Three AT Tools for Middle and High School Students
From preschool to high school… let’s go!
I recently worked with a school team who was thinking about ideas to use assistive technology throughout the high school day. The student utilized a high-tech eye gaze device for communication and some leisure such as games, however wanted to make sure they were not missing opportunities to increase access to the curriculum. With all the assistive technology out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but let’s check out three AT Tools I recommended that can give you the most bang for your buck throughout the entire school day.
Before we get started, it’s important to note a student can use multiple access methods throughout the school day. Just because a student utilizes eye gaze for communication does not mean they have to use eye gaze for leisure, play and school based tasks. I like to use the term total access approach - utilizing a student’s strengths to meet their communication and motoric needs throughout their day. Now let’s get to these three items that can make a big impact throughout the school day and be used in many ways.
1. PowerLink
The PowerLink is an environmental control unit which allows you to plug in an appliance to create a switch accessible experience. Think about fans, blowy dryers, mixers, leaf blowers, kitchen appliances, etc.
This unit could be used throughout the school day with the following ideas:
Science class using a mixer to create an experiment combining oil and water.
Gym class using a fan to blow a beach ball during volleyball. Need more gym ideas? Check out MrJeffAdaptedPE on instagram.
Art class using a blow dryer to push ping pong balls in to paint and then using the blow dyer to dry.
English class using a record player or radio to play music from the 1920’s to pair along the book The Great Gatsby.
Photo Credit: AbleNet, INC
2. Step-by-Step
The Step-by-Step is a recordable switch that can be programmed with multiple, sequential messages and levels. With every switch hit, a new message is shared in the order recorded.
This tool could be used throughout the school day with the following ideas:
Life skills during coffee cart to program a script to take orders.
Social studies giving a report and facts about a certain time period or country.
Lunch asking a friend about what they did over the weekend or a story about what the student did.
Photo Credit: AbleNet, INC.
3. Computer Switch Interface
Whether you have a Don Johnston switch interface, the Hitch from AbleNet or a Swifty ( not the Taylor kind) a student can gain access to their school computer. The switch interface plugs into a USB drive on the student’s computer and the switch plugs into a port on the interface.
This tool could be used throughout the school day using these ideas:
English class using the website TarHeel Reader to select books, have text read aloud and turning pages in books.
Gym class using the app Boardmaker Student Center playing the target archery game.
Music class using SENict to stop and start music videos or creating a playlist for a DJ hour.
This list only highlights three AT tools and there are plenty more out there! Need some more ideas or ways to use assistive technology throughout the school day with your students? Follow me on Instagram at @AACforALL or reach out for a 1:1 personal consult.
