Autistic Girl Expresses Profound Intelligence

After viewing the Youtube video, Autistic Girl Expresses Profound Intelligence, I have a better understanding on the child’s perspective about their own disabilities. This was a very insightful video on the parent and child perspective on disabilities which as teachers we may not recognize. This video is about an eleven year old autistic girl, Carly, who was nonverbal until age 11. As a child, Carly could not communicate verbally even with hours of therapy a week. She would bang her head on the ground or hit herself. Her father explained, he would never give up and he would do all he could. According to Kids Together, Inc., “A child who happens to have a disability is not "broken," they are first and foremost a child, who needs to belong, be cherished, embraced and welcomed into our communities.” This quote reminds me of Carly’s dad who refused to listen to friends about sending her to a group home but continued to spend money on the resources available to help Carly. The video mentioned Carly’s break through at age 11 through the use of computer technology. Although Carly could not communicate verbally, she was able to type her feelings without being taught the words. Carly was able to communicate her thoughts and feelings. She explained, “If I don’t bang my head, I feel like I’ll explode.” Carly also stated, “I feel locked in a body I have no control over.”  Without the use of computer technology, word prediction software, and text-to-speech software Carly would remain not able to communicate with others. Communication is a basic need and computer technology makes it a possibility for Carly and other individuals with disabilities. As a teacher, I would implement any software or device available that would allow a “break through” for my students. Teachers and parents need to work together with the individual with disabilities to ensure milestones are accomplished.

 Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4XMlhCfp3Q

A Parent's Perspective of the needs for a child with a disability. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2015.

iPad Apps for Autistic and Nonverbal Children

After viewing the Youtube video, iPad Apps for Autistic and Nonverbal Children, I have gained many resources available to help guide learning in the classroom. The speaker in the video, Lauren Meatty, mentioned multiple apps that she uses on a daily basis, primarily for preschool age children who are nonverbal, students with autism, students with Down syndrome, students with communication disorders, or students who have limited physical abilities. One important aspect of her speech was that these apps are used to compliment the everyday learning in the classroom, not to replace it. Students should still engage in “paper/pencil” ordinary tasks but using the Ipads will allow these students to complete tasks independently.  The apps she uses will help students gain independence.

One app she uses is Little Skywriters for an 8 year old student with Down syndrome. This app allows the student to write letters and words with her finger, which is a task she disliked doing with a crayon and paper. Another app she recommended to a college student was Speak It, which helped the student participate in discussions and answer questions by speaking the words she typed. There were many apps mentioned to help students develop mobility and fine motor skills. One app was songs that started to sing only when students pressed the objects. Another was a puzzle app that allowed students to put together pieces to create letters and pictures.  Although we use Ipads in my classroom depending on when we can access them, I would love to integrate Ipads in my classroom on a daily basis. There are so many great apps and software that can benefit different learning needs to help my students reach goals and succeed. Please view the video below to view all of the apps recommended by the speaker. 

Reference:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGU1ELjS7bQ

Draft Builder by Don Johnston

The assistive technology software I decided to review was Draft Builder, by Don Johnston. After completing the tutorial I learned that this is an easy AT software for students to use to guide them through the writing process. Some students with disabilities struggle to get their ideas on paper. Draft Builder allows students to use three separate tabs available at the top of the screen to outline their thoughts, add details to thoughts in the form of notes, and complete a draft. Students can organize their ideas and have their ideas read back to them or use the feature of word prediction. Students can drag their outline thoughts over to the notes tab to add more information in the form of sentences. To complete their draft they can drag and drop their notes to the draft page. Another convenient feature of this software is it guides the students in building their references in APA or MLA format to form their bibliography page. Below is a demonstration video to give you a better look at the software!

 

Reference:  http://donjohnston.com/draftbuilder/#.VigT-SvgAnM

AT Resource: Electronic Touch Tablet

In the past few years, electronic touch tablets have been increasingly used in many classrooms. There are many benefits to using these tablets. Students can use these tablets for research, gathering classroom materials, and using many applications I have listed in previous posts. The electronic touch tablets can benefit students with all different styles of learning and disabilities. Students can use apps to complete remedial activities or progress monitoring, voice output communication devices, audible books, word prediction apps, and much more! Some electronic touch tablets include the Apple IPAD, HP touch pad, and kindle. I have used the IPAD in my classroom for my students to access an app called Mobymax. Mobymax is a purchased software application used for students to practice their math and reading skills based on their tested levels. It allows teachers to access reports and monitor students levels. Below is a video of a 4-year old with autism using an IPAD to guide his learning.

Reference:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qugsXcy89U

 

AT Resource: Type to Learn Software

Type to Learn software is used to teach keyboarding skills. It is important that students learn how to type because it is a skill used in classrooms every day. Students should not need to waste valuable learning time searching for keys. If they learn how to use the keyboard they will be able to spend more time producing work. This software would benefit all learners because typing is a lifelong skill. Some type to learn softwares used in schools are Type to learn 4, All the Right Type 3 Plus, UltraKey 5, and Ten Thumbs typing tutor. In my classroom I would use Type to Learn 4 because it is designed to engage students using a futuristic theme and offers remedial activities, if needed.See the video below for a demonstration of Type to Learn 4. 

Reference:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oRJOT8trUo