2. Cognitive Assistance
Cognitive disabilities are usually considered "mild" disabilities
and include learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, and
emotional disorders. People with moderate to severe cognitive
disabilities typically use assistive technology in order to help
the individual in their daily living skills.
• A person with a cognitive disability is said to have greater
difficulty in one or more mental tasks than a "normal" or
"average" person.
• Individuals that exhibit significant delays in measured
intelligence, adaptive functioning, and academic functioning.
• A cognitive disability is any disability that affects mental
processes (CANect.org, 2010).
3. Cognitive Assistive Technologies
Switch Software can be used to teach simple skills
from any part of the curriculum by using simple
commands on the screen and a large button that acts as a
selector, mouse, or keyboard key (such as a space bar).
In this Unit, the student will be learning about simple
life skills, such as tying their shoes.
Switch software is a type of software
program that is operated by only a few
defined keystrokes and/or a mouse click.
Usually, a switch is connected to the
computer that will emulate these keystrokes
or clicks. The most common type of switch is
a very large button that can take quite a bit of
abuse. There are many types of switches on
the market appropriate for various forms of
disabilities.
http://www.judylynn.com/
4. Cognitive Assistive Technologies
Kidpiration or Inspiration Software can be used in
this Unit for organizing thoughts about Life Skills
learned, or plotting steps in a process that they learned
about to make them more visual. They can also collect
pictures or make lists to organize what they have
learned.
Kidspiration and Inspiration is a
concept mapping/outlining software
which allows students to map out their
ideas and thoughts. This can be a
beneficial program for students with
spatial reasoning disabilities, or can help
struggling writers. Inspiration can switch
between a diagram view or outline view,
insert pictures, and can even transfer
work into a word processing program.
http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspirati
5. Physical Assistive Technologies
A Zoom Text Screen Reader can be used for a child
who has vision problems. This software can be installed
on any computer that they will be using for their studies.
In this Unit, several computer integration activities are
used, and this software will allow the child to use any of
these integrations, but with the content at a size where
they can see it.
Zoom Text Screen Reader makes seeing
and hearing everything on your computer
screen clearer than ever. The new xFont
magnification displays high-definition text that
you'll recognize effortlessly. With our new
NeoSpeech synthesizers, your applications and
documents are read aloud by friendly, human-
sounding voices - right through your
computer's speakers (AI, 2006). This ability to
increase the size of on screen text exponentially
is a great advancement for those with limited
and low vision.
http://www.aisquared.com/
6. Physical Assistive Technologies
A Magic Touch screen can be used for children that do
not have the physical ability to use a mouse. This tool
allows them to use their finger as a mouse to navigate
through activities, such as those in the Life Skills Unit.
Magic Touch is a touch screen designed
for convenience and accessibility. Just
mount it onto your existing monitor!
Durable and easy to clean, it functions
with both Macs and PCs.
http://store.mayer-johnson.com/us/magic-touch.html
7. Sensory Assistive Technologies
Sound blocking earphones can be used for a child with sensory
conditions during our computer activities by allowing the sound to be a
the level that is conducive to their needs. The sounds of other children
will be cancelled out so they can focus on their own tasks. They can also
wear the phones if they are uncomfortable in a loud environment, such
as a visit to the Fire Station during our Fire Safety section of the Unit.
A person with autism or other sensory
conditions might be extremely sensitive
to sounds that other people would not
hear. Using sound blocking ear
phones can make it possible for them to
function in a situation that would
otherwise be too loud for them.
http://www.quietheadphones.com/product/ex-29/
8. Sensory Assistive Technologies
A Braille keyboard can be used with any computer.
During our Unit, the computer will be used for many
activities. If the child has learned Braille, then they can use
this keyboard when using a computer. Certain computer
activities will need to be adapted, if they require sight, and the
keyboard cannot be used.
Braille Keyboard: A student that is
blind can benefit from a keyboard that
has Braille letters and numbers. Braille is
the system of raised dots that are used to
symbolize letters and numbers for a
person that is blind or is unable to see
letter, numbers and words.
http://www.quietheadphones.com/product/ex-29/
9. At-Risk Assistive Technologies
Herotopia can be used in a Life Skills Unit when
teaching about respect, self-esteem, or bullying. At-risk
youth can greatly benefit by using virtual worlds because
it helps them to escape from their daily struggles and
learn in a world that is non-judgmental and allows them
to think without outside pressures.
Herotopia: Arming kids with the best tools to
combat the scourge of bullying — integrity,
self-empowerment, compassion and respect
for self and for others — is the core mission
carried out by an exciting and free new online
game designed by the New York-based
husband and wife team Wade and Caryn
Teman. Herotopia provides a safe and fun
virtual world for kids to travel and explore
while they learn the personal skills necessary
to becoming their own super hero.
http://www.herotopia.com/
10. At-Risk Assistive Technologies
Kidpix can be used in a Life Skills Unit in many
different ways, such as re-creating an activity or field trip
by drawing a picture or telling a story about their
experience.
Kidpix: Kidpix is a great tool for use with at-
risk children. With Kidpix, the imaginary
opportunities are boundless. Often with
children at-risk, finding an avenue for them to
share their emotions and thoughts can be very
beneficial. Art and creativity can do this. With
this software, they can create pictures, worlds,
and write stories using their imagination.
www.mackiev.com/kid_pix.html
11. Helping At-Risk Youth
Gifford (1991) lists seven attributes that make video games both fun and effective learning tools:
• FREE PLAY (CREATIVITY): Electronic games are not tied to the limitations of space, time, or
gravity in the way that mechanical toys are. Freed from these constraints, kids can exercise their
fantasies without regard to real-world boundaries.
• MICROWORLDS: Computers allow us to move with ease between electronic "microworlds" from
one graphical environment to another. The exhilaration of multimedia world-hopping contrasts
sharply with the static feeling of conventional classrooms.
• INSTANT REPLAY ENCOURAGES RISK TAKING: Computers can provide an instant replay of
students' performances, allowing them to study, edit, or try again in a safe environment for risk-
taking.
• MASTERY: Even when kids are struggling to learn a complex computer game, they usually feel
they are in control. When the worst happens, they can always shut the machine off. The feeling of
control is encouraged by the ease with which players can repeat an activity until it has been
mastered.
• INTERACTION: Kids tend to experience computers as partners in learning. They relish this
nonhierarchical relationship in which the roles of teacher and student are blurred or altered.
• CLEAR GOALS: Children in the classroom cannot always see the point of learning math, science,
or social studies. When they play electronic games, they are usually working toward a clear
objective--making a rescue, unlocking a door, unearthing hidden treasure. Compelling goals give
game players high levels of motivation.
• INTENSE ABSORPTION: Short attention spans and poor impulse control frequently disappear
with effective computer interventions, supporting the notion changing the environment, not the
child, can support individual success.
12. Gifted and Talented Technologies
Virtual Museums can be used to give children, specifically
in a Gifted and Talented program, a more in depth
opportunity to learn about a topic of study, such as learning
more about scientific agriculture when learning about healthy
foods in a Life Skills Nutrition Unit. The Museum of Science
and Industry in Chicago has an online lesson about how baby
chicks are born!
Virtual Museums: Gifted and talented
students can be educationally enriched
through a virtual learning environment.
Virtual learning environments can be used as a
way to integrate the curriculum with
information technology. An alternative to
real-life field trips is online virtual visits that
can be taken via computer. Clearly, nothing
replaces the actual experience of a museum
tour, yet experiencing a high-quality online
museum yields its own rewards.
http://www.msichicago.org/
13. Gifted and Talented Technologies
Secret builders helps prepare students for decision
making and guiding themselves through educational and
life skills activities. In this activity, children can spend
money, make important decisions, and communicate
with others while traveling through their virtual society.
Secret Builders: Secret Builders is a quirky
virtual world, with an emphasis on culture and
learning. Imagine conversing with William
Shakespeare or Sherlock Holmes as you build
your virtual home. There are games to play
and mysterious quests to undertake. It's
certainly unique in the realm of kids' virtual
worlds so far. Secret Builders is currently free
to play.
http://www.secretbuilders.com/home.html
14. iPod Applications
First Then Visual Schedule- Cognitive Assistance
This application can be used to help a student maintain a
schedule. Although Kindergarteners may not use this
personally, it can be used by a special-needs aide or the
teacher that works with the child.
Visual Countdown App- Cognitive Assistance
This application can help a student or teacher when there
is a situation or assignment that requires a finishing time.
This can be used for a Kindergartener for maintaining
focus on a worksheet or for a student that has earned
some free time.
Talking Soundboard- Physical Assistance
This application helps a student that cannot talk or has
minimal communication ability due to a mental or
physical condition. The app can be used by
Kindergarteners for communication with teachers, aides,
or other students.
15. iPod Applications
Yes/No Answer Application- Physical Assistance
This application can be used by Kindergarteners or any
age for answering simple questions if they cannot speak or
have limited communication abilities due to a mental or
physical injury or condition.
Look in My Eyes- Sensory
This application can be used by a child that has a sensory
condition, such as autism. The application teaches simple
lessons in various subjects, such as food, safety, and
citizenship. The application uses a child talking directly at
the student using eye contact. It helps teach how to
maintain eye contact while the student learns at the same
time.
Sign4Me- Sensory
This application helps a student that is deaf or mute
communicate by using the sign language tools. This
could be good for a student that has not learned how to
sign or for teachers or aides that have a deaf student.
16. iPod Applications
iReward- At-Risk
This application can be used by a student, aide, or teacher
to keep track of rewards earned by good behavior. This
application uses child-friendly icons and is easy to learn
for both child and adult.
NickJr Application- At-Risk
This application can be used for a child as a reward
activity, since the application offers games and activities
that are fun but still educational. There is a large variety
of games that could easily be adapted into a Life Skills
topic.
BrainPOP Jr.- Gifted and Talented
This application can be used for students that need to
enrich their learning with more challenging activities.
BrainPOP has activities for all subjects and various
educational levels.
17. iPod Applications
Farmville- Gifted and Talented
This application can be used for the Gifted and Talented
student to manage their own farm and communicate and
organize the necessary duties with others.
Rubix Cube- Fun Application
This fun application can be used as a reward or free time
activity that encourages mathematical and deep thinking
skills.
Wheels on the Bus- Fun Application
This application can be used either as a reward for good
behavior or to help a child with sensory disabilities to
learn about music and rhythm.
18. Resources
Ai Squared Technology. (2006). Zoom Text. Retrieved February 18, 2006, from:
http://www.aisquared.com/index.cfm
Gifford, B. R. (1991, August 7). The learning society: Serious play. Chronicle of Higher
Education, p. 7.
http://www.judylynn.com/prog_desc.php?PROG_NUM=502
http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration
http://projectone.cannect.org/online-education/assistive-technologies.php
http://store.mayer-johnson.com/us/magic-touch.html
Assistive Technology & Autism | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_6027713_assistive-
technology-autism.html#ixzz15r6lacIt
http://www.quietheadphones.com/product/ex-29/
http://www.herotopia.com/
www.mackiev.com/kid_pix.html
http://www.msichicago.org/
http://www.secretbuilders.com/home.html
