Vol. 7, No. 3 Summer 1999	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Assistive Technology for Students of All Ages

Nancy Chipman Ranalli, P.T., Assistant Coordinator, Assistive Technology Resource Centers

Teachers face many unique challenges at the outset of a new school year, particularly when working with students who have special needs. Whether children have limitations in mobility, communication, or cognition, an educator's primary goal is to help these students attain as much independence as possible. It is imperative that the teams of families, teachers, and therapists involved with these students understand the importance of assistive technology in helping these children walk, talk, learn, and play.

Mobility

Numerous devices are available for a child with mobility impairments. Manufacturers, including Rifton, Columbia, and Snug Seat, offer various positioning aids, bath seats, and car seats allowing children to maintain appropriate positions while safely participating in home and school activities. Additional devices that can provide trunk support while allowing independent lower extremity movement range from canes and crutches to adapted walkers, such as the Pony, Gait Trainer, or Posture Walker. Finally, manual and power wheelchairs provide another option for independent movement. Children as young as two or three have demonstrated the ability to understand the cause and effect relationship necessary to drive a power wheelchair. Giving a child (of any age) the ability to move independently in his/her environment not only increases self esteem but also facilitates independent mobility in other positions (i.e. creeping and walking).

Communication

There are many options for a child who is non-speaking. Voice output devices may be used to augment a child's skills until they are able to communicate via speech or serve as an alternative for a child who may not attain the speech skills necessary to communicate. These devices range from the Big Mac, a single switch with one message that can be changed by a caregiver, to the Macaw, which has several levels of recorded speech, to the more sophisticated DynaVox, which has digitized speech and dynamic screens linking many levels. Providing some means of communication for a child with communication limitations has been shown to help decrease maladaptive behaviors caused by an inability to communicate wants and needs.

Computer Access

As computers become increasingly prevalent in our society, the child with special needs should not be left out! Touch windows allow anyone with difficulty manipulating a mouse to access the computer and the software by touching the screen, and they can be added to most computers. A trackball, mini-keyboard, "hands free" mouse, or an infrared "head mouse" are all other alternatives to the standard keyboard and mouse. In addition, software is available for introducing young children to the computer. A wide range of educational software for reading and math can aid older students with learning disabilities.

Playtime

Children with special needs will also benefit from the use of assistive technology in the context of play. Many toys have been adapted to allow the use of switches. Using a switch allows a child to actually interact with the toy and determine when the toy is on or off, rather than relying on a parent or other caregiver to activate the toy. Switches come in all shapes, sizes, and arrangements, and any available body part can be used to access a switch. Whether it be for a finger, an elbow, a foot or a tongue, a compatible switch configuration is likely to be available. Early introduction and use of switches can facilitate the successful use of communication devices and power mobility in the future.

Trying Out AT Devices

The Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) provide instruction and loan of a variety of assistive technology devices for parents, teachers, therapists, or anyone else working with a child with special needs. The team may borrow equipment and try it with the child before making recommendations for purchase.

While society views the continual advances in technology as a means to "make our lives easier," we must remember that, for children with special needs, technology is necessary for making participation in school and home activities possible. For more information about assistive technology that may assist a student you know, please contact your local ATRC.