Gr8 Transitions - Adaptive Technology Training

Students enrolled in the Gr8 Transitions Program will be randomly selected for 8 weeks of in-school adaptive technology training or offered the same training at TECHsmart Adaptive Technology Summer Program.

What is Adaptive Technology?

Adaptive (or assisstive) Technology (AT) is a generic term that includes any piece of equipment that is used to increase efficiency, maintain function, or improve the capability of individuals with disabilities. These tools can help them to achieve greater independence and to enhance their quality of life. The selection of appropriate assistive technology can be guided by the students' learning profiles which is determined through their psychological assessments. The most effective technology will assist these students in compensating for any functional deficits, allowing them to perform at levels which are closer to their learning potential.

Listed below are some common examples of AT:

• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) — allows the user to store, organize, and retrieve important personal information.
• Text-to-Speech Software — verbalizes, or "speaks," everything on a computer screen, including alternative format textbooks, website text, graphics, control buttons, and menus.
• Mind Mapping Software — allows the user to organize their ideas through web-diagrams and by creating visual linkages between concepts and information.
• Word Prediction — predicts words on the basis of the first few letters typed, which allows users to select the required word from a drop down menu.
• Editing Software — provides the user with auditory feedback so they can hear their written text. This "read-back" feature enhances the editing of written documents. Further editing features alert the user to probable errors in written text (grammar, word usage, structure, spelling, style, punctuation and capitalization).
• Voice Recognition Software — allows the user to voice computer commands and to enter text using their voice, rather than a mouse or keyboard.
• Recording Devices — allows the user to record information presented auditorily (lectures, workshops) and to listen to books in audio format. They also allow the user to verbally store and retrieve telephone numbers, appointments, and individual notes (such as to-do lists).

What happens if my child is selected for AT training?

If your child is selected for training their Resource Teacher will be contacted to schedule the training sessions at a time that would be most beneficial for the student.

Selected students will be asked to complete an initial AT survey and one per month of training after that. As well, students who receive training will need to attend one extra, 2 hour testing session at the conclusion of the 8 weeks or summer program.

What programs will my child be learning?