11AM+spring+09

media type="youtube" key="x6UCgrXLf0Y" height="344" width="425" This was a great video of a woman named Jill Nobel who overcame the obstacle of being blind and now works as a information technology specialist at NASA. She even said,"I wouldn't be working here without this adaptive technology." To be success full the office space is a mixture of speech and braille. Jill has a device known as Braillenote. Once this device is turned on it verbally goes to a menu that can access word processor, planner, address list, e-mails options, and internet options. Another neat option available was the printer. It was able to print documents in braille for Jill to read as well as with the flip of a switch could print documents in text form for her colleagues to read. There was also a scanner that could scan text documents in and transform them to braille documents or said verbally through the computer software. This was a great device because this allows blind workers to stay up to speed with their other c olleagues.
 * Courtney Eckman's post: Office Space for Employees Who Are Blind.**

**Response to Courtney Eckman's Post by Amanda Gristick: ** This video is so great. It is a really good example of assistive technology in the work force. The fact that Jill is able to work at NASA with the help of this assistive technology is incredible. With this assistive technology, it shows that anyone with disabilities can work where ever they desire. It is very inspiring. The features of the Braillenote are amazing. I never heard of a printer that could print both regular text documents as well as Braille documents, which I think is an amazing feature. I also found it really neat that the device uses both Braille and speech to help the user operate it. I think devices like Braillenote are especially important for individuals with blindness to stay competitive in the work force and to feel that they are on the same playing field as their coworkers.

I liked this video. It is great to see how this technology can help a person do their job. It was amazing to see Jill working and using these different assistive technolgy. I like that it shows that a person can be efficient in their job by using the different braille technologies. I like how she could print in braille, use the computer with braille. This technology is wonderful. It is great that she is able to work for NASA with the help of the braille printer and braille reading computer. This is definitely a great accomplishment. So many times it is perceived that people with disabilities cannot hold the same jobs as someone without a disability. This video helps to prove the previous statement false. It is wonderful to see Jill being able to work for such a large and important company as NASA. I like how the computer is able to do everything that she needs it to do. Having everything in braille allows Jill to function the same as every one of her coworkers. These types of assistive technologies truly make it possible for everyone to work in any work setting.
 * Response to Courtney Eckman's Post by Heather Wylie:**
 * Response to Courtney Eckman's Post by Holly Benfer:**

Response to Courtney Eckman's Post by Lindsey Diehl It amazes me how technology can make such a difference at the workplace or in an educational setting. It really is wonderful to see a woman working for NASA, but it is even more wonderful to see a woman with a disability in this position. My mom works at the York County Blind Center, I was told that the braille printer costs approximately$3,0000 to $5,000, and the software costs approximately $1,500- $2,000. This technology is priceless, it provides so many opportunities for people with vision impairments.

Although equipment such as this Braillenote are expensive, they are extremely important. People who are blind do not necessarily have any other intellectual disabilities; therefore, it is important to provide individuals who are blind with the necessary tools for communication. I think this Braillenote is important enough that schools should provide it to students. I enjoyed this video and I think this is an important tool for any work place so that all people have an equal opportunity in the workplace.
 * Response to Courtney Eckman's Post by Kristen Pfeil**

media type="youtube" key="ENkjkIypXq4" height="344" width="425" Laura LaPelusa’s Post: A Pivotal Role in the Household Marie-France is an amazing woman who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Motor Neurone Disease or Lou Gherigs Disease in 1995. She lost all motion in her body except for the ability to slightly move her jaw. Although she can move her jaw, it is not enough motion to talk. Without her specialized computer system, she would be “merely more than a vegetable.” Using a single switch attached to her jaw, she uses AssistiveWare’s Proloquo, Keystrokes, and SwitchXS software. Doing all this she is able to grocery shop for her family, pay bills, create and operate her website about her disease, and also manage her family’s bank accounts. These programs also allow her to communicate with her family via a speech program on her computer. It is clear to say that without her computer, she would be bound to bed or her wheel chair and unable to assist her family as she is today. Thanks to assistive technology like this, people are given a second chance at life that they may not have had years earlier.


 * Response to Lara LaPelusa's Post by Sarah Cameron:** This video hit home for me because my friend's father was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease last May. He cannot do anything on his own anymore and the whole situation is really upsetting and depressing. He used to be a gym teacher and was really active and I think that I should send my friend this video. He can move his jaw and can still talk a little. Seeing how much technology helps and improves someone's quality of life like this is amazing and motivating.


 * Response to Lara LaPelusa's Post by Kayla Frace:** This video was amazing. It was touching to hear her say that without it she wouldn't be much more than a vegetable, and that it's not an exaggeration to say the computer saved her life. The technology is invtentive, and it's great that it allows people that can't move their hands to type. It's great that she can still take care of her family's food shopping, bills, and etc. It's great that it lets her still have an important role in the family.Also, being able to chat on the computer helps her a lot because she is not able to move, so she can communicate with her family from her own room and easily reach them. It was great to see how much technology means to her and how much it has changed her life.

Response to Lara LaPelusa's Post by Kayla Frace by Justine Kirby: I could not believe how a computer could impact a persons life in such a big way! Marie-France is completely paralyzed except for a slight movement in her jaw and she is able to control the computer with slight jaw movement. It is amazing how assistive technology really does allow a person with a disablitly to live their life. Without the use of assistive technology Marie-France would not be able to take care of some many household responsiblities. It is amazing to see how Marie-France uses her assistive technology and how greatly it impacts her everyday life.

Response to Lara LaPelusa's Post by Lindsey Diehl: This was a very touching video, I feel that the only reason this person is able to operate and have any type of an independent life is because of this amazing technology. I am still blown away by the fact that she does all of her shopping, communicate with her family, pay bills, and etc. all by the tiny movements of her jaw. It's wonderful to see how much she can do because of technology, it really shows how important technology is for everyone. media type="youtube" key="DRj4jK0b_qM" height="344" width="425" Amanda Gristick's Post: Cerebral palsy, MS, ALS. Keyboard changes disabled lifes! An amazing woman named Janine who has been living with cerebral palsy her whole life. Janine is the founder and manager of her very own business called Headlight. Lucy is an innovative keyboard designed for individuals with disabilities including cerebral palsy, multiples scleroses, paraplegia, etc. Lucy works by mounting a small laser onto the user’s glasses or headband. The laser is then directed at a specialized keyboard and allows the user to type just as she would on a normal keyboard. Lucy, in addition to the keyboard, has a built in mouse to make navigation easy. Before Lucy, Janine typed with a regular keyboard using her nose. Amazingly, using Lucy, Janine can type 100 words per minute! With Lucy, Janine can send e-mails, surf the web and design videos. This video was actually created and edited by Janine herself! With Lucy, individuals with disabilities can operate computers just as anyone can without disabilities.

This technology seems like it would be challenging to use. Janine said her, and her physical therpist spent a lot of time learning to type with the headgear. I don't think I could control my head to move such small distances to type. Janine could type about 100 keys a minute. That was very impressive. Computers are such a significant part of life; it is great that there is a technology for people that cannot use their hands to be able to use a computer. I liked her motto about using your head.
 * Response to Amanda Gristick's post by Erin Buchmoyer:**

This technology seems to truly eliminate the barrier between Janine's disability and her ability to use her computer. I agree that it may be a challenge to use but a computer can be challenging for people without disabilities. I think its amazing that she can type 100 words per minute. This technology does seem to really work for Janine but I do wonder about people who have even more severe cases of cerebral palsy. Because you need to control your head, I feel that this may not work for everyone, but for those who are able to use it, I believe this is very effective..
 * Response to Amanda Gristick's post by Holly Benfer:**

media type="youtube" key="IjfwCpcD3mk" height="344" width="425" Justine Kirby's Post: "We can because we think we can" Leigh-Anne Tompkins was born with cerebral palsy. She first learned to draw by putting the pencil between her toes. Using assistive technology she graduated Magna Cum Laude in Fine Arts and now has her own Graphic Design company. To accomplish the task of creating graphic designs she uses a few types of assistive technology. Some of the assistive technology she uses is a trackball, a head stylus, and an assistiveware program to speak. Leigh-Anne is able to create her graphic designs using assistive technology. To create graphic and web designs, Leigh-Anne uses a trackball controlling it with her right foot. A trackball is similar to a computer mouse only it can be controlled by a persons feet. To type on the computer, Leigh-Anne uses a head stylus to type on the keyboard. If a family member is not around to put the head stylus on she is able to type using assistiveware keystrokes and controlling it with her trackball. She is also able to speak using assistivewear computer program using Acapela Group. A voice speaks for her on the computer. Leigh-Anne is living proof that assistive technology works and is affective for those living with a disability.
 * Response to Amanda Gristick's post by Diana Dadey:** This is an amazing technology for people with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a disease which affects brain and movement coordination so Janine can’t type on a regular keyboard. This technology allowed Janine to finish high school and get a job working with computers. She says that she can do anything on a computer that a non-disabled person could do. This technology should be made available to all severely disabled people. Even though it is an expensive investment (lucykeyboard.com prices are around $3,500), all schools should have //at least// one of these to make computers more accessible to disabled students.


 * Response to Justine Kirby's Post: "We can because we think we can" by Julia Ortiz**- I find Leigh-Anne Tompkins as an inspiration. By using her assistive technology, she has accomplished so much. She graduated from college, which for some is difficult without having a disability. Leigh-Anne does not allow for her disability to stand in her way of what she wants to do. Even before she began using her assistive technology, she used her feet to write. She can be seen as an inspiration for all people, but I think especially for people who are in her situation or who have a different type of disability, that anything is possible. With the help of her assistive technology she can do so much and I think that this technology has helped her become who she is today.
 * Response to Justine Kirby's Post: "We can because we think we can" by Courtney Eckman-** This was a perfect example of assistive technology being paired with and incredible determined woman. I admire how she didn't let having cerebral paulsy stop her from growing up and having a career. It is awesome that she does graphic design locally, nationally, and even internationally! The assistive technology that she used I have personally never heard of. Its great that she is able to use the head stylus to type in the computer. Since Leigh-Anne is able to do many things with her right foot, it is great that there is an assistive technology out there, the trackball, to adapt to her strong points and allowe her to succed! She is an amazing woman and an inspiration to all that anything is possibly if you have the will, hard work, and passion behind it.

Not only is it important to provide Leigh-Anne with assistive technologies, but it is also a good example of what people can accomplish with a little bit of help from computers. I think this video is a great example of how technology can bring out the natural skills of anyone, regardless of a disability. After I watched this video, I was inspired to see some of her artwork and design (I googled it- it's really cool!). I think she is a true inspiration and I am glad she provides such a strong example of how people with disabilities are just as capable of doing tasks as people without them!
 * Response to Justine Kirby's Post, by Kristen Pfeil**

media type="youtube" key="E8_pS25OtDg" height="344" width="425" This is a device that makes print more accessible for students who have print disabilities. They are able to use the same texts as classmates and hear/read **individually** in a learning support or resource room, with or without headphones. The headphone feature and the wide selection of books available also allow students to work with others **in the inclusive classroom,** which not only helps with reading issues but can benefit students by increasing their self esteem. The program has access controls, as well as bookmark and speed control features. The company that makes the "Recording for Blind and Dyslexic through Listening Program" offers a wide selection of titles, but can also take recording requests. They have a variety of tools and support available and the recorded texts feature the human voices of highly trained professionals. This program is simple and easy to use but it can have a very positive impact because of the tremendous aid it provides to special learners.
 * Carol Bruno's Post: RFB&D Learning Through Listening**


 * Response to RFB&D Learning Through Listening By Amy Dajczak:** This device is amazing I am so glad you chose to present it. It is clearly a helpful tool for all ages with several different dissabillities. Both blind and dyslexic children can learn with this program. It can be used in the classroom or at home. The device seems to be easy to use for younger children. I was impressed to hear that teachers have noticed an increase in self esteem and participation due to Learning Through Listening. The 35% of 9th-12th graders who have found success in it is excellent. It does not draw attention to children with dissabilities in the classroom. The small box and headphones are great for integrated classes. Lastly, I like how the system has been adapted into classrooms that cannot afford all the equipment. The computer software for Macintosh makes the system available to many people and school districts.

Erin Buchmoyer's Post: DynaVox** Sara Psyzka is a college student with cerebral palsy. She was nonverbal and unable to communicate before she began using a Dynavox Vmax, a speech generating device. This assistive device allows people to communicate through a computer. The user simply looks at words on a screen and the device translates what is viewed into oral language. The screen resembles a keyboard with various buttons. The individual can then communicate normally with anyone. This system can be used for any nonverbal individual, especially those with limited mobility. Sara wants to be viewed as a regular college student that does regular things. She wants people to see past her disability. She likes text messaging and Starbucks, just like anyone else. She has accomplished great things, such as singing the National Anthem at two major league baseball games and leading the pledge of allegiance at a Republican Party Convention. She loves music and composes her own music. With the help of her Dynavox Vmax, Sara can lead a normal life and feel good about herself.
 * media type="youtube" key="VlC8G5nNE7k" height="344" width="425"
 * Response to Erin Buchmoyer's Post by Julia Ortiz**- I love this clip. I think this video on Sara Psyzka is incredible. The Dynavox V has really helped her in so many ways. I find it amazing how a tool like this can help in such a great way. It has allowed for Sara to communicate and act as a normal teenager because that's what she is, a normal teenager with a disability. I think many times, people with disabilities get overlooked because of their disability but this tool allows for her to interact with her peers, text message her friends, and participate and answer questions in a classroom setting. She's a college student and with the help of this tool, she can learn better. Sara has learned to not let her cerebral palsy keep her down.


 * Response to Erin Buchmoyer's Post by Stephanie Lohr:** I thought this video was very incredible. Sarah and her family seemed like very strong willed people. I thought the technology in this video was amazing. I could not believe that just because of this tool Sarah was able to attend college. I also thought it was so great how it allowed her to express herself muscially also, whether it was for the orchestra or singing the national anthem at a baseball game. I also think its a great tool because it allows her to use other technology such as the television because it allows her to turn the t.v. on. I also thought it was great how at the end she said she wanted to be treated like any other person and the Dynavox does that for her.

media type="custom" key="3408370" Elina is a 10 year old girl. She wanted to make this video so people could see how her computer has changed her life. Elina was born with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy. Her verbal communication is is greatly affected because of her disability. Even though she may not be able to verbally express her self so others can understand her, she has the assistive technology that can help her communicate. KeyStrokes is a program created by Assistiveware that allows Elina to type on her computer. She uses a joystick that allows her to highlight which letter she wants and a large button that she uses to select that letter. The program also has predictive text so that she does not have to type every letter of every word. Elina's computer also has the program Proloquo. This program reads aloud what Elina has typed in using KeyStrokes. These two programs have allowed Elina to communicate at home and at school. She is able to write independently, send emails to her friends, and express herself through the papers she writes for school. This video was created so that viewers could see how Elina's computer has truly changed her life.
 * Holly Benfer's Post: Assistiveware KeyStrokes and Proloquo**


 * Response to Holly Benfer's Post** **by Carol Bruno** This technology is really amazing. It allows this little girl to communicate and do her school assignments in spite of her limitations. This kind of advancement in technology can make a huge difference in the life of someone like Elina by enabling her to be productive both at school and at home. She is also able to enjoy communication and being a part of relationships that might not have been possible for her before this technology existed. It's great how the oversized equipment and the special software she uses makes so many things possible for her that she doesn't have to have someone constantly assisting her or performing functions for her.

Kelly Hull's Post: Tango Technology :** TANGO- is a type of assistive technology that allows children to communicate with others on a very personal level. As this video shows, prior to TANGO, this child was never able to express the words or concept of "I Love You" to his mother, or to anyone he cared for. This mechanism allowed this event to occur, with the freedom and joy that he has never experienced before. TANGO is a device that can be programmed with a child's voice, or an adult's voice, to record different statements. The child is then provided options on a keyboard to relay these statements as they need or want. This provides the capability to express emotion they otherwise would not know how to express. It allows the ability to express their needs, wants, problems, questions, challenges, feelings, and any other form of communication needed. As you can also see in this video, it allows the child to process one aspect of socialization at a time. For example, the child was directed to choose the appropriate button, then look at his mom. For a child with Autism, making eye contact is very difficult because it ususally is intertwined with multiple other tasks such as listening and responding verbally. These children are challenged by the cognitive multi-task requirement. However, with TANGO, he was able to push the button he wanted to express, THEN look at his mother. Two separate events, but one wonderful occasion for both mother and child!
 * media type="youtube" key="4jQ0t8ouP9I" height="344" width="425"

This is such a touching video. I think this technology, TANGO, is such an amazing thing for this little boy to have. It must be so difficult for him to be unable to express the love he has for his mother. And for the mother to hear the words "I Love You" and know they are coming from her son must be an indescribable feeling. This must be such a relief for this little boy to know that he is finally able to communicate the words he could never communicate on his own! This kind of technology will most definitely be a help to this child in the future in school and for the rest of his life!
 * Response to Kelly Hull's Post by Amanda Gristick:**

This video is adorable! I could not imagine having a child that I could not hear I love you from. This is a wonderful tool for this child and their whole family. He is able to express his emotions not only through the joy he obviously feels but by being able to look at his mother and tell her how much he loves her. To me it seemed like he was even trying to repeat I love you back to the machine. This will be a great tool for this child throughout his whole life!
 * Response to Kelly Hull's Post by Laura LaPelusa:**

This video was great. He such a cute little boy. I liked how TANGO has helped this little boy to communicate his feelings. I also liked that you can record a child's voice or an adult's voice. I think that it is very important to be able to communicate thoughts and feelings. With this technology, it makes it possible for those who cannot communicate. Also, being able to communicate is such a grand feeling after not being able to for so long. This little boy will be able to communicate to others and feel good about himself at the same time.
 * Response to Kelly Hull's Post by Heather Wylie:**

I really enjoyed this video. I think it is very neat that TANGO can allow children who are non-verbal to communicate their own emotions and feelings, among other things, through words. Agreeing with the previous two responders, I think it is an amazing moment for a parent to hear his/her child to say "I love you" for the first time, no matter how it is said, and it is great that technology can allow children who are non-verbal the opportunity to do so. This technology can definitely be used in and out of the classroom and seems to be a strong communication tool.
 * Response to Kelly Hull's Post by Dan Aiello:**

Amy Dajczak's Post: FM Assistive Listening Device** A strong, smart women presents an important device that has aided her throughout school and her carrer. The assistive technology that I have chosen to present is the FM Assistive Listening Device. It is perfect for persons that have hearing problems and disabilities. There are several components to the device. One part is the microphone. This is used by those talking to the person with the disability. The FM transmitter is attached and picks up the radio waves created from the microphone. A receiver is placed on the person in a place where they can hear what the transmitter attains. It will attach directly to the back of the hearing aid outside the ear. Another form of this receiver includes headphones. They are attached to a box that can be worn on a belt and wrap around the person’s head. The entire system cuts down on extra noise which enhances attention. This device is perfect for the classroom. Students with hearing impairments or disabilities can use this to listen and concentrate. The teacher wears the transmitter and microphone while the student has the receiver. The receiver does not cause the student to stand out from his or her peers. It is convenient and effective for learning. It allows students to comprehend information when speakers are further than six inches away.
 * media type="youtube" key="M4lBkdRereE" height="344" width="425"

The FM Assistive Listening Device seems so simple and is based on such an obvious need, yet I have never seen it used in a classroom before. As an elementary teacher, I believe this device would be much more difficult to implement in a future classroom of mine--because of the relative craziness of an elementary classroom--but would be such an easy device to implement in middle school, high school, and even college classrooms, where there is more organization and structure. I especially appreciated the presenter's advice on "what not to do" so that the student will not feel embarrassed. I believe that sometimes teachers think they are "making light' of a situation by commenting on it, but this draws extra attention to the student who would rather no one even know about his/her impairment. I think students should also be made aware that such comments are inappropriate and not to be made.
 * Response to Amy Dajczak's Post by Alyssa Warfield**

[] Embedding disabled by request

**Kayla Frace's SiRecognizer **
The SiRecognizer is designed to help those who are blind, visually impaired, or dyslexic. It is a three-dimensional recognizer, which means that it can identify text on just about any object, and it is the most advanced in sight software. How it works is the person takes a digital picture of the object that tehy want to read. The picture automatically goes to a computer, and the technology scans and reads the text out loud, all in less than a minute. Also, it can read and speak in over 130 languages, which makes it available for many people to use in different countries, and helps with objects that might have writing in other languages on them. This technology makes it easier for the visually impared to live on their own and maintain more independence, while staying safe.

Wow...I thought that was really amazing. I never knew that we had any kind of technology capable of doing that. I think technology like this is great because it provides people with disabilities a needed sense of independency. I can't imagine how frusterating it must be to try to decifer between two objects when they have almost the exact same physical characteristics. However, with something like this, it makes it as simple as taking a picture, and having it run through a special program. Instead of having to ask someone for help, that person is instead able to obtain the answer independently.
 * Response to Kayla Frace's post, by Erika Shultz**

The SiRecognizer seems like an awesome assistive technology, with the ability to provide indepedence for people with visual impairments. As Erika commented, I had never even thought about how similar some objects (such as medication containers) could feel, and, as in the video, the actual difference could be extremely dangerous. However, although the intentions of this device are great, I can't help but notice that this technology seems rather cumbersome and inconvenient. Though it seems easy enough for home use, as depicted in the video, having a digital camera and laptop (as well as a few minutes to spare) in public or at work may not always be plausible. Also, it may be difficult for some prospective users to take a helpful photograph of the object. For instance, how did the man in the video know which angle to shoot the picture from? Considering the angle and distance, it may take a couple of tries before the user takes a useable photograph. Of course, perhaps I am being too critical. At work or in public, a person could ask others around him/her (although this does sacrifice independence) and he/she could definitely increase his/her efficiency at picture-taking. Overall, I believe the device is wonderful but should not be ignored for further improvements.  media type="youtube" key="SXqHR_s3T74" height="344" width="425" **Amanda Nicosia's Post: Russ and Eye Gaze Communication: **Russ has no verbal and very limited movement. He has a computer specially designed for him that reads his eye movement. It is basically a Dynovox, but instead of pictures it has letters that let him actually spell out the words he wants to communicate. It uses Eye Gaze- where when he stares at a letter long enough it selects the letter and adds it to the sentence. He uses the up and down movement of his eyes to scroll through the selection and then gazes to select. It also it hooked up to things in his room so he can control them. It is hooked up to the light, and a fan, along with an alarm to call for help. This computer helps Russ communicate when there would be no other way for him to express himself. It really improves his quality of life and lets him communicate with family members and doctors.
 * Response to Kayla Frace's post by Alyssa Warfield**


 * Resonse to Amanda Nicosia's Post by Sarah Cameron:** I think that this video is really cool! It was probably really difficult to get Russ to learn how to use the technology but without it he would be trapped with all of his thoughts and wouldn't be able to express his feelings or anything to anyone. I think it would be really hard to control your eye movements well enough to operate a computer and that it would take a lot of focus and energy.


 * Response to Amanda Nicosia's Post by Carol Bruno** This video and the fact that we can now make computers that read eye movement is amazing! In the past someone such as Russ would be virtually trapped inside their own mind and helpless as far as communicating goes. It shows you how much we take for granted and how much we owe to the great minds that make things that seem impossible, possible. The fact that this can be hooked up to other things is a bonus. It allows Russ to have at least some control over things in his environment which surely enhances his life.


 * Respoonse to Amanda Nicosia's post by Angela Bealer:** This computer/technology that lets Russ use his eyes to communitcate is absolutely unbelievable. It is hard to imagine that there is technology out there that is capable of doing this. It is wonderful that russ gets the chance and opportunity to talk and speak for himself. The fact that he can interact with others in order to better fulfill his life is awesome. I am so glad that there is a machine that lets him be involved in and allows him to better live his life.

media type="youtube" key="DmDVEvJYQV4" height="344" width="425"
 * Stephanie Lohr- Icommunicator**: The tool used in this video is called the Icommunicator. It is used for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is a computer program that lets student or individuals see the words that the person they are talking to is saying. It is also able to show what the speaker is saying in sign language. It also uses real time so the person gets it on their laptop as soon at it is said. The individual that is speaking wears a microphone and this displays what they are saying into the computer. Furthermore, the person is able to answer back by typing and the speaker will hear it in his/her microphone. This technology program helps people who are deaf feel more independent . One of the best parts is that the person can save all conversations on the computer and go back and listen at any time. In addition, the video explains how this program improves speech recognition.


 * Response to Icommunicator By Amy Dajczak:** This system seems extremely important for today's world. It is convenient and easy to use for all ages. In the classroom this would be helpful for both the student and the teacher. The student can better understand the lessons and provide his own input on topics. It also lessens the amount of attention he or she may get because they are deaf. They will no longer stand out in the class due to an aid. I think it is impressive that it shows both the words and signs for the communication. The teacher now has another active student who can succeed in their classroom. This tool can be useful in many environments including grade school, college and the work place. It is appropriate for all ages and gives everyone a chance to learn. They are learning from the device how to speak and type. Then using the new information they apply it to their everyday lives. This is definetly an effective tool that I may be utilizing in my own classroom.

**Response to iCommunicator, by Nicole Olivieri:** This technology would be extremely beneficial in the classroom setting for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Not only does it provide real-time captioning of whoever is speaking AND those words in sign language, but it can synthesize words that the person using the technology types into the computer. Also, this technology does not get in the way of anybody else in the classroom, including the teacher. The only difference is that the teacher is wearing a microphone. Other than that, it is useful to the entire classroom. This tool is very effective in the classroom; however, its only downfall is using it where there are many speakers. I do not think this would be as effective at all in case the student is not able to read the words on the computer while watching to see who is saying each thing in real life.

media type="youtube" key="x31u1seLTo0" height="344" width="425" Lindsey Diehl - Head- Designed In this video, Giesbert Nijhuis, a graphic artist uses a head mouse to control his computer. Due to a spinal cord injury, Giesbert is paralyzed from the neck down. He creates cartoons, CD covers and much more using photo shop program on his computer, controlled by his head movement. He can navigate faster using his head mouse, than most people can use their hands. On his wheel chair is an enviromental conrol unit that allows Giesbert to control the lights, doors, telephone and windows. This assistive technology is a great tool for those unable to move hands and arms. In Giesbert case, he is able to work and live independently.

intricate details and large objects within the same context. Although most individuals may find life to be challenging and overwhelming in a situation such as his, he has chosen to embark on a new endeavor called life, with a functionality he thought never possible.
 * Response to Head Designed, By Kelly Hull:** Very intriguing. This technology allows this man to provide his own income, provide independence, provide self confidence and live independently. The environmental control unit opens doors not visible to the human eye for individuals with disabilities. I find it amazing the technology available to maneuver


 * Response to Head-Designed, by Nicole Olivieri:** I originally was going to write on this video because I found it so amazing. I can't even type the correct letters sometimes using my fingers - I can't imagine trying to use the tiniest head movements to get to the exact point on the screen that I want the cursor to go. This tool is allowing those who are paralyzed a chance to prove that they can have their own sense of independence. Not being able to move any other part of his body, this man can still do anything on a computer than any othere non-disabled person, and at the same rate (maybe even more quickly than some others!). I do not necessarily see this in a classroom, but if this technology were to appear in classrooms, it would provide an easier way for students to be able to communicate and feel a sense of pride in work they can complete on their own on the computer.

media type="youtube" key="Mf010cq_Kvk" height="295" width="480" This video is about an eight year old boy named Timmy Swindale, who has autism. He was originally in a lifeskills classroom and could not communicate to his family, teachers, or peers because he has speech apraxia. After recieving and learning to use a DynaVox V, he can now communicate to others what he is feeling, thinking, and learning. They found out after he began using assistive technology that he is very good at math. He is now in a gifted program for mathematics and is in a general education classroom for mathematics. He does not get frustrated anymore with communicating and learning because he is now able to express himself.
 * Sarah Cameron- DynaVox V**

I came across this video when I was searching. I really liked how he in included in an inclusive setting and in advanced level math classes. I can only imagine what it must feel like to be a parent communicating with her child for the first time. The parents in the video are supportive of Timmy and are proud of what he has accomplished. Using this tool is no different than a person that needs glasses. It helps him to perform on a level where he works at his highest potential. He can be independent, now that he has communication.
 * Response to Sarah Cameron's post by Erin Buchmoyer:**


 * Response to Sarah Cameron's post, "DynaVox V."- by Courtney Eckman:** I think this is another great video! Its amazing to see what assistive technology is out there. This device is great for Timmy and other children with his disability. It allows him to communicate with others and even be included into a school setting! By this device helping Timmy communicate with others, it opened up new doors. It helped him gain social skills which allow him to blend into the classroom setting and preform at the level he is capable.

This is why I love technology. Twenty years ago, even ten years ago, Timmy would have been stuck in a life skills classroom not having the opportunity to develop skills that he already had. By having a device that allows him to communicate, his parents and teachers were able to figure out that Timmy is an incredibly bright child that just had difficulties in verbal communication. Because of the Dynavox, Timmy, and others who have difficulties verbally communicating, can have a much richer schooling experience, as well as be fully independent within the community as he grows older.
 * Response to Sarah Cameron's post by Dan Aiello:**

media type="youtube" key="1nFQzjXzNM4" height="344" width="425" Henry Evans is a father who was paralyzed and who lost his ability to speak after he had a stroke while driving his children to school. With the assistive technology he uses, he is able to communicate with people. The technology he uses is Dynavox. Using this machine, he can discipline his children and can communicate with the outside world. This device is a speech generating device that is used so that he can have a chance to be heard. Henry states that using this device, he has become more socially active because he is able to "express his personality" and gives him a sense of independence. The machine allows Henry to e-mail around the world as well. Now that Henry has this assistive technology people can talk directly to him and he can respond and be his own person rather than always having to rely on others to do his communicating for him. Henry states that before he had the Dynavox V, he felt ignored by the world, but now that he has it, he is no longer ignored. This technology has played a big part in Henry's life, especially as a father and husband.
 * Julia Ortiz-Henry Evans- A Dynavox Success Story**

media type="youtube" key="Ydh5XnjDFYY" height="344" width="425" Joanie was a woman who had Lou Gehrig's Disease and she was unable to speak and or communicate in any way other than blinking. Her friend would point to letters on a keyboard and through blinking she would repond to which letter she wanted. Joanie died before the computer software came out but others benefited from voice through Joanie. This is a portable computer that has a voice synthasizer so all one has to do is type what a person wants to say and then the computer will communicate for you. This machine allows people to keep their independence yet still communicate with their loved ones even though they are suffering from this disease.
 * Melissa Johnson's Post: Voice for Joanie**

media type="youtube" key="capg1FmXYUI" height="344" width="425"

Joe Barnick was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease that affects a person’s motor neurons. Because this disease is extremely limiting when it comes to a person’s motor capabilities, it leaves that person with the inability to have a sense of independency. In Joe’s case, the computer has been able to provide him with the ability to become more independent. Because he does not have enough strength in his right hand to move a regular mouse, he instead uses an adapted Logitech trackball along with an Ablenet jelly bean switch. With these devices he is able to navigate the computer with his right hand and click on items with his left hand. In order to type on the computer, he uses a technology called keystrokes, which allows him to click on letters or words as opposed to typing them out. It is really neat to watch him get excited about what he is able to do on his own; it’s obvious that this technology gives him great joy. It may appear to be very simple, but the pleasure that it gives him cannot be measured.
 * Erika Shultz's post: "Everthing I can't do in the real world I can do with my mac"**


 * Response to Erika Shultz's post by Kayla Frace:** This video clearly shows how much enjoyment he gets out of using his Mac. He is able to do all of the things that a normal person would do with a computer, just by having some programs that are adjusted to his needs. Also, the ideas of using the elastic to help him use the mouse are really clever and simple. His computer also allows him to keep in touch with family and friends, just like everyone else, which is ]important. This really shows how much his computer means to him, and how happy it makes him to be able to use it.


 * Response to Erika Shultz's Post by Stephanie Lohr:** I thought this video was great at showing how with the technology, he could overcome his disability. I think its great that this technology allows him to type without a keyboard right on the computer. Its also great that he is able to communicate with his family and friends through chating and email. I think it was also neat how he enjoyed that he was able to buy things that he loved through the computer, and he could even look up recipes. Overall I think this technology really assists him and makes his life somewhat easier.

media type="youtube" key="_Uyj5JsRu2c" width="425" height="350"
 * Diana Dadey

Bookshare How To- By Alex Clark** Alex has trouble with reading and uses a technology called Bookshare to help him. Bookshare is an online program used for students who have difficulties with reading. It is able to convert over 40,000 books from text to speech. Students who have trouble reading or who are not confident with their reading skills can use Bookshare for practice with reading. Bookshare has a very wide variety of topics that students can choose to read about. This can be used in the classroom during many times throughout the day. It can be used during designated reading times or even when there is a gap between activities and some students have extra time. It is a great way to motivate students who have trouble reading and it provides a lot of good practice with books. The students are seeing and hearing the story at the same time, which is great for comprehension. Bookshare is also available in formats accessible to students who read in Braille and large print. Another benefit is that it is free to U.S. students thanks to special funding from the government.

I think that this is a great tool to use when helping students with difficulties in reading. Many of those students hate reading because not only is it frusterating, but they don't get anything out of the story because they are so focused on the reading aspect of it. However, with the use of this technology, students can listen to the stories being read, and they can learn to love the places that reading can take them to. Also, this technology allows students to both listen to the story, as well as, see the word that are being read. This will help them learn to put sounds and words together, so that they can imporve thier reading skills. Overall, I think it would be a great tool to use both in and out of the classroom. media type="youtube" key="zZ5CkpgVQJ4" height="344" width="425"
 * Response to Diana Dadey's post, by Erika Shultz**

=
This video explains how technology is important for students. One school starts at preschool. The technologies that heolp are computers with voice recording and different devices that have pictures or words that will speak for the student. It helps them to achieve in school and also to attend college. One student Lucas who has very limited movement in his limbs is able to play his instrument. He uses a joystick that controls the keys of his instrument so that he is able to play. He participated in marching band and jazz band. When his instrument was stolen an unidentified person offered to donate money to either replace it or for an award when it was found. Through the technology he is able to persue his passion for music.======

media type="youtube" key="IGKS95G4ynM" height="295" width="480" Angela Bealer: **Carr Brackett - A DynaVox Success Story**

A little boy with MR is able to talk and interact with his family and friends because of an amazing technology called a dynavox. Just a year ago Carr Brackett had trouble talking with others and making friends. Now he has a bunch of friends and he can even give presentations in school. His family says he has made tremendous advancments in the past year now he is a lot happier and outgoing, as opposed to the very introverted kid he used to be. Carr really likes his dynavox it gives him the means to communicate and interact with others. He used to have to rely on someone else to talk for him and now he can do it all by himself. He also gets to stay in the classroom all day now thanks to his dynavox, which has made learning much easier for him. Getting a dynavox was a life changing event in carr's life.

Response to Angela Bealer's Post by Justine Kirby: I think it is so incredible how assistive technology can impact a persons life in such a major way. From watching the video and listening to all of the self confidence and communication growth Carr has developed is astonishing. It was awesome to watch Carr interact with his friends, teachers, and give presentations. His DynaVox has really helped him to grow as a student. It is amazing how assistive technology can do great things for person and allow them to achieve great things and be able to interact and do things that people thought they could never accomplish.

Response to Angela Bealer's Post by Laura LaPelusa: This is truly amazing. Assistive technology gives people a whole new chance at life that years back they probably would not have had. Instead of being the quiet student that has to work one on one with a teacher or a translator, it is amazing to me that this child can interact with his peers and classmates. My favorite part of this whole video was that instead of the students in Carr's class looking at him as having problems they look at him like he is a lucky kid. I loved when they mentioned that some of the parents of Carr's classmates were telling Carr's parents that for chirstmas they wanted the V.

Response to Angela Bealer's Post by Amanda Nicosia: I think that this is an amazing technology. It drastically effects a disabled person's ability to communicate with their world, when they couldn't before. It lets him show his personally and build relationships with students and teachers, which is very important for emotional development. Its amazing how far technology has come. It helps intergrate people with special needs into a society that used to view children with special needs as a subset of society, and downplayed their role as a person.

media type="youtube" key="asNgQXnxbQ8" height="295" width="480" Kristen Pfeil: **Bookshare.org Jessica Pinto** For my video, I chose a clip about a girl named Jessica Pinto who uses a digital book reader (from bookshare.org) to assist her in reading independently. Jessica is a middle school student with physical limitations. In the clip provided, Jessica uses a digital reader which is like a mini computer that a teacher, assistant, or parent can load stories into. After loading the story, the student has the ability to click through the pages of the book as the digital reader reads the words out loud. Since Jessica struggled with gross motor skills and word formation, the digital reader allowed Jessica to hear the words and practice forming them and saying them. She used the digital reader to practice pronouncing commonly used words, as well as learning how words look and sound at the same time. This tool is incredibly helpful to a classroom. In the case of a physical disability, the digital reader is easy to use, easy to load, and assists students with speech and language skills; however, this tool would also be helpful to an English Langauge Learner who is just beginning to see, hear, spell, and say new words. The digital reader can be used along with the book so that a student can hear the words and see them in print at the same time. Also, this tool is incredibly easy for a student to recieve through the school. Although the technology is expensive, it is a tool that should be considered an important part of a special education classroom; therefore, if a parent requests this tool at home, they could look into having the school provide it for the family. Parents, teachers, or specialists can also go online to learn more about how to use the digital reader so that the student is better prepared to navigate it independently.


 * Response to Jessica Pinto from Kelly Hull**: This video is a great example of the emotional effect technology can have on an individual with limitations. She is so very excited to be able to be independent, and the ease of the program allows her to maintain an easy flow of reading in a comfortable timeframe for her. She can be involved within the classroom and can participate because she is able to keep up with the remainder of the class. Additionally, the ability to verbally hear the text is an added feature that will benefit those with hearing challenges, visual challenges as well as those with learninig disabilities. This program within the classroom provides independence for both the student and the educators, and allows them to progress at their own speed and willingness. Her formation of words and pronunciation skills are greatly assisted by this technology as well. Great example of assistive technology at work!

Response to Jessica Pinto from Amanda Nicosia: This assistive technology really gives hope to Jessica. If gives her an appreciation for reading and literature in general. The BookShare helps her read independently, a task that would be nearly impossible for her. It gives her inspriation to further her education and become an author. I think that this is really important that she has goals and aspirations. It also makes inclusion much easier because she's now able to follow along with the class and contribute. Overall I think it is a really great technology that brings hope into Jessica's life.

media type="youtube" key="OFrSnILrOrw" height="344" width="425" Alyssa Warfield: **Introducing Glenda Watson Hyatt, the Left Thumb Blogger** This video features Glenda Watson Hyatt, a woman with cerebral palsy, as she demonstrates her blogging through the use of assistive technology. Glenda uses a joystick instead of a mouse because the joystick allows her more control. (People with cerebral palsy tend to have difficulties with fine motor movement and control.) She also uses a program called EZ Keys, a word-predictor program. With the help of this program, Glenda begins typing each word—using her left thumb, of course--and then chooses from the numbered list of possible words suggested by the program. This list appears as a small blue box to the right of her typing screen. Then, Glenda only has to enter the number of the word that she wishes to type. This saves her a great deal of time, while allowing her a medium through which she can share her thoughts people all over the world. (If you would like to see her blog, the address is [|www.DoItMyselfBlog.com].) Though Glenda herself has cerebral palsy, it’s easy to see that any students with disabilities that limit fine motor movement and control could benefit from these assistive technologies—both the joystick and EZ Keys. Students could use the joystick anytime that most people use a mouse; for example, a student playing an educational game on the computer could use a joystick instead of a mouse. Students, even by kindergarten, could use the EZ Keys program anytime they are required to write or type something, whether it be the alphabet, a spelling list, a test, short story or poem, an essay, an e-mail, or, as in Glenda’s case, a blog. In the most basic, yet likely the most beneficial way, students who are nonverbal but literate can use this technology simply as a means to communicate with others. However, it should be noted that, even using EZ Keys, Glenda still only types 10-12 words per minute; therefore, this program still may be inefficient for note-taking during a lecture or for carrying on a lengthy conversation. Also, the use of this program requires the student have access to a computer, either desktop or otherwise, which can be costly and also inconvient, as in when students are not at home or in a structured classroom setting. In regard to cost, a joystick is relatively inexpensive and widely available; EZ Keys, on the other hand, costs about $13,950 but includes lifetime software upgrades for the cost of shipping only.

I really like the EZ keys program. It reminds me of predictive text on cell phones, which is very helpful with making typing quicker. The joystick is also helpful to Glenda rather than having to use a mouse. Glenda can control the joystick a lot more easily, since she primarily types using only one finger. It would be very hard for her to operate a mouse. The laser operated keyboard would probably be a more useful assistive technology for Glenda if she wanted to type faster, though she seems content with using her left thumb and the joystick. She doesn’t seem to have cerebral palsy too severely though since she is still able to operate a keyboard with her left hand (mainly her thumb).
 * Response to Alyssa Warfield by Diana Dadey:**

media type="youtube" key="JlTzV1tif6E" height="295" width="480" This video features Shane McKnight, a 14 year-old student with a learning disability at Lockville Academy. Shane's learning disability affects his reading ability, and through the use of Bookshare.org and the use of the Kurzweil 3000 software that converts text to speech, he has been able to better develop his reading abilities through using this program. He states that his grades have gone up tremendously because the technology adapts to him and his reading abilities. Shane is able to use Bookshare to easy follow the words, as they are being read to him, as each line is highlighted in yellow with each word being read highlighted in green. The program is very versatile, as Shane is able to read books from mutiple classes, including novels on The Civil War. He also had a very easy time using the program and adjusting the settings that worked best for him, meaning that this is a program that can be easily used in the home as well. Bookshare can be applicable to any student who needs assistance in reading, even if the student does not have a disability.**
 * Dan Aiello's Post: Bookshare.org Member Shane McKnight


 * Response to Dan Aiello from Angela Bealer:** I think Bookshare is a great assistive learning device. As a child that had trouble reading and learning from reading I think it is wonderful that Shane has such a wonderful technology at his disposal. It was great to see the way that bookshare has improved his abilities and his grades. It makes him interested in english, that he wants to read and participate in class. It is truly a wonderful technology for kids anyone that struggles with reading and english.

[|**http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_ctzqEU73s**] **"Embedding feature disabled by request"** Post by Nicole Olivieri: IntegraMouse This video shows a man, Marcus, who was paralyzed after a car accident. He can not use most of his body except for above the neck. For those that are paralyzed, especially those who have no movement except for above the neck, the IntegraMouse is the perfect assistive technology. Instead of using a normal computer mouse, those with certain disabilities can use IntegraMouse with just movements of the lips and sips and puffs. It is just like using any normal computer mouse; however, instead of moving it with your hands, you move the mouthpiece with lip movements (side to side, up and down) to move the cursor on a computer screen. As for the sips and puffs, these account for the clicking of the right and left buttons on a mouse. With this technology, those who could not normally use a computer have a full range of capabitilities to do anything someone without a disability could do on a computer. It is simple enough that it does not take much training, or even strength, to get it to work. This tool allows those who are paralyzed to stay in touch with others they normally might not be able to (since they can not just pick up a phone and dial the number for their friends) and feel more of a sense of independence.

media type="youtube" key="5AwpWclyjYo" height="344" width="425" Gen wright's video summary This video is about a little boy who has been diagnosed with autism when he was two years old and he was no longer able to speak. He is now eleven years old student who lives in Phoenix Arizona. Him and his families worked with all of the therapies that were available in the school system. But then learned a few years later that he also has appraxia, which is a planning issue that makes it really difficult when you are trying to communicate. He used to get very upset and would get physical and sometimes do things such as hit himself out of frustration. It was really painful for the parents and teachers because Slade was not able to tell them what he wanted, and watch him get very frustrated for a while. When they discovered the DynaVox he was finally able to say what he wanted and needed. The device works by allowing the child to type letters and pick words and then a voice repeats them to the people around allowing the person to communicate. They are able to communicate in the classroom, make decisions about in the lunch room, and talk to their friends. They are also able to communicate better at home and out in the real world. For Slade and his family it was a very rewarding expirence to have his mom be able to finally understand him and they can make jokes together and be able to laugh. Thanks to the DynaVox his mom and teachers are now able to see what Slade would like to do, hear, say, and even eat. To Slades mom "there is nothing more important that can be said about the power of that speach!" Slade uses the DynaVox MT4.