AT Quarterly
AT Supports for Homebound Students
AT for communication
Try Partner Assisted Scanning!
What is Partner Assisted Scanning?
Partner assisted scanning (PAS) is a technique commonly used with nonverbal students that involves providing the individual with visual and/or verbal choices/messages in a sequential order. The individual indicates a choice by the agreed upon means (facial expression, switch activation, etc.) to communicate thoughts/selections.
Access to Education
Not every student can access material the same way. There are a variety of access options available for students. To engage with PAS, the student needs a way to respond ‘yes.’ This can be done with a voice output device (Big Mac, Step By Step, etc). Consider using an additional switch (spec switch, jellybean, microswitch or big red) and mount (if needed) to assist with accessing the voice output device more efficiently. The access method to communicate a ‘yes’ response may vary between tasks and times of day. The student pictured below is a great example of using more than one way to communicate ‘yes’ (by touching a switch (jellybean switches secured to a mount) or by using eye gaze to pictures cues on his tabletop).
Beware of Glare
Room lighting
Some individuals may need increased lighting, while others may find that the lighting produces too much glare. If the individual is sensitive to glare: adjust the light coming from windows by adjusting blinds or curtains, suggest a rheostat control (dimmer switch) on light switches, adjust mirrors so lights don't reflect off them, and avoid using high gloss finishes on furniture and especially on stairs. Night lights may be helpful to place in the bedroom, hallway and in bathrooms. Task lighting may be a good choice for close-up work. Ott Lights and Sunlight lamps provide good contrast.
Contrast
If the student has usable vision, it will most likely be important to ensure good contrasts throughout the home. Place a dark object against light background, and a light object against dark background.
Education
Teachers coming into the home for academic instruction can follow the above items. Always check the lighting before a lesson to make sure it is appropriate for your materials. When in doubt - check with the student’s Teacher of the Visually Impaired.
Adopted from: www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Beware of glare on communication boards
Adjust angle and lighting for electronic screens
Add contrast behind materials
AT Equipment Spotlight
Your Assistive Technology Team
The CMS Assistive Technology Team assists IEP Teams by:
Providing informal consultative services to address assistive technology needs of students.
Supporting students using assistive technology and augmentative communication for curriculum access.
Providing training on the use of assistive technology and augmentative communication within the educational setting.
Providing formal assistive technology evaluations to address educational needs of students.
Team Members
Cindy Monroe, AT SLP, Coordinator
Diane Drakulic, SLP
Joanna Zanni, SLP
Susan Strejc, OT
Lindsay Boyce, OT
Patricia Bishop, Teacher EC Visually Impaired
Patriciaw.bishop@cms.k12.nc.us
John Wenrich, Teacher EC Visually Impaired
Robert Huff, AT Technician, MMIS Coordinator
Robertt.huff@cms.k12.nc.usCMS Assistive Technology Team
Email: cynthia.monroe@cms.k12.nc.us
Website: http://my.cms.k12.nc.us/departments/exceptionalchildren/Pages/AssistiveTechnology.aspx
Location: Smith Family Center
Phone: 980-343-2097