Assistive Technology

You've probably heard the term "Assistive Technology" (AT) but what exactly does it mean, and how can AT benefit your child? An Assistive Technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. This item or product may be something made at home, as well as bought from a catalog or store. AT devices can range from low-tech items such as pencil grips and talking picture frames, to high-tech items such as computer software and certain augmentative communication devices.

There are many low-tech AT devices which you can make at home. These include:

• Page Fluffers: If your child has trouble turning book pages, you may put small sticky furniture protectors or foam picture frame bumpers between each page. This separates each page and makes it easier for your child to turn pages independently.
• Crayon Holders: If your child has trouble grasping small crayons you can use an empty 35 mm film canister to make a crayon grip. Poke a small hole in the lid of the film canister, and push the crayon through. This gives your child a larger area to grasp when coloring with a crayon.
• Talking Picture Frame: Radio Shack and Walmart carry small square talking picture frames. You can use these to assist your child in asking for a drink, snack, book, etc. Modify the frame by placing a small furniture bumper on the "talk" button on the inside of the frame. This enables your child to push the closed frame and make it talk. Record messages such as "drink please", or "can you read a story to me?" on the frame and then place corresponding pictures of your child's favorite book or drink on the front of the frame. You may Velcro these frames to the refrigerator, a wall, or bookshelf, as appropriate.
• Make bedtime or getting ready for school easier by making your child a picture schedule. Take pictures of your child performing daily tasks such as brushing teeth, getting a bath, putting on pajamas, reading a bedtime story, and going to bed. Mount these pictures on heavy paper and cover them with them clear contact paper. Put small squares of Velcro on the back of each picture, and mount them on a rectangle of indoor-outdoor carpet. As your child completes each task in the schedule have them place the picture in a small "finished" box (a small tissue box works well).
• Communication Book or Ring: Cut out magazine pictures or take photographs of your child's favorite objects, snacks, drinks, places, or people. Mount these pictures on heavy paper and cover them with clear contact paper. Place these pictures in a small photo album or on a binder ring and encourage your child to use these pictures to communicate his or her wants and needs. Reinforce verbal skills by repeating the name of the object on the card with your child. Start out with just a few pictures, and increase your child's picture library as he or she becomes more successful.

  I hope that these ideas will help you and your child begin using Assistive Technology at home. If you have any A.T. questions or concerns please call me, Allison McMahon, at (410)996-5655. E-mail may be sent to amcmahon@ccps.org, or visit the Assistive Technology Website at www.ccps.org/teachers/amcmahon