Bits and Bites of Blog: Low Tech Assistive Technology Assignment

The Old Man and The Starfish

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Low Tech Assistive Technology Assignment

Low Tech Assistive Tech (off the shelf)

1. Jumbo universal remote with light

For those with visual or fine tune motor impairments.

2.Magnifier with light with desk attachment

For those with visual impairments

3. Magnifying sheets/ overlays

For those with visual impairments. This product can go on top of pages of text, etc.

5. Color coding labels

For organization, executive funtioning skills,easy recognition, visual learners, etc.

6. Magnetic desk organizer

For organization, can be easily attacted next to the student's desk.

7. Jumbo dice

For students with visual impairments of fine tune motor impairments.

8. 3D Glue

Assisting with keeping within the lines in a less obvious way than colored options

9. Coil key chain

Keeping important things close by for those with transportation issues.

Assists those who need a continuous reminder if a photo is attached.

10. Digital Voice Recorder (20 sec)

The power of communication for a fraction of the cost. Opens communication

with home

11. Silky smooth hair remover

Safe option to empower those who needed to rely on others for hair removal.

12. Large Print Illiminating Alarm Clock

Assists in building independence skills. Easily seen for those with visual impairments.

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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Communication is any act by which one person gives to or
receives from another person information about that person's needs, desires, perceptions, knowledge or affective states this may be intentional or unintentional, may involve conventional or unconventional signals, may take linguistic or nonlinguistic forms, and may occur through spoken or other modes.
Think of the power of a photograph, a personal item, a kiss, a look, etc. I am beginning to understand several modes of communication. First, in becoming a new mom and having to read the cues of an infant. Secondly, in quickly having to understand the message sent through particular body language with several of my students in the Learning Center.

Although all communicate in some way, the effectiveness and efficiency of this communication vary with a number of individual and environmental factors.
It is very important to consider the following when communicating:

• The goal of the communication interaction

• The focus of interaction

• The duration of interaction

• Content of interaction

• Predictability

• Rate of communication

• Scope of communication (wide,

limited etc.)

• Number of communication

partners

• Familiarity of partners

All of these factors are very important and will determine how the communication will occur if at all. For some of my students, familiarity of the partners is crucial. If the partner is unknown, a 'verbal' conversation will not occur. For others, the communication is to express a piece of information and for those students it is quite difficult to communicate unless there is a clear purpose.

Equally important are the communication partners. They are the recipients of the message(s). An effective communication partner attends to the content of the message, indicates interest in the message /information being conveyed and responds within appropriate time limits in the appropriate manner

I often have this conversation with my students as some need a reminder that conversations a two sided and that is important that a conversation should interest both parties if it is to be continued. A 'long winded' one sided conversation about a topic only one is interested in may lead to avoidance in the future.

The importance of a response is also something that many take for granted. Not all individual understand the importance of responding or showing interest in the individual speaking.

Use of communication devices and/or different communication techniques requires an experienced communication partner to reply or engage in the conversation appropriately. If the individual one is hoping to communicate with does not understand the mode, the conversation will not occur.

Bits and Bites of Blog