Know AT with the Help of MoAT (vol.16)
|
|
Missouri Assistive Technology
Keeping Students on Task While Working on an IPad
|
|
Many students will be using iPads for remote learning during the 2020-2021 school year. For those students with learning challenges, the open iOS platform can be a huge distraction. There are several ways that we as facilitators can help them to stay on task. Guided Access is one of those options. This free iOS Accessibility feature is built-in to the iPad. The above video shows how to use Guided Access to lock users into one app and how to limit the options within the app. This free tool can prove to be very useful as it can prevent students from exiting an app and exploring other options on the iPad.
If you would like to learn more about the built-in accessibility features available on the iPad, join us for "Assistive Technology Boot Camp - Built-in iOS Accessibility Options". Registration is now open for this remote training that will occur October 5-9, 2020. To register, email Laura Hoffman at lhoffman@mo-at.org.
|
|
Did You Know That They Have That at Moat?
|
|
Missouri Assistive Technology offers the ATR program to help schools to provide students the assistive technology that has been determined to help them to meet their IEP goals. This reimbursement grant may be approved, up to $5000, for devices such as visual magnifiers, personal assistive listening systems, augmentative communication devices, alternative input devices, speech recognition and text-to-speech softwares, and tablets and computers that have been identified as assistive technology. Assistive technology purchased after July 1, 2020 can qualify under this grant.
The application process has changed this year. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and watch for videos on how to correctly apply for the ATR Grant. The required paperwork and instructions for the 2020-2021 grant season will be posted in early August.
|
|
Many non-verbal communicators begin with the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) method. The communicator hands the listener a picture of a glass of water, and the message "I would like a drink" is conveyed. Many times the concept of the picture representation is confusing to a new user and they become frustrated. Other times, communicators are moved from successfully communicating through PECS to a dynamic display AAC device where they become overwhelmed and unsuccessful, trapping them in picture exchange with no plan to systematically develop the skills needed for dynamic display communication.
If the above describes your communicator, we at MoAT would recommend taking a look at the Logan Tech approach to language development and the products available to you through our lending library, For those students that are not ready to communicate through the use of standard PECS cards, we have a huge collection of
tangible object cards
available through ETC
. Once the tangible object cards are mastered, verbal communication may be generated through the
ProxPad
. The tangible objects or associated PECS cards can then be strung together to formulate sentences on the
ProxTalker
. The successful user of the ProxTalker often moves on to the use of a dynamic display communication device with a firm understanding of picture based language. Contact MoAT to learn more about these devices and this approach to Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
|
|
Assistive Technology Webinars
|
|
MindView– Mind Mapping Software
|
IMindView is a tool for all students including those with learning differences (Dyslexia, ADHD, etc.). Students can use MindView to improve their reading comprehension, writing composition, time management and study skills. MindView is optimized for TRiO Programs, Disability support and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
This webinar will demonstrate:
•
Brainstorming organically in a non-linear fashion
• Adding citations to the mind map
• Exporting to Word and PowerPoint i.e. MLA, APA, etc.
• Improving organization and time management
Register Here:
For more information contact Brandon Conrad
Tel: 1-813-254-6644
Brandon.Conrad@matchware.com | www.matchware.com
|
Upcoming 2020 Summer Webinars
July 21- Digital Accessibility Summer Series: Let’s Make Our PowerPoint/Google Slides Accessible to All
July 22- Virtual Therapy Summer Series: Interactive Activities to Keep Students Engaged During Virtual Therapy Sessions
July 28- Digital Accessibility Summer Series: PDF Accessibility
Aug. 6- Digital Accessibility Summer Series: Video Accessibility
|
|
The Microsoft Immersive Reader is a free tool, built into Word, OneNote, Outlook, Office Lens, Microsoft Teams, Forms, Flipgrid, Minecraft: Education Edition and the Edge browser, that implement proven techniques to improve reading and writing for people regardless of their age or ability. See a full demo of this tool and how it provides access to content for all learners in this video.
|
|
What’s “App-ening”at MoAT?
|
|
Registration is now open for the following training sessions:
September 14-18, 2020:
“Assistive Technology Boot Camp: Alternative Access Methods for iPad Use”.
October 5-9, 2020:
“Assistive Technology Boot Camp: Built-in iOS Accessibility Options”.
November 2-6, 2020:
“Assistive Technology Boot Camp: iPad Applications for Students with Significant Intellectual Disabilities"
Each training will consist of an hour long zoom presentation on the Monday of the training. This meeting will introduce the concepts and technology used throughout the week. Independent study activities will be encouraged on the provided technology: Tuesday thru Thursday. Friday, we will get together again via zoom for an hour to answer any questions or concerns that may have come up during the week. For more information or t
o register, contact Laura Hoffman at lhoffman@mo-at.org. Space is limited.
|
|
Missouri Assistive Technology is working towards developing training opportunities through the use of our YouTube Channel. Please check out our channel and
subscribe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
