Assistive Technology Lab

Welcome to our Assistive Technology Lab

Assistive Technology Scavenger Hunt. Picture of a group of students who participated in the event all holding a variety of AT devices. 

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AT Scavenger hunt Question Sheet and QR Code.

Welcome to the Assistive Technology (AT) Scavenger Hunt!

 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) defines AT as

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 capabilities of individuals with disabilities

Step 1: Please explore the lab, and find items that will serve the following students’ needs.

  • ˜ When a student is sensitive to the flickering fluorescent light, what is a quick solution?
  • ˜ If you have a student with limited motor skills to use a pair of scissors, how to include the student in the activity that requires paper cutting?
  • ˜ When a student needs a portable text-to-speech reader to listen to some sentences when reading a book, what can be provided to support the student?
  • ˜ If it is difficult for a student to turn on and off a toy, what can you use to adapt a battery-operated toy so the student can use a switch?
  • ˜ When working with a student with limited functional speech, what can you use to support the student’s communication and learning?
  • ˜ If a student is overwhelmed by the text, how to help the student focus on one line at a time?
  • ˜ How to provide the visual support a student needs to understand how much time is left for the task?
  • ˜ If a student keeps getting up from the seat, what may be used to support the student?

Step 2: Scan the QR code to reveal the suggested items. You may take a hard copy if you prefer.

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Assistive Technology Lab Equipment
Click on images for larger versions.

Assistive Technology
Magnetic Fraction Tiles Magnetic Fraction Tiles

Magnetic Fraction Tiles

  • Hands-on visual magnetic aids for learning fractions.
  • This is used to depict parts to whole, comparison, equivalent, and percentage.
  
Magnetic Teaching Clock

Magnetic Fraction Tiles

  • A magnetic write-on board analog clock
  
Multiplication Learning Tool Multiplication Learning Tool

Multiplication Learning Tool

  • Can be used to teach multiplication in a fun way
  
Magnetic Ring

Magnetic Ring

  • This multi-directional spin can be used to relieve stress and anxiety.
  • Can be used to improve children's attention.
  
MathLink Cubes

MathLink Cubes

  • Can be used to teach Math skills (one-to-one correspondence, counting to 100, skip counting, Comparison, Making 10, Nonstandardized measurements, Grouping, Addition, Subtraction, Graphing).
  • Can be used for the following:
    • Color identification
    • Shape identification
    • Patterning
    • Matching
    • Fine motor skills
    • Eye-hand coordination
    • Motor planning
  
Tacto Coding Game Tacto Coding Game

Tacto Coding Game

  • This hands-on visual coding game helps make coding fun and easy to learn through interactions with real-world elements.
  
Matching Letter

Matching Letter

  • Can be used to help kids practice the following skills:
    • Object and word recognition
    • Letter recognition and letter matching
    • Spelling
    • Sorting and grouping
    • Concentration and memory
    • Taking turns and sharing
  
Money Activity Set

Money Activity Set

  • Teach money skills and the value of currency.
  • Learn addition, subtraction, and how to make change.
  • Identification of coins and dollar notes.
  
Arithmetic Computing Frame

Arithmetic Computing Frame

  • Can be used to learn math.
  • Can be used for improving visual recognition.
  • Can be used to improve logical ability.
  • Can be used for hand-eye coordination exercises.
  
Braille Education Board

Braille Education Board

  • Aids the learning of braille with raised dots.
  
Time Board

Time Board

  • Aids the learning of time and fraction
  
Swivl

Swivl

  • Classroom video observation technology
  • With 360-degree subject tracking, multi-Channel audio recording, and free cloud video management, Swivl is the easiest and most complete video observation and collaboration solution.
  
Book Stand

Book Stand

  • Aids in holding books and other materials to free up hands
  • Assists with weak motor skills.
  
C-Pen Reader Pen

C-Pen Reader Pen

  • Portable, pocket-sized device that reads text out aloud with human-like digital voice along with other features.
  
Writing with Symbols - Widgit

Writing with Symbols - Widgit

  • Writing with symbols is combined with powerful formatting features to allow you to make books, flash cards, worksheets, and accessible documents with 19000+ Widgit Symbols. Create resources unique to your user from scratch or create resources from over 150 ready-made templates.
  
Reading colored overlays

Reading Colored Overlays

  • Overlays make reading textbooks, novels, and magazines easier.
  
Reading/Direct focus Tools Reading/Direct focus Tools

Reading/Direct focus Tools

  • Variety of tools to direct the users focus to specific content.
  
Identifying Activity

Identifying Activity

  • In this specific activity the focus is recognizing letters. The activity has them use a dauber to dab the letter, write the letter, cut, and paste words beginning with that letter, and using construction paper to build and paste the letter turning it into something else as well.
  
Wide Double Line Notebook paper

Wide Double Line Notebook Paper

  • Ideal for producing legible writing
  
Modeling dough and clay

Modeling Dough and Clay

  • Highly sensory medium.
  • Can be used for a variety of purposes, fine motor, social skills, manipulatives
  
Handwriting Tools Handwriting Tools Handwriting Tools Handwriting Tools

Handwriting Tools

  • Magnet writing board
  • Handwriting without tears chalkboard
  • Learning without tears activities
  
Magnetic Fraction Tiles

Magnetic Fraction Tiles

  • Math tool
  • Fraction bars make learning equivalent fractions easy. Color-coded for easy identification and break into perfect fractions so users can see and feel the parts that make the fractions.
  
Plickers Task Cards

Plickers Task Cards

  • Plickers is a free, interactive tech tool that uses printable "paper clickers" instead of clicker devices. Each student is assigned a unique Plickers card that has a black and white image like a QR code. The letters A, B, C, and D are written in small print around the edge of the image, with one letter on each side of the card. During the lesson, the teacher displays a multiple-choice or true-false question. Then students hold up their Plickers cards and rotate them to indicate which answer they think is correct. The teacher scans all the response cards at once, using the Plickers app installed on a mobile device. He or she can instantly see the student responses and assessment data for that question including who has the correct answer and who does not.
  
I can do it - Token board

"I can do it!" Token Board

  • Choose a behavior or task you'd like to encourage in the child. Explain they earn a star each time they complete a task. Decide on a reward they will receive when they receive 5 stars.
  • Use for a short term or long-term goals
  • Portable reward system
  
E-Tran Board

E-Tran Board

  • An E-tran board is a special communication system which enables people to select letters with their eyes. (E-tran stands for "Eye Transfer".)
  • A low-tech way of communicating via eye-gaze-an important option for folks with limited verbal speech and motor control. The board contains letters and numbers organized into separate boxes.
  

  

Assistive Technology Lab Equipment
Click on images for larger versions.

Assistive Technology
Crazy Cube Fidget Toy Crazy Cube Fidget Toy

Crazy Cube Fidget Toy

  
Fidget Toy

Fidget Toy

  
Variety of Fidget Toys Variety of Fidget Toys

Variety of Fidget Toys

  • Aids for relieving stress and anxiety, and improving attention and engagement.
  
Handicap Barbie Doll

Wheelchair User Barbie Doll

  • Because representation matters
  
Visual timer

Visual Timer

  • Used to count down time.
  • Visual timers make the abstract idea of time more concrete by allowing users to "see" time pass.
  
Books by Children

Books by Children

  • Representation Matters
  • Books about exceptional children
  
Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise Cancelling Headphones

  • Noise canceling headphones are very useful for people living with auditory processing disorder in such noisy situations. These kinds of headphones can reduce the total decibel rate of environmental noise while still enabling your child to hear when someone talks to them.
  
Visual Aids

Visual Aids

  • Shown is a daily schedule to aid the user to "seeing" their day helps ease transitions and lays out expectations for the day.
  
I can do it - Token board

"I can do it!" Token Board

  • Choose a behavior or task you'd like to encourage in the child. Explain they earn a star each time they complete a task. Decide on a reward they will receive when they receive 5 stars.
  • Use for a short term or long-term goals
  • Portable reward system
  
Modeling dough and clay

Modeling Dough and Clay

  • Highly sensory medium.
  • Can be used for a variety of purposes, fine motor, social skills, manipulatives
  
Weighted blankets and animals Weighted blankets and animals

Weighted Blankets and Animals

  • Weighted animals and blankets promote calmness and concentration
  
Variety of chairs Variety of chairs Variety of chairs Variety of chairs

Variety of Chairs

  • Flex-Space comfy floor seat
  • Wiggle stool
  • Wobble cushion
  • Rocking chair
  • Spin Chair
  • A primary benefit of alternative seating options is the improvement to learning and attention that can occur.
  • Alternative Seating can benefit students who have an excessive need for movement or other body sensation. The goal of an Alternative Seating option is to give students the opportunity to generate more sensation.

  

Assistive Technology Lab Equipment
Click on images for larger versions.

Assistive Technology
Super Spoon

Super Spoon 

  • The Less Mess Supper spoon is a spoon that helps kids learn to feed themselves and make less mess during feeding.
  
AbleNet Bigtrack 2 - Computer Mouse

AbleNet Bigtrack 2 - Computer Mouse 

  • Wide base provides stability while using
  • Connect switches for left or right clicks
  • Compatible with most macOS, Windows and Chrome Computers
  
AbleNet BigKeys LX Color - Computer Keyboard

AbleNet BigKeys LX Color - Computer Keyboard

  • Large 1-in keys are easier to see and activate for users with fine motor impairments
  • Durable construction
  
Anker - Ergonomic Computer Mouse

Anker - Ergonomic Computer Mouse

  • Scientific ergonomic design encourages healthy neutral handshake wrist and arm positions for smoother movement.
  
Qtronix - Computer Mouse

Qtronix - Computer Mouse

  • Durable construction
  • Large ball for easy movement
  • Large right and left buttons for clicking
  
Big Button Telephone

Big Button Telephone

  • Receiver volume control
  • Speakerphone possibility
  • Large buttons with larger print for easier viewing
  
Mounting Arm

Mounting Arm

  • Adjustable joints
  • Attachments for table, wheelchair, or bed frame
  • Lightweight carbon fiber design
  
PowerLink 4

PowerLink 4

  • Control 2 separate A/C electrical appliances with a switch
  • Compatible with wired or AbleNet wireless switches
  • Direct, latch, and timed minutes and seconds modes
  
Switches Switches Switches Switches  Switches

Switches

  • Adaptive switches allow the physically challenged and special needs user to activate the devices in their environment.
  • Hand, finger, and body switches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battery Interrupter 

  • Adapt toys or devices that are battery operated.
  • Insert the battery interrupter between batteries and connect it to a switch.
  • The switch can now be used to operate the toys and devices.

 

 

  
GlareShade - Calming fluorescent light filter

GlareShade - Calming Fluorescent Light Filter

  • Diffuses harsh florescent lights and shields their pulsing vibrations to create a more natural lighting environment.
  
Variety of hand helpers and grip tools

Variety of Hand Helpers and Grip Tools

  • These devices can enable daily living tasks to become easier.
  • Devices such as grip tools, kitchen tools, holders, nail care tools, and reaching tools can greatly improve the quality of life and independence.
  
Pickup Grabber Tool

Pickup Grabber Tool

  • Devices such as grip tools, kitchen tools, holders, nail care tools, and reaching tools can greatly improve the quality of life and independence.
  
Pencil and writing grips

Pencil and Writing Grips

  • Variety of pencil grips and writing tools to aid in fine motor development.
  • Aids in independence
  
Weighted blankets and animals

Weighted Blankets and Animals

  • Weighted animals and blankets promote calmness and concentration
  
Variety of chairs

Variety of Chairs

  • Flex-Space comfy floor seat
  • Wiggle stool
  • Wobble cushion
  • Rocking chair
  • Spin Chair
  • A primary benefit of alternative seating options is the improvement to learning and attention that can occur.
  • Alternative Seating can benefit students who have an excessive need for movement or other body sensation. The goal of an Alternative Seating option is to give students the opportunity to generate more sensation.
  
Variety of tables and desks at different heights and shapes

Variety of Tables and Desks at Different Heights and Shapes

  • Tables are diverse: they differ by shapes, height, functionality, being made of various materials, designed for dissimilar purposes. Studying at the best writing desk is preferable, as it's comfortable, stable, functional, and well-organized. Different preferences based on the user.

  

Assistive Technology Lab Equipment
Click on images for larger versions.

Assistive Technology
Tankee

Tankee

  • Portable white board with stand
  
TactileTalk Toolkit and Guidebook

TactileTalk Toolkit and Guidebook

  • The use of tactile or tangible symbols is one of the many ways that students with significant visual and multiple impairments can communicate. These students often begin using objects and then progress to tangible symbols. These symbols typically consist of pieces or textures of objects that are associated to a referent. Tactile/tangible symbols can represent people, objects, places, activities, or concepts
  
Toobaloo

Toobaloo

  • Ease reading, speech, comprehension, and pronunciation challenges with the Toobaloo.
  
Go Talk - Ablenet Communication solutions

Go Talk - Ablenet Communication Solutions

  • Compact, lightweight, and durable communication device. Choose augmentative and alternative communication app to ensure the user has the appropriate communication system for their unique needs.
  • Messages stay consistent across all recording levels
  • Additional space to change recordings
  
Communication Charts

Communication Charts

  • Variety of communication charts to fit the users needs.
  • Aids in independent thinking and choice making.
  
E-Tran Board

E-Tran Board

  • An E-tran board is a special communication system which enables people to select letters with their eyes. (E-tran stands for "Eye Transfer".)
  • A low-tech way of communicating via eye-gaze-an important option for folks with limited verbal speech and motor control. The board contains letters and numbers organized into separate boxes.
  
Ring talkers

Ring Talkers

  • Illustrated cards to help users learn a variety of subjects. Such as WH Questions, Emotions.
  • Pocketsize, portable, activity
  
First/Then Card

First/Then Card

  • Use as a visual support for transitions.
  • Use to show a reward or activity that may motivate a student to engage in a less preferred activity.
  • Use with students who ask for reinforcers or preferred activities often.
  • Show the student the first/then card, point to the two symbols, and say "First (Activity 1), then (Activity 2)". If the student resists or gets off task, show them the card again and repeat this phrase.
  • When the first activity is done, show the student the first/then card again and say "(Activity 1) finished!" while pointing at the first visual on the card. Then point to the second activity and say "Now, (Activity 2)."
  • Begin Activity 2 immediately.
  
Qball

Qball

  • Qball is a throwable microphone ball that increases student engagement and ensures EVERY voice is heard. They designed these products to be set up and used by YOU and the teacher. The company mission to empower teachers to revolutionize and manage the classroom by incorporating smart classroom products.

  

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Please schedule your visit to the lab with Dr. Wenjing Zheng at wenjing.zheng@minotstateu.edu 

Individual or class tours are welcome.