to spend that money.  One solution is to use the narration feature available on each computers (basic). 

AT Devices

In the next few posts I'll be sharing different Assistive Technology devices.  I'll include information on the advice, tutorials for easy use, and who these devices would benefit.  The first one is...

Word Prediction Software

Who is it for?

This software would greatly benefit students who have reading disabilities, writing disabilities, and dyslexia.  It allows students to partially type a word and the computer will create a list of possible words (based on context) they could be attempting to write. Allowing the student to then find the word he or she was meaning to type.

 

Common Brands...

EType

Pictures/Videos/Tutorials...

I think this is a fairly simple device to use.  Great for students with multiple needs.  This program is FREE!!!!  Does it get much better than that!?  It's available for free download from www.etypeone.com

The suggestions of words you may want/mean pops up as you're typing for you to quickly click and move on.

More Module Fun!

I wanted to break down each of the modules that I briefly discussed in the last post.  The last post was for you to find them, check them out, and here is where I can give you more of a summary...

Module Name	What did I learn?	How will this help as a teacher?
AT Assessment Process in the School	AT devices must be considered for all students holding an IEP. Decisions based on type of technology will be made with IEP goals in mind. A team will conduct tests to decide on device, when implemented, and how it is used.  This will be presented to the IEP team to complete the student’s IEP.	Nice to know the steps in a process like this. Will allow me to work with the IEP team to hopefully speed up any process to help my student gain access to an AT device sooner.
AT Consideration in the IEP Process	Who is involved. What is required. What to do if AT device is currently used – still add to IEP.	In majority of classes there are students with IEPs.  It is important to understand this process (especially when and how to choose devices).
Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)	Very inexpensive. Can be used with most students – just takes time.	Great to have knowledge about for students will may have speech or writing difficulties.

Interesting Modules

For anyone looking to learn more about Assistive Technology in the classroom here is an excellent website.
http://www.atinternetmodules.org/mod_list.php
You can sign up for free and explore the various modules online.  The videos are very informative and are not very long.  These are easy quick videos to watch to quickly brush up and learn about AT.  I highly recommend!  The website is very easy to navigate!

Assistive Technology for Computer Access

With so much information with assistive technology, it can almost be overwhelming.  In my search for more information about the assistive technology continuum  I came across this...

"Assistive Technology is a continuum of choices and supports. For example, a student may need a simple device such as a pencil grip or may need a more complex software solution to meet his needs. Assistive Technology reviews all of the options for tasks and considers a variety of tools. The following link will provide a diagram of expanded Low to High Tech options.
www.onionmountaintech.com/files/banner.pdf" <-- Great link for anyone to check out!

There are three types of technology, however, that I'll be discussing today, keyboards, mouse emulators, and alternative input/output devices.
Keyboards-Different types include...
*Keyboard labels for students with visual perceptual issues, low vision, no vision, or attention issues.  The labels can be created in large letters, braile, or can be blank.
*Selecting/Pointing Devices for students to use a handheld dowel, mouthsticks, chinsticks, and headsticks.  These allow students to control the keyboard without having great hand control.
*Keyguards  are acrylic or metal for students who need targeting assistance, use a selecting/pointing device, or need wrist support.
*Moisture guards are good for students who have tendencies to spill or drool, they can be reusable or disposable.  They can also be printed with key labels for students who have low vision.

Mouse Emulators...Alternative Input Device
*Trackballs are held in a stationary base and is rotated.  The mouse on the screen will move in response to the motion of the ball. These will also have 1-3 buttons located near the ball that function like a typical mouse.  Great for students who have difficulty controlling the motion of their whole hand.
*JoySticks are great for students who have difficulty moving the typical mouse.  The joystick is stationary and students can grip the joystick like the shifter in a car.  This allows them to move around on the screen and the joystick also has buttons like a typical mouse for selections.
*Head Pointing Systems allow students with very limited hand control to use their heads to move the mouse on a screen.  Large buttons can be placed on head rests to use as buttons on the mouse to make selections.

 Alternative Output Devices...
*Screen Magnification is excellent for students who have difficulties seeing or are legally blind.  This is actually a free feature on all computers found in the Ease of Access Center.  You can section off the screen or select the entire screen.
*Screen Readers provide auditory output for most or all of what's written on the screen.  Great for people with difficulty reading.

So many incredible options on every computer to make this extraordinary piece of technology accessible to all users.

Providing Access to Computers

In the last two posts I discussed options for students with hearing difficulties.  As a model of UDL which I've posted about previously also, computers are equipped to help with students/anyone with a multitude of difficulties.  Some neat features I was able to explore on my own computer was the narration feature and the mousekeys.
Narration: Neat feature from the ease of access panel where the computer will read aloud to you.  Anything you click on will be read aloud, anything you type, and any URL you visit.  What an incredible and free feature for students or any persons who have difficulties reading or who are visually impaired in some fashion.
Mousekeys: Another free feature! This is excellent for people who have difficulties controlling an external mouse.  Mousekeys allows users to use the keys of the keyboard as a mouse.  They can control the speed in which the mouse moves and can move it anywhere on their screen. 

Some other great features are the magnifier.  This is great for people with visual impairments.  It can expand any section of the screen to make it easier to see and read.  You can also slide the magnifying glass around the screen to focus on multiple areas.  I also thought the onscreen keyboard was neat.  I think this however would be more beneficial on a screen that was touch enabled.  Check out what's on your computer that's free.  You may be surprised how functional these features are!

Hearing Difficulties:Augmentative Communication

Hearing loss is a common difficulty for students in any classroom, as there are all different levels.  Sometimes sadly, it's selective hearing!  For teachers who have students with hearing difficulties it is very important to follow the following steps..
1. Get to know the assistive device you'll be using with the student.
2. Share it with the student ahead of time so they feel comfortable with it as well.
3. Position the microphone and speakerbox accordingly.
4. Introduce the device to the class.  Now everyone can be involved, can use the device properly, and can help fellow students better.
5. Try to speak while facing any student, not just your students with hearing difficulties.
6. Check equipment regularly!

Although these tips are excellent for students with hearing difficulties, some students with hearing difficulties may also have difficulty speaking.  Augmentative Communication is technology to help individuals who cannot speak to interact with others.  These systems can be aided or unaided.  Unaided meaning only a person's body will be used to help.  Aided meaning they'll need an external piece of technology to help.  An example of unaided would be something as simple as sign language.  It's something you can do with your own body, you don't need to carry any extra materials to communicate.  Aided would be an alphabet board for example, which is transported by the user.  Teachers who are becoming more comfortable with technology for students with learning difficulties should also interest themselves in these devices and means of communication as well.  Each of our students is different and as a teacher you should be prepared to best help any and all students in your classroom.  Communication is incredibly important in and outside of the classroom and it's part of our job to help our students to successfully communicate their thoughts, ideas, or feelings.

Assistive Technology for Learners With Difficulties Hearing

Students who have difficulties hearing face a number of obstacles in the classroom.  Many classrooms have poor acoustics, teachers may speak quickly and/or quietly, and even with hearing aids, the acoustics of the room may lessen the hearing aids effectiveness.  Students who use hearing aids also may do well in one-on-one conversations but often times the multiple conversations happening at once may overwhelm the student and conversations will be difficult to follow.  There are many times of assistive technology for hearing.  In my own classroom I've used 2 different microphone devices.  I originally used a head piece that had a microphone reaching around towards the side of my face.  The student then had a personal speaker box on his desk so the sound could travel right to him.  This device was effective but often times would act up, or become very uncomfortable.  The device I've used in recent years is a microphone on a necklace.  The sound comes clearly and evenly out of a speaker that sits off to the side of the classroom making sound quality and instruction better for everyone in the room, not just my student with hearing difficulties.  I typically will sit my student close to the speaker box for reinforcement.  The technology improves year after year which is wonderful not just for teachers and students with difficulty hearing but for everyone involved in the classroom.

Assistive Devices

So many devices currently exist for assistive technology and are rarely heard of.  I was lucky enough to be presented information about various devices tonight and couldn't believe how exciting some of them were.  And how simple!  I learned about foot switches - an incredibly versatile assistive device used by students and adults with and without special needs.  Audio Books - A great way to integrate reading, model fluency, and engage learners in a classroom.  This too being so versatile as many people gravitate towards audio books for longer commutes or forms of travel.  Tablets - An underappreciated device!  I never realized so many incredible communication and other apps existed!  Also, I took their size for granted.  I learned other communication devices can weigh upwards of 10 pounds... how are students supposed to manage that!  So many incredible forms of technology are just waiting for us to enhance the everyday lives of our students.  It's up to us as educators to continue to share, learn, and teach one another!