Assistive Technology Services

Assistive Technology Centre SSRCE

The Assistive Technology (AT) Centre, located at Hebbville Academy, provides services and support for SSRCE students with diverse learning needs and their education teams. In the education system, AT is any device and/or service that maintains or enhances functional capabilities of students. Assistive Technology provides access to the curriculum and inclusive learning and leisure opportunities.

Universal Design for Learning

UDL is also a critical piece to our service delivery model. We embrace access for all students and provide services and supports to teachers in terms of implementing UDL; providing training on developing and delivering accessible education materials (AEM), design of and accessing the curriculum; offering students multiple means of engagement and demonstrating knowledge including use and application of appropriate Assistive Technology; and considering Social Emotional Learning and Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy in the UDL framework.

Categories of Assistive Technology

There are numerous items that can be considered Assistive Technology. A useful way of categorizing these items is according to the features of the item may be helpful. Common categories (with some examples) include the following:

• Daily Living (including home/school/work): book stands, grab bars, custom desks, adapted washrooms

• Communication (including AAC): communication displays, speech-generating devices including iPads with Proloquo2go or other AAC apps

• Computer/ Tablet Access: specialized keyboards, touch screens, Chromebook, iPads

• Visual Related Supports: electronic magnifiers, screen readers, screen magnification, braille-writing devices

• Hearing Related Supports: hearing aids, visual and tactile alerting systems, FM systems

• Recreation and Leisure: adaptive sporting equipment, such as lighted or beeping ball

• Support, Seating and Positioning: custom inserts, cushions

• Mobility: wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetics, orthotics

• Environmental Interaction: switch-operated appliances, door openers

• Service/ Therapy Animals: animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities

• Sensory Integration: weighted vest, gel cushion

• Academics: Specialized software/Apps including but not limited to graphic organizers, word prediction software, C-pen, text-to-speech, timers, electronic books, pencil grips, Read and Write for Google, OrbitNote, Equatio, etc

  • This includes educational/vocational/cognitive, organization/study skills, reading, writing including motor aspects of writing, math

Assistive Technology Services

“Assistive technology services mean any service that directly assists an individual in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.” The term includes:

• The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary learning environment;

• Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;

• Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;

• Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs

• Training or technical assistance for a learner with a disability and the learner's family

• Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that learner.”

Assistive Technology Support Workers

We are excited to introduce our new Assistive Technology Support Workers who provide follow up support with in-class implementation of Tier 1 Technology including R&W4G, Orbitnote, Chromebook Basics etc. In addition our ATSWs are able to provide AT implementation support in classrooms and various school settings with more involved Assistive Technology including but not limited to Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices, switch access, iPad use and application and much more.

ATSW contact and details

Process for Accessing Assistive Technology Services SSRCE

Referrals to the Assistive Technology Centre may be initiated by Teaching Support Teams, classroom teachers or parents, but must first go through the Teaching Support Team at the school level. Training is always recommended and available for teachers, resource teachers and teacher assistants; primary users of Assistive Technology; administrators; and parents and guardians including staff at APSEA and Early Intervention Programs in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.

Infographic of Process for Accessing ATServices SSRCE.

Accessible format of Process for Accessing AT Services SSRCE.

Please contact:

Barbara Welsford, Assistive Technology Specialist

Email: bwelsford@ssrce.ca

Anita Kingdon, Assistive Technology Facilitator

Email: akingdon@ssrce.ca

Dawn Curry, Assistive Technology Support Worker

Email: dcurry@gnspes.ca

Karalee Crawford, Assistive Technology Support Worker

Email: crawfork@gnspes.ca