Assistive technology

Assistive technology can be helpful for individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.  This may include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs or programs or accessories to use with computers. 

I can see many uses of assistive technology in the classroom for children with disabilities.  The accommodations can be as basic as having a larger keyboard or larger font for children with visual disabilities or a microphone to use when teaching for children with hearing loss. 

I think that it would be important for me as a teacher to learn about all of the available options available with assistive technology.  I would then be able to be trained on the best way to use the materials to accommodate the child with disabilities.  The assistive technology used would depend on the individual needs of the child.

Resources:

http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109

Task analysis

The task analysis I chose for my focus child is opening a milk carton.  He buys lunch everyday and has a hard time getting his milk open.  This can also be used with the other children in the classroom.  I always have the children try with verbal prompts before I will open it for them.  The pictures will help them break down the steps visually and follow along.  The steps will use forward chaining to open the carton.

1. Put a hand on each side of the milk carton.
2. Hold the milk carton with your hands.
3. Use thumbs to push tabs back.
4. Use fingers to push tabs forward.
5. Grasp middle of tab with pointer and thumb.
6. Pull middle of tab forward.

Cook, Ruth E., Klein, Diane & Tessier, Annette. (2008).  Adapting Early Childhood Curricula for Children with Special Needs.