How can assistive technology help students who have autism, cognitive disabilities, or multiple disabilities achieve independence in home, work, and community settings?
These students often have difficulty with self-management and personal organization. Their lack of these skills has been successfully addressed through the use of visual supports such as picture schedules and activity sequences. When students know what is coming next they tend to have less acting out behaviors and reduce confusion. It can also reduce anxiety the student is feeling.
Sometimes these students will have these schedules attached to the top of their desk and they can cross each item off as it is accomplished. In my recent student teaching experience in a 1st grade classroom, the schedule for the day was displayed on the front board on colored construction paper hand made by the teacher for a student with autism. Each card had the subject or activity as well as a picture. The “specials” classes for example, gym, had a picture of the gym teacher so the student knew who and where they would be going. The schedule did not only benefit the student who needed it but the whole class as well. I think it is really important to have in the classroom and that is definitely something I will incorporate into my own room in the future. Each card was laminated and had a magnet on the back.
It would also be nice to have that on an iPad or computer device for the student to look at. They could also have his home routine on the device to keep them on track and cut down on the anxiety.
Boardmaker is a site in which you can make your own schedule picture cards to meet the needs of the students in your own classroom. It is a really neat site to check out! http://www.mayer-johnson.com/boardmaker-software
I think it is so important for students with disabilities to have that independence at home, work and in their community because their parents can not always be there to help them. By providing your readers with AT, like iPads and the boardmaker website you have made it easier for parents and teachers to provide the children in their life with the AT devices that they need to help them become more independent!
ReplyDeleteI like the detail of highlighting important information that is meant to stick out to your reader. Very "UDL" of you! Great job and I love the morning schedule visual. We have a bunch of students in my class that would benefit from that!
ReplyDeleteI think board maker is an great resource for teachers; however, they do not have software for macs. Anyways, board maker can provide wonderful visual schedules for students.
ReplyDeleteBoardmaker is a great resource for all students. Pictures are universal and can allow students to communicate in a non-traditional manner. Pictures are also helpful when working with younger students. I am a kindergarten teacher and most things I prompt students with especially if text is included also includes a picture.
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