The section on training includes links to actual training modules for improving your AT knowledge and skills when working with young children with disabilities and their families. Additionally, you can read about the latest research on training early intervention staff and families on how to use assistive technology with young children with disabilities or download printable handouts on such topics as adapting toys with switches, ordering adapted toys and materials, computer software for young children, and adapting computer use for young children with disabilities.
Definitions
- Assistive Technology Training Online: http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics.php
"Excellent beginning information including an introduction to assistive technology, technology for special populations, and adapting computers".- TOTS-n-TECH, National Research Institute: www.asu.edu/clas/tnt
In addition to the research briefs, this site provides a glossary of terms.Research Papers
- TOTS-n-TECH, National Research Institute: Assistive Technology in Early Intervention: www.asu.edu/clas/tnt
The site provides research based briefs on AT for infants and toddlers with disabilities. The research institute began in 2000 and is studying AT services and devices in terms of their use and prevalence for young children with disabilities.Video Clips
- Tech for Tots-University of Southern California University Affiliated Program Training Modules: www.uscuap.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=180
Completed by the USCUAP in 2000, Tech for Tots is available for purchase: www.pdassoc.com/tfta.html. The binder with power point slides format provides 1-4 hour lectures on assistive technology for young children, birth to five with disabilities and a companion video. For More information contact Sonia Aller, Project Director, USCUAP.- National Center to Improve Practice in Special Education Through Technology, Media and Materials (NCIP): www2.edc.org/ncip/videos/ec.htm
From the website: "Visit an integrated preschool classroom where students with disabilities have full access to the typical curriculum through the innovative use of high and low technology tools. Students with communication difficulties interact with peers and staff through the use of picture communication boards and electronic devices that incorporate synthesized speech output. Children who have difficulty manipulating books access rich language and literacy materials via the computer. Teacher, Barbara Smith, discusses the range of simple technologies that enable her students to participate in all aspects of the dynamic learning environment that she and her colleagues have created." The video from Baby Power can be purchased for $29.99. It is an excellent overview of using technology with young preschool children with disabilities.Handouts
- TOTS-n-TECH Efficacy Scale: http://asu.edu/clas/tnt/AssisTechConfScale.pdf
The TNT website provides an efficacy scale that can be used to measure providers and families perceptions of AT use with young children.- Baby Power, NCIP: www2.edc.org/ncip/library/ec/Power.htm
The website was developed by NCIP, National Center for Improving Practice in Technology, Massachusetts, a project supported from OSEP, 1992-1998. It includes an early learning section with a thorough guide by: P. Pierce, (ed.) Baby Power: A Guide For Families For Using Assistive Technology With Their Infants and Toddlers. Chapel Hill, NC: The Center for Literacy and Disabilities Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Baby Power is a collaborative project of The Center for Literacy and Disabilities Studies (CLDS), CB# 8135, 730 Airport Road, Suite 200, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-8135 and The Clinical Center for the Study of Development and Learning (CDL), CB# 7255, BSRC, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7255.- TOTS-n-TECH Examples: www.asu.edu/clas/tnt
From the website: "The Tots 'n Tech Research Institute (TnT) is an inter-university collaboration between Thomas Jefferson University (TJU), Philadelphia and Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe. TnT conducts a national research program about use of assistive technology (AT) to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities. A major component of the TnT's mission is to produce new knowledge and information about AT use and practices and, specifically, about the ways in which AT may optimize children's development and learning." The site includes research and dissemination efforts and a list of resources, best practices, and briefs that provide information on AT for infants and toddlers. (also listed in DEC Rx practices)- AT JFK Partners Simple Guides: http://jfkpartners.org/PUBLICATIONS.asp
This website was listed in the DEC RX practices as a series of quick guides on how AT can help children with developmental delays including topics on communication, adaptive skills and cognition, fine motor, gross motor, self-help, and sensory development. The guides provide a general overview of AT in each developmental area. (JFK Partners, University of Colorado, 2000)- Let's Play, University of Buffalo: http://letsplay.buffalo.edu/toys/special-toys.htm
This website is very user friendly and includes many practical applications of AT for young children. The project was sponsored by USDOE, Early Education Programs for Children with Disabilities from 1998-2004 at the University of Buffalo, State University of New York, School of Public Health and Health Professions. The site includes play, selecting toys, universal design, AT, and resources.- Linda Burkhart: www.lburkhart.com
The site was last updated in 2001. The special needs section includes directions on how to adapt a toy and a computer mouse. (See reference in DEC RX practices).Courses Online
- EC Tech Integrated Instructional System, Western Illinois: www.wiu.edu/ectiis
The site provides six training modules on assistive technology accessed via online instruction. In addition to each module that can be completed at separate times there is a thorough glossary of terms.- Special education technology in British Columbia (SETBC): www.setbc.org/setbc/default.html
The site provides an online conference center that contains archived presentations on AT.Training Products
- Simplified Technology - Linda Burkhart: www.lburkhart.com
The site was last updated in 2001. The special needs section includes directions on how to adapt a toy and a computer mouse. (See reference in DEC RX practices).- Let's Play Resources: http://letsplay.buffalo.edu/products/index.htm
This website is very user friendly and includes many practical applications of AT for young children. The project was sponsored by USDOE, Early Education Programs for Children with Disabilities from 1998-2004 at the University of Buffalo, State University of New York, School of Public Health and Health Professions. The site includes play, selecting toys, universal design, AT, and resources.- Pacer Center Project KITE: www.pacer.org/kite/index.htm
Training curriculum for parents and teachers of young children with disabilities. Particularly helpful are parent child communication program and choosing toys for adaptation.- Tech for Tots-USC University Affiliated Program Training Modules: www.uscuap.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=180
Completed by the USCUAP in 2000, Tech for Tots is available for purchase: www.pdassoc.com/tfta.html. The binder with power point slides format provides 1-4 hour lectures on assistive technology for young children, birth to five with disabilities and a companion video. For More information contact Sonia Aller, Project Director, USCUAP.
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