Richard

I enjoyed watching the video about Richard. Watching and hearing the process of the assesment was really helpful. I am not very computer savy, so I am amazed on how the video was done.
When I did the COPM on a student where I work, I did not feel confident in doing the interview.
I was not sure that I was asking the right questions. After viewing the video, I find that I was on the right track, but I still think I could have done better. Crystal did a great job in the interview with Richard and I think I have learned from watching it.
I found two articles that talk about devices that may be helpful for Richard. One article talks about NuVision. It is a light weight head-mounted mini visor containing a very small video camera and optical system. The camera projects images onto two small screens inside the visor. The article goes on to say that it is easy to use even for someone who is not familiar with technology. In the interview Richard talked about he was self conscious of people staring at him. He may not like this device as he would have to wear it. http://www.closingthegap.com/ctg2/solutions/editorial_detailsinline.lasso?Solutions_EditorialID=E476&-session=XServeAuthenticate:18A34CA6053a0282C4oXXT1666F6
The second article talks about a the Magni-Cam a small hand held camera. This device might work better for Richard. He would not have to wear it. It would be good for his reading, however I don't think it would work when he is in church to see the people. http://www.closingthegap.com/ctg2/solutions/editorial_detailsinline.lasso?Solutions_EditorialID=E393&-session=XServeAuthenticate:18A34CA6053a0282C4oXXT1666F6
The items that Crystal talked about to Richard in the interview may be better for him than either one of these.

Bookshare

Bookshare.org supports student readersBy: Ann HarrisonEditorial FeatureFebruary/March, 2008
http://www.closingthegap.com/ctg2/solutions/detail.lasso?EditorialID=E1573&-session=XServeAuthenticate:18A34CA605148254A8qQw36CA9D5

This article really interested me. It talked about two students who needed something to encourage them to do their reading assignments. They had trouble remembering details from the story that they needed to complete writing assignment as well. It turns out that the Bookshare program was just the thing they needed.
Bookshare is converted into the assistive technology that is appropriate for a particular student's needs. It can be large print, braille, or synthesized speech. The bookshare library has received books from members and volunteers who have scanned books for the library.
I really like this idea and think it is a great resource for teachers with students who need assistance in all areas of the curriculum. At our school we are currently in the process of putting together our own library. This would be a wonderful addition to our library, or to any ones.

Solutions Article

I said I was new at this. I forgot to add the link to the article and I can't figure out how to get to the post to add it, so I am making another post. I tried to get back to the post that I had written, but could not get to it so that I could edit it. Oh well I guess I will figure it out eventually.

"Spicing up the curriculum using good junk and creative software choices: Preschool through grade three"

http://www.closingthegap.com/ctg2/solutions/issuesummary.lasso?DateofPublication=Feb&Year=1999

Solutions Article

The title of the article I read is "Spicing up the curriculum using good junk and creative software choices: Preschool through grade three". The good junk is what made me choose this article. I am always interested in good junk! The article looked at different aspects in getting a lesson ready to use with your students. You need to make sure what is going to be taught, skills they already have that you can build on. The article also mentioned that you do not always need to use a computer to using assistive technology. You may have a lesson in where you can use adapted switches to operate a toy or other devices. This is the case for most of my students. We use a lot of adaptive switches to operate toys, radios, etc. We just recently received a new computer in our classroom and we are very excited about it. So far for my students we are just working on attending to the computer for a few seconds. But I am going to work toward having some of my students to be able to use an adapted switch to turn on a music video of some sort. It is still a long way down to road, but that is what we are working towards.

Wow I did it!!!!

First I am just excited that I was able to make this happen. I usually have problems doing something new on the computer. And this was something very new to me.
I would like to use this blog to help better my understanding of assistive technology. Also to hear from others how they use the technology and hopfully they will have information and suggestions that will help me use the technology in the classroom. I am always looking for better ways to teach my students and to make learning fun for them. My students have multidisabilities to include severe/profound mental retardation, physical disabilities, medical disabilities. They are very challenging to teach, but I would not have it any other way. I truly enjoy my students and we have fun while we learn. I have just recently gotten a new computer in my classroom and have found some free switch activated computer videos and my students are really enjoying them. We are just starting out by attending to the computer screen and that is going well. I do have one student who has already learned that if he hits the switch the video will repeat. That is a joy to watch. Well I guess I have rambled on enough for one blog.
Later,
Margit
PS I hope I have done this correctly