Computer Based Assistive Technology Devices Workshops for Teacher/Student Pairs
Principal Investigator: Joseph Misquez
Assistive technology (AT) devices are "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capacity of individuals with disabilities" (20 U.S.C. 1401[25]). This project will focus on training a teacher/student pair on three selected computer based AT devices such as the Kurzweil 3000 computer software package, the Magic Wand computer input device and Kensington programmable track balls. Appropriately applied AT may be one of the greatest equalizing forces in the education and meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities both in terms of promoting access to the general curriculum and in facilitating the ability of students to demonstrate mastery of that knowledge (Bryant, Erin, Lock, Allan & Resta, 1998; Michaels, 2000; Michaels, Prezant, Morabito, & Jackson, 2002).
Participant pairs of teachers and students will attend a full day workshop to train them in the appropriate use of a given Computer AT targeted specifically at the student's disability. RASEM-Squared Mentors with expertise in the AT will provide expert advice, and assistive technologists will be available for mentoring during the workshops.
Dona Ana Branch Community College Services for Students with Disabilities and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for New Mexico will provide presenters and accommodation expertise for the workshop.
“This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Cooperative agreement No. HRD 0124198 and HRD 0622930.”
“Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.”
Site Last Updated: January 15, 2008