Ti's Blog

AT Blog

This page is a collection of thoughts and ideas about the role of assistive technology in education today. Assistive technology should be an enhancement to a student's journey toward independence, but it should not be considered a replacement for teacher instruction nor as a crutch. Assistive technology when used properly should allow a student to access education when possible; on or near the same level as his/her fellow students. The idea is to bring about a student's ability to explore and achieve success in the academic environment therefore encouraging the student in their educational goals. This provides a built in reward independent of outside influences. If a student can feel successful; that they can be a learner; they often will continue and try even harder to do well. My goal is to help those students to climb the mountains they have before them. 

Talking to myself; an audience of one

I often wonder if anyone even looks at my site. I think that, for the most part, we are all too busy to stop and look at something like a site for answers. I have an incredible amount of information on this site, but it is moot if no one ever looks at it. If anyone happens to look here and is reading this, reach out to me via email: tmace@wsesdvt.org. 

Have a great Holiday. 12-06-2024

VT CAP and the new state testing

Out with the old and in with the new? That was the experience that Vermont State testing went for this year. Although there were many glitches, last minute changes and a huge learning curve, we made it through, but not without learning that Cognia could not provide the same accommodations as SBAC.  It is with hope that we look to next year and expect that they will be able to provide a better interface for the accommodations we expect our students to have. 

2023 

New year, here we come... 

As I look at new and future technology to assist those with challenges, I end up looking at a lot of "dream" technologies that are still in development but hold future promise. The technology that is available now, however, intrigues me more. Glasses that "translate speech into Closed captioning" in real-time and eye-tracking devices that allow for communication for the severely disabled. Xanderglasses translate live speech into closed captioning for those with hearing loss. Imagine a world where closed captions were everywhere. https://www.xander.tech/ Then there's Lunin-i eye gaze technology. Communication through eye tracking. https://thinksmartbox.com/product/lumin-i/ and Smartbox which includes a whole line of augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. https://thinksmartbox.com/ 

As corporate technology accelerates so too does the technology for accessibility. Wheelchairs that can climb stairs, an AI that can take a whisper or a stutter and turn it into understandable speech, text-to-speech that sounds like a natural voice,  a device that allows the visually impaired to walk freely and independently, advanced hearing aids that interact smoothly with technology, and allow for enhanced hearing. 

All of the advances in assistive technology are being improved upon rapidly. Scientists and inventors are working to make neural mapping and interaction with the brain to a device a reality. Science fiction becomes reality.  

I look forward to seeing the future accessibility gains. I hope you do too! 

2022 Solutions

Now that we are all back in school for in-person learning, we can use the tools that have recently come into our educational environment. We have recently installed Newline interactive displays and the applications are practically unlimited. They have a built-in whiteboard, built-in presentation and connection platform, and multiple ways in which they can be connected to an external computer or device, and they have a built-in browser and can have a built-in pc as well. I will post a training video as well as other videos on the site, under a new heading called interactive displays.  Interactive Displays Resources 

2021 Google Applications

Google has added a number of great tools to its platform. As I explored the various platforms: docs, drive, sheets, and slides, I realized that there were tools I wasn't even aware existed. For instance, Did you know there is a laser pointer option in sheets when you are presenting? I didn't. 

There are also accessibility options that work with third-party accessibility software. There is a Screen reader for JAWS, Voice over and chrome vox. The screen magnifier works with Mac and Chrome OS. 

There is an activity dashboard where you can see the viewers, viewer trends, sharing history, and privacy settings under the tools menu. 

To see everyday applications for Google go to Video Tutorials and select the "Google everyday applications" slides presentation. Each section has Screencastify links for demonstration purposes. 

I hope that the tools can be shared with students so that they too can make the most of the Google platform. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! 

Our New Normal

As students return to school in person there is a certain amount of anxiety, not only for the students but also for the staff. We seem to have forgotten some of the finer points of socializing. For some of the students, this is the first time they have been in school since march of 2020. On that note; they are relearning how to be in-person students and not be constantly connected via technology. It is a hard adjustment for some of them.  With everyone wearing masks the school environment is a lot like the cyber environment in which reading social cues can be misleading.  

There are a few apps that are allowing educators to use them for free to help students relax and refocus. 

The first app is called appropriately enough: Calm (iOS, Android, Web)  https://www.calm.com/schools

The second app is called: Breathe2relax (iOS, Android) 

And for students that need help with focus: 

The third app is called: Noisli  https://www.noisli.com/

For other apps and ideas check out the applications matrix! 

Obviously, there are other ways to reconnect and learn to relax and be together again. Play games, share pictures, have conversations. Hopefully the new normal will feel more comfortable soon! 

Remote Learning anyone? 

I like many of you spent the Spring getting my feet wet in a remote environment. Trying to support students in a remote environment can be a challenge. Now more than ever we need technologies that are accessible and user friendly. 

Some internet providers are creating hot spots and allowing low income families to get internet access for free or at a reduced cost. 

As schools continue to expand their classes into the remote environment they are relying on technologies that may or may not be "accessible." We as educators need to strive to inform and work with the various companies providing services to the schools to be aware of  this accessibility issue. 

On that note, please be aware that we have a subscription to read and write for google. Zoom has the ability to have captioning using a third party transcription service. Enabling it in the settings is easy to do.  

All in all I feel as though companies are doing their best to support students in remote learning situations. We can only hope that it continues. 

Welcome back to School!

New Beginnings from Endings

Posted June 01, 2018

As the school year ends I realize that there are still so  many things to do. Technology keeps right on  evolving to meet ever more varied needs. So many things that weren't possible even a year ago are now realities. Don't get me wrong.. even I am hesitant to jump into a self driving car. Could be a control issue for me or the fact that I am not confident in the flaws being worked out yet. I am excited at some of the assistive technologies that I see coming out every day. It is almost impossible to keep up; from 3D  printed prosthesis's to translators for second language speakers, the sky's the limit! I end this year with hope for the next and with a lot of learning yet to come. 

Happy June! 

Keeping up, Cleaning out and Moving Forward

Posted March 05, 2018, 2:54 PM by Tammy Mace

Today marks the beginning of a new website for me. I decided after much fumbling to just use the new  Google sites and adapt my old tables to new uses. In doing so I realized that some of what I had on the site was outdated and really didn't need to migrate to the new site. 

Still I will miss some of the tools that the old sites offered. They were complicated to figure out the first time, but I never really had a problem. I loved the built in wizard and how easy it was to create tables with links. 

The new format is not as friendly in my opinion but it is that...my opinion.

I hope that the materials on this site will still provide comprehensive support for those that need or want.

Have a great March... In Like a lion...Hopefully out like a lamb!

New site addition

posted Dec 19, 2017, 11:11 AM by Tammy Mace

My new page on eBook libraries and audio libraries was added today. I frequently download books from overdrive and only recently discovered that there are several other options available! Each library chooses the online format and then makes it available to their patrons. For the most part there is no cost to the patrons for the public libraries. Sites such as Bookshare have additional requirements such as a having a print disability and then can be acquired through a  subscription or being a  full-time student. It is exciting that so many accessible formats are available to the students, and public at large. 

Enjoy exploring... and try the digital library offerings for yourself. (You may have to call your local library for a digital card number, I know I did, but I have been accessing the Green Mountain Library Consortium through it for the last two years!) 

Saying goodbye to Evernote Peek and Clearly

posted Mar 18, 2016, 12:27 PM by Tammy Mace   [ updated Mar 18, 2016, 12:30 PM ]

I learned today that "Evernote Peek",  "Evernote Clearly,"and skitch are no longer available for download as Evernote has decided to no longer support these two apps. If you are already using clearly and peek and have them downloaded to your device they will continue to function but without further support. I have removed them from the applications matrix and will, as always, continue to seek alternatives that work as replacements. Sadly according to Evernote, the apps were under-utilized and Evernote decided to move in another direction so as to continue adding to their main program. They have however, added annotations, search, and audio notes to their package although some features are only available in premium. 

As ever, I learn something new every day. Hopefully you all do too! 

Happy Spring!

Bookshare, Sites, Professional Development, and the Future?

posted Jan 14, 2016, 2:54 PM by Tammy Mace

2016 has arrived! Where has the year gone? 

This Fall I ran an in-service on Bookshare, which due to technical difficulties I felt was less than successful; however, having published the in-service on my site I can only hope that people will avail themselves of it when they have questions. On the other hand, the number of students that qualify for and are using it has increased dramatically. I continue to add to the websites and have inquired about professional development for the Spring based on some of the feedback I received. The future remains to be seen. As our job descriptions continue to evolve and people leave without being replaced I see a very different program emerging. I believe more than ever that assistive  technology will not only be helpful, but that it will be required as students' independence is fostered and encouraged. Universal design and growth mindset philosophies encourage  the student's goals of being more independent and confident. Assistive technologies can support those goals.  Those staff members that are well versed in the available technologies are going to feel more in control of their positions, and hopefully experience more success with their students and classes. I continue to look for ways to implement programs such as read and write for Google for all students. Budgetary constraints may prevent this but I will continue to research and promote technologies that support our students. 

I hope that 2016 brings prosperity, health and happiness to all!

Smartboards smartboards smartboards

posted Oct 23, 2015, 9:19 AM by Tammy Mace

In October I have had the task of making sure that every special educator has the latest smart notebook software. Along the way the one question that surfaced the most was; "Are we going to receive training on this?" While I don't have a definitive answer I have researched some "free resources" for people to use. I will add the link to both this blog and the information links. There are many shared resources available for the smartboard. Not using one directly with students puts me at a disadvantage when it comes to directing teachers to the answers they need for their individual classrooms. I myself have had one training somewhere back in 2010. I will pursue training opportunities for the special educators but in the meantime please use the free resources available from Smart Technologies. Free resources from Smart Technologies

Have a great Autumn and enjoy all of the activities and weather!

And We're Off!!

posted Sep 16, 2015, 9:23 AM by Tammy Mace

    Another school year has begun and with it comes new responsibilities and challenges. Setting up grade books, using Google classroom, printing from Chromebooks, using substitute online, using enriching students... Old and new information being introduced to new and returning staff. It's all a bit much to take in. With the new technology also comes a new schedule which is taking some getting used to. Students are confused, but seem to be wading through it with; if not resilience, at least a sense of humor for the most part. 

    As we look to the future it is expected that the changes will become routine. Students and staff will adjust and the technology that we use will continue to improve and even surpass our wildest expectations. 

    I read of new and exciting advances in prosthetic replacements,  transplantation of limbs, artificial eyes and cochleas  and computers which can be controlled with electrical stimulation of our minds. Science fiction becomes more real every day and with it comes opportunities for those most affected by disabilities to flourish in the non-accommodated world. But, we need to remain abreast of these technologies and use them to the best advantage while always being cognizant of the cost both financially and emotionally to the students, staff and families that need them. 

    Hopefully as the prevalence of technology in the world becomes more widespread, costs and availability will become reasonable. No child should suffer for lack of funding. No child should be at a disadvantage when a solution is available. 

Upgrades and updates

posted Jun 1, 2015, 10:19 AM by Tammy Mace

As the school year comes to its conclusion, some updates seem appropriate. Google classroom now allows for multiple teachers which makes those co-taught classes so much easier. Students are more comfortable with the technologies that they have been working with, and on the technological front more and more assistive technologies are emerging. There are so many advances that it would be a full time job just tracking all of them. As is often the case; cost is the predicating factor which affects how quickly those of us in education will be able to access the new AT. It is worth noting the technology however, as costs eventually become reasonable. Concluding the year is always a rough process. Students whom depend on the structure, cadence and security of school often act out at this time of year. There are many publications that deal with stress relief. Many do not include technology per se but there is a site which produces ambient noise to help with relaxation: http://www.tmsoft.com/white-noise/. It has multiple platforms. 

As always,

Have a wonderful summer and... Relax!

New Year; New Tools

posted Jan 30, 2015, 8:57 AM by Tammy Mace

I recently began using Google classroom. Like the other Google tools for education it has its pros and cons. I like the ability to see the students in the class and that it is not like a community where it is a social forum. Some of the students  in school are sensitive about posting their writing and ideas. The Google classroom allows the teacher to post an assignment and the student to respond without fear of critique from classmates. It also allows the teacher the ability to immediately see who has done the assignment and who has not. Although I am using Google classroom as an alternate work assignment for support students, I have still been able to use it in the same way that a mainstream teacher would.

There are areas that I would like to see improvement, for example: if there are co-teachers that they can each access the classroom and collaborate on it. At this time there can be only one teacher on the classroom.

Still; it is a nice way to have students  work on assignments, turn them in without losing or destroying them, and have the teachers receive legible papers in good condition. 

Assumptions

posted Oct 6, 2014, 2:44 PM by Tammy Mace   [ updated Jan 30, 2015, 8:41 AM ]

October 6,2014

I had a revelation this semester in that we often make assumptions that may not necessarily be true about students and technology. Our students are almost constantly immersed in technology, most having multiple devices including smart phones. We assume that students are computer savvy when in reality there are often large gaps in their proficiency and understanding of the technology they possess. They are limited in many things that we assume that they know.

My Approach to Technology

posted Jul 16, 2014, 3:19 PM by Tammy Mace

    My approach to technology is probably unique to someone of my generation. I did not grow up with technology. I did not even approach the idea of using a computer until late 1998.

     I did not own a cell phone of any kind until Hurricane Irene isolated us from civilization and FEMA issued cell phones to the victims, put up a temporary cell tower (although I still had to climb onto the roof of my house for it to work) and gave us all,three months free, of service. My first cell phone was a GO phone.

     I have never approached technology with fear or anxiety. Much like a math problem there was always a finite answer to a specific problem. I was unafraid to experiment; push buttons; try new software; play internet games; talk to strangers in chat rooms to learn things; and research to find an answer if I did not understand something. I find it cathartic to find the answers to my own questions/problems and those of others. I enjoy showing others how to solve a technological problem, and am gratified to be able to help. It inevitably ends with a smile from the person who had felt helpless or stuck. One way that I feel that I can change/develop my approach to technology to enhance my ability to teach and model is; to take the Assistive Technology graduate course, and continue my education in technology. I also think that one way I can change is to try different approaches with colleagues, ie: my guinea pigs, to see which method or methods are most successful. 

    Teaching students how to use a specific assistive technology needs to be done discreetly, and with some kind of built in reward for the student. The student needs to be willing to continue the use of the technology. The best way to motivate the student to continue using the technology is to make the technology seem alluring. To convince the student that they want this more than anything. Sometimes that is easy, but other times it is more difficult. The student's comfort level with technology is also key to their cooperation. The more comfortable they are, the more willing they are to use it. Therefore; the better I am able to train them... the more successful I can be at helping their independence and success.

Executive function and Its Effect on Using Assistive Technology

posted Jul 15, 2014, 3:20 PM by Tammy Mace

Executive function’s role in student academic performance is extremely important. Students that have difficulty with organizational skills might find that they are better able to organize their work using technology. They could use mind mapping software such as Inspiration* to brainstorm a paper which can then put it in an outline form for them. They could use Google chrome* to do homework and then use "share" so as to avoid lost papers and destroyed work. They could use Google docs, presentation etc., in order to keep their work organized and available. Teachers could assist their efforts by providing digital copies of their work to students, using web based programs and giving out digital assignments. 

The students could use a digital device to keep track of homework, and an alarm feature to help remember to do it. Provided that the teacher is amenable to it, they could then submit it as soon as they are done, versus filing it away in their backpack a.k.a the black hole. Students with attention issues, motor skills issues etc., could use a Livescribe pen* to take minimal notes, pay better attention to a lecture, and still receive the content. The downside of this is that they have to be willing to go back and listen to the recording in order to complete work. They must also need to be an auditory learner in order to take advantage of the livescribe pen and desktop.

Kurzweill* and other text to speech software helps students with low reading abilities to improve their fluency, keep up with classmates and complete work. Dragon* helps students with low reading and writing abilities to express ideas and concepts that they might otherwise not be able to. Often students have a lot to say but are unable to express themselves adequately because the writing process is so laborious for them. They have to think about capitalization, grammar, sentence structure, paragraphs, how many words the teacher wanted, and often they write so slowly that the ideas that they had in their head are lost, or their brain has jumped ahead, and the writing comes out as gibberish. 

The major issue with any of these assistive technologies is that the student must be willing to avail themselves of them and often it is more important to them to appear socially acceptable,at least in their minds, than to be proficient in academics. The second issue is their ability to use the technology responsibly without finding themselves overly distracted by the rest of the digital world.