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= = = = = Assistive Technology Investigations: =

**1. Watch these presentations:**
What is AT? media type="youtube" key="DB9pKkZoJDc" width="560" height="315"

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 * From FCTD:**



=2. How is Assistive Technology Considered? Implemented? =

[[file:IEP_and_AT.pdf]]
and //**Essential that you skim/read this MA DESE Document!!**// Or view this draft of a multimedia version of Access to Learning: [|Multimedia Access to Learning]

> > **The SETT Framework** Scaffolds (2005) available through: [|http://www.joyzabala.com/Docume]
 * Are you wondering if YOUR student could benefit from AT for Reading or Writing? Skim through these Tools to help:**
 * A Framework for Assistive Technology Consideration and Implementation:
 * Protocol for Accommodations in Reading: [|http://donjohnston.com/upar/#.VMOnUmR4rLM]
 * Decoste Writing Profile: [|http://donjohnston.com/decoste-writing-protocol/#.VMOnk2R4rLM]


 * Optional Additional resources for deeper exploration of AT procedures :**

= =
 * **Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology**: [|http://www.qiat.org]
 * **Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative:** []
 * **Georgia Project for Assistive Technology:** []

=3. How is AT used in the Classroom/Community? User Story Videos = Explore your choice of user videos to see the power of AT for these individuals.
 * Pacer Center Videos: [|AT in Action] Meet Elle, Brody, Mason, Jared and Others
 * ====[|Assistiveware Video Case Studies] - View your choice of user stories, especially for physical dysfunction and AAC.====
 * [|Struggling Student to Ivy League:]
 * [|Assistive Technology Rocks my Classroom]- Elina's Story K-12
 * [|District 75 NYC Videos]

Read:
 * [|Literacy, Assistive Technology and Students with Significant Disabilities](Erickson, Karen, et al)
 * Blog: []
 * It was recently the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Find out about ADA here:
 * [|https://share.america.gov/crawling-up-steps-demand-their-rights/]

=4. **What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC?** = media type="youtube" key="r3m8_YmTDDM" width="560" height="315"
 * **Watch this video for a general overview of AAC:**

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 * **Watch A User Story:**


 * Watch a Great PowToon Video by Chris Bugaj about **Aided Language Stimulation**:

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 * Visit these web sites and preview a selection of case studies of AAC users. **
 * ==== @http://www.prentrom.com/success ====
 * []
 * and a wonderful collection of AAC success stories pinned by Lauren Enders:
 * []
 * Watch this video about Emma presenting, "My Body Does Not Obey my Mind."
 * OPTIONAL Other resources for AAC and Severe Special Needs AT Support:
 * []
 * [|www.praacticalaac.org]
 * [|www.lburkhart.com]
 * [|www.janefarrall.com]

=5. OPTIONAL MORE AT resources for you to explore: =
 * Recorded Webinars about AT topics:
 * [|http://www.ctdinstitute.org/cafe]
 * Edutopia's AT Resource Roundup:
 * []
 * Richard Byrne's Free Tech for Teachers
 * [|http://www.freetech4teachers.com/p/about-richard-byrne-and-free-technology.html#.VMOm02R4rLM]
 * Mike Marotta's Chrome AT
 * []



After you complete these investigations, please complete the related discussion post on Edmodo.
Prompt:
 * Share your thoughts about your favorite explorations? Do you think AT can make a difference in a student's life? Do you think AAC users can communicate and be included in the classroom? Have you had any personal experiences with AT users that you would like to share?

Rubric:

**Read through what others have written and feel free to add as many comments as you'd like. [15 points total]**