Click here to download the full Utah Parent Center e-Connections newsletter! What is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating and using them. Assistive technology can be a device or service that helps children with disabilities participate more independently within their environment at home or school. An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child and specifically excludes a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 04) Read more on pages 1 and 2 about... Making a Difference in the Lives of Individuals with Disabilities through Assistive Technology Facts About Assistive Technology and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Learn More About Assistive Technology Parents can help to identify potential AT for their child if they learn about the choices that are available. A good place to start is often with speech-language therapists, occupational therapists and school professionals. There are many organizations that provide AT information and training to consumers and families such as parent training and Information centers (PTIs), community technology centers, state assistive technology programs and rehabilitation centers. If possible you should visit an AT center with your child to see and try out various devices and equipment. Some AT centers offer lending programs that allow families to borrow devices for a trial period. Pages 2 and 3 includes resources and links to help individuals learn more about AT... Utah Parent Center Assistive Technology Information Sheets Visit utahparentcenter.org/resources/assistive-technology to read or download any of the following AT Information Sheets: • Assistive Technology Glossary • Assistive Technology Solutions • Assistive Technology 101 • Assistive Technology for Infants, Toddler and Young Children with Disabilities • Simple, Inexpensive Devices Can Assist in Communication • Techniques and Devices Can Help a Child Learn to Communicate • Augmentative Device Helps Max Speak • Switch Activities Promote Classroom Inclusion for Young Students • Technology that Empowers People with Memory Loss Online Training Resources The Utah Parent Centers YouTube Page (youtube/user/UtahParentCenterUPC) has a wide range of online trainings on preschool and services. Click the links below to view these online trainings: • Practical Ideas for Using Assistive Technology to Make Accommodations for Students with Disabilities • Developing the Individual Education Plan (IEP) • Section 504 - What services are available? • Understanding Assistive Technology: Simply Said is a short video explaining the complex topic of Assistive Technology in easy-to-understand language. • AT in Action Video Series, this video series produced by PACER Centers Simon Technology Center to raise awareness about available devices. This series offers real-world examples of how innovative AT is making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Assistive Technology Resources For more information about Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT), Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCCD), Utah Assistive Technology Program (UTAP) and Citizens Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment (CReATE) please read pages 4 and 5. School Tools: Overcoming Writing Barriers Written by Kent Redmund, UCAT, originally published 11/24/2014 on UATP Blog. In its most simple form, writing is recording; writing is a powerful way for humans to record and express ideas from an individuals mind and can be kept for future generations to read. Think of some of our greatest recorded writings from Twain, Dickens, Tolstoy and Dr. Seuss. Writing in the school setting has changed over the years. From chalk and slate, graphite pencils, and pens, to typewriters, computers, laptops and tablets. Students with disabilities have some powerful tools to assist them in recording their thoughts today. For students with learning disabilities, it can be difficult for them to get the words out. Theres a wall between the idea and writing it out. Word recall is a barrier as well as grammar and spelling can get in the way. One of our favorite tools to help students overcome these barriers over the past decade is Co:Writer from Don Johnston. Read the rest of this article on page 6. Handwriting Activities for Home If your child struggles with handwriting, you are not alone. Handwriting is challenging for many children, and difficulties can occur for a variety of reasons including decreased attention, poor fine motor coordination, weak muscles in the hands, poor core strength, visual motor or visual processing deficits, and/or sensory processing problems. Here are some fun ways you can help your child increase his or her handwriting skills in preschool/kindergarten, elementary and middle school. Read this article in its entirety on page 7. Give to the Utah Parent Center while you are shopping online at NO extra cost to you! AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. When you shop through AmazonSmile they will donate .5% of your purchase amount to the Utah Parent Center! Get started at smile.amazon/ch/87-0426671 AmazonSmile is easy to use, especially if you are already an Amazon shopper. Simply click the link above to begin or visit smile.amazon, search for the Utah Parent Center and then begin shopping. Utah Parent Center * Serving families since 1983! Phone: 801.272.1051 ● Toll Free Utah: 800.468.1160 ● Fax: 801.272.8907 Email: [email protected] * Website: utahparentcenter.org The Utah Parent Center (UPC or Center) is a private, non-profit organization that receives federal funding to be Utahs Parent Training and Information Center by the Office of Special Education Programs under grant #H328M120018. The Center also receives funding from other federal, state, and private agencies, organizations, and individual donors. The UPC does not represent or endorse any particular point of view, program, organization, business, or professional unless expressly stated and no endorsement may be inferred by the Center or any of its funding sources. Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information. Only approved items are included herein. The Center is not responsible for information or services provided by agencies, organizations, or individuals listed. Information provided to the UPC by other individuals, agencies, or organizations is solely the responsibility of the source and readers are encouraged to contact them directly with questions or concerns. Readers are responsible to investigate resources to determine if appropriate for their circumstances when making informed decisions. Permission to reprint uncopyrighted information herein is granted with complete attribution. The electronic version of this newsletter is NOT a discussion group and you will only receive official email from the Utah Parent Center. We do not trade or sell the email addresses of our subscribers. You have received this message because you are on the Utah Parent Center listserv. To be removed, please contact [email protected]. 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Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 23:07:53 +0000
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