Assistive Technology
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology or AT is legally defined as “any piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (20 U.S.C., Chapter 33 Section 1400(a)).
Assistive Technology Services
Assistive technology services mean “ any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device: (20 U.S. C., Chapter 33 Section 1401(1)).
Assistive Technology Services offers the following:
An Assistive Technology (AT) referral process for students with disabilities
Training for students, teachers, administrators, parents, and support services
Support to classrooms for integrating technology
Open labs so teachers, parents, and support staff can collaborate and make activities for school and home use.
Links & Resources
T/TAC Online - Assistive Technology, Alternate Assessment, etc.
TTAC Site for Assistive Technology Tutorials and ASOL Supports
Assistive Technology Terms - Glossary of Terminology
ASHA - American Speech-Language and Hearing Association Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
VCU Autism Center for Excellence - VCU-ACE is university-based technical assistance, professional development, and educational research center for Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)
Overview
Accessible instructional materials (AIM) are printed textbooks and educational materials that are converted to alternate formats, such as Braille, large print, electronic text, and audio recordings, which are requested by a local school division for use by students with disabilities in the classroom. These materials include core instructional materials: textbooks, trade books, reading interventions, test preparation materials, worksheets, etc. in accessible formats. Under IDEA, all states are required to adopt and use the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) when producing accessible instructional materials for students who are blind or who have other print disabilities.
AIM-VA
The Virginia Department of Education, through George Mason University, created the Accessible Instructional Materials Center of Virginia (AIM-VA) to produce and provide free AIM for eligible K-12 students with disabilities in Virginia. Students must have a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) that indicates the need for using accessible instructional materials for reading. A district-level representative confirms a student’s eligibility for using AIM-VA materials due to a print disability and orders student-specific materials where applicable.
Outside Resources
Content Area Resources
Reading
Children's Literature Web Guide - Internet resources related to books for children and young adults from the University of Calgary.
Kidpub.org - Thousands of stories written by children all around the world
NaturalReaders.com -Text to Speech
Tar Heel Reader | Books for beginning readers of all ages - Tar Heel Reader is a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics
Tumblebooks - A subscription-based, online digital library of books.
Tech Matrix - Text to Speech Software
Writing
DraftBuilder - a writing tool that integrates outlining, note-taking, and draft writing functions to break down the writing process into three steps. It then automates the process of creating the paper, where the student can drag and drop what is written in each note to the rough draft.
Fun With Letters - A unique collection of writing activities
Kidsport - Language Arts activities
Read Write and Think - A collection of interactive templates and resources
Scholastic Story Starters - Choose a fun Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, or Scrambler theme within this interactive writing process.
Virginia Department of Education English SOL Resources - Teachers provide opportunities for students at all grade levels to plan, compose, revise, edit and publish writing using computers with these lesson plans and resources.
Vocabulary Spelling City - Play games and assess your skills with your own spelling words
Writing Den - Interactive writing process and Tips-O-Matic guides and writing tips.
Math
APlusMath - Interactive math resources for teachers, parents, and students featuring free math worksheets, math games, math flashcards, and more.
FunBrain - Interactive ways to practice everyday math concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
MathHelpers - Printable graph paper and other resources
Math is Fun - Numbers, fractions, geometry, algebra, and more
Math-Play - Math games that are suitable for elementary and middle school students.
Mathwire - Various math activities
Meta-Calculator - Graphing Calculator
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives - A library of interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives.
NCTM Illuminations - lessons and interactive activities searchable by NCTM's Principles and Standards and by the SOLS.
TouchMath - Free TouchMath resources
Communication
do2Learn - Picture communication cards, games, songs, worksheets, and lots more
Learning Language with AAC - Resources for educators and families to use AAC tools and strategies to help students learn language
PraAActial AAC - AAC resources for supporting children and adults with significant communication challenges
SET-BCs Resources - Searchable collection of visuals available in both PDF and Boardmaker file formats. Click on Additional Resources.
Speaking of Speech - Access to thousands of printable resources and interactive activities
Speech Blub - Voice-controlled speech therapy app designed to help children learn new sounds and words and practice speaking
1500+ activities to trigger sound and word production
Voice-activated functionality for a fun, interactive learning experience.
24 fun sections such as shapes, colors, food, sounds, animals, sing along and more
Contact Information
Shanice Hall-Shivers
shallshivers@hampton.k12.va.us
Assistive Technology Specialist
+1 (757) 896-7627
Karen Forte
Intervention Support Assistant
+1 (757) 896-7624
Assistive Technology Lab and Resource Center
Patriot Operations Center
1589 Wingfield Dr., Hampton 23666
+1 (757) 896-8306 (fax)