11AM+Spring+2010


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Scribe Pen-Courtney Benoit I found the Scribe Pen fascinating. The fact that it can but merely placed on the paper of a special notebook and speak the words aloud is amazing to me. What freedom this allows those students or people that can benefit from it. They may need to use it for only a little while, or forever. But whatever the circumstance, it certainly provides a great deal of freedom for the user. It can be utilized by students of all ages and for all subjects. I think that both the notebook and the pen working together in unison are a great "team" to assist the student and provide him or her with a great deal of autonomy. I also like the portability factor as well. I think this is very convenient for anyone using this product. A person can utilize this at anytime or location. This is so important for students' self esteem.

The Scribe Pen has practical everyday uses as well outside of the classroom. This tool can also be helpful in everyday life for making lists, or jotting down notes. Another instance where it could prove useful and provide a creative outlet would be if someone with some sort of learning disability or physical disability wanted to journal or write a book. I think this is a wonderful and exciting invention that can open the door to many opportunities!**

I think this is wonderful to have a device that can translate dictation into readable notes so that students can study for exams and learn the material quicker and easier. This video caught my attention, having a best friend who needed someone to scribe for her when she was in college a few years ago. She had to have surgery and was unable to use her right hand or arm for anything and was trying to learn how to write with her left hand. This could even save students the trouble of relearning how to write, if there is a device that can take dictated notes and transcribe them into written words for the student. The process of learning how to write can be frustrating if you have to relearn everything. i feel that teachers need to make their classrooms as easy for all students to be able to succeed in it as possible.
 * Response by Jonathan Thomas**

Response by Megan E. Bausinger I think this is a great tool that even I myself would love to have. My immediate thought in how it could aide students with special needs would be students who simply may have a learning disability, a developmental disability, or ADD, or ADHD. The ability to go back and listen to you notes is so valuable a tool. Students who may have trouble keeping up in lecture or simply remembering what has been said could really benifit from this assistive technology.

Response by Amelia Lingford I agree that this is a wonderful tool to have and to use. Just the simple fact that they can use this scribe pen to write down anything they need to whether is be notes or reminders and every day writing and it will read it to you. This could help alot of students study better or anything else to make their life a little more easier for themselves. This will also help alot with students writing and listening skills. This is something I would want in my classroom as a teacher so that I can do anything possible to make my students life a little bit more easier for them and I really think this device could help so many students succeed.

Response by Ashley Edmondson This tool is extremely helpful if a student is struggling in school especially with a developmental disability or others. It's important to have tools like this in classrooms for students to be able to take part in class and for them to be able to participate in every lesson and succeed in school and life!

Response by Chelsea Spence- This technology again is a wonderful too to help children with disabilities. The idea that they can use this pen to write down whatever they need for school it reads it back to them is wonderful. The idea that this helps students who have lost use of one of their arms is incredible. Assistive technology is so amazing and this project has really opened up my eyes to what technology is out there to help students with disabilities.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices- Kayla Good media type="youtube" key="Eb_URYj_L_k" height="385" width="480" Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices are becoming more and more well known. There are many different devices to choose from which can accommodate the specific needs of the individual. Some devices can be operated by switches, pointers, etc. These communicators allow the individual to translate his or her thoughts into words and sentences. The devices can generate sentences on screens or speak directly the words the individual wishes to get express. For people who would otherwise be non-communicative, these devices are life-changing. The invention of these devices allows individuals with disabilities to take an active part in their education and social life. ACC Devices have the power to make connections between people, their thoughts, and their dreams and goals. As teachers it is our duty to help all children know and work toward their true potential. If an Augmentative or Alternative Communication Device can help us satisfy this duty, it should be part of a field of knowledge with which we become very familiar. I really enjoyed watching this video. Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices or AAC’s have really made an enormous impact on the lives of many people. Not only is it allowing the person to express what they are thinking but, it also benefits the people who are around those people. They now will be able to understand what that person is trying to communicate. I could not imagine being able to hear everything around me but not be able to respond with my emotions or thoughts on the subject. I am very happy to know that these are very accessible and affordable to the people that need them. It would be very difficult to only have the option of asking or answering yes or no questions. This really allows the consumer an opportunity to feel independence. Finally, this device encourages social interaction and encourages education for that person. How wonderful.
 * Kayla Good-Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices**
 * Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device Response- Courtney Haldeman**

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device Response - Anna Rux  I liked how the video started out with getting personal with the audience in order for them to understand the struggle others have with communicating. I thought that it was empowering that these devices influence encouragement for those who use these devices. It’s nice that the devices are affordable in order to get these individuals the interventions that they need in order to succeed. The progress that these individuals display is so profound. It’s nice to see that they are becoming independent rather than dependent.

Katherine Morales DynaVox is a type of augmentative and assistive communication (AAC). This video specifically addresses a student with autism, however, DynaVox can support other disabilities like down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Timmy Swindale has difficulty pronouncing words because he has apraxia of speech, which affects the brain’s ability to allow the movement of body parts directly associated with speech, like the tongue and jaw. The assistive technology used in this video helps Timmy Swindale cope with his motor speech disorder by allowing him to communicate effectively with others, especially face-to-face interactions. He was originally in life skills, and with the assistance of the DynaVox is now in a gifted math program. DynaVox has a touch screen and is very flexible in being able to adapt to individual needs. For example, if the user can’t read or see then the device can be set to read options aloud. Timmy is able to use the touch screen of the portable DynaVox to input what he wants to communicate to someone.

Response Megan E. Bausinger I really enjoyed this video. I think what is key is that without the assistive technology Timmy's family as well as educators would have never known all that this child was capable of. Timmy has high skills in many academic areas and yet he was originally in life skills simply becasue he did not have the means to express himself, which is dishearteneing to think about. I like the comment made by Timmy's fathe where he encourages parents to find a medium to use to communicate with their child with autism no matter what it may be, there is something out there that will work for every child. This is the hope and the truth that people should carry with them, ecspecially with all of the technology that is available today.

Response by Melissa Hollawell This video was very encouraging. It was great to see how well he was able to communicate with the ACC device. It seems to have a great impact on his ability to have effective communication. He’s a very smart boy! I really enjoyed seeing how involved Timmy's parents were with his schooling and with keeping him encouraged daily. It's very important that every individual, not only those with special needs, receive encouragement and uplifting words on a daily basis.

DynaVox Response - Anna Rux It’s amazing how much an assistive technology can change a child’s life. I thought that it was awesome that Timmy was able through the help of this technology to be in the gifted program at his school. All of the dreams his parents have for him as he gets older seem like they are really going to happen thanks to this assistive technology. It’s nice that Timmy can use the DynaVox device to communicate with others in order to succeed in all aspects of his life. Timmy isn’t letting a disability hold him back.

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I chose this video because I feel that students with dyslexia are certainly very capable of meeting their educational and life goals given the proper assistance and support through teachers, family, and technology. It was interesting to hear the roots of this type of technology. This device can be used at school, in the community and at home. The device takes a picture of words etc. and then reads it back to the student outloud. One student in the video talked about using it for for homework, but it can also be utilized in the classroom. The teacher in the video mentioned that it is easy and simple to use, which is an added benefit. One student mentioned helping his "Nan" because she has difficulty reading. This made me think about just how far reaching this device can be. Although there are drawbacks such as cost and that it requires a steady hand, I would think the benefits of this device are still well worth the expense. As the name suggests, the device is small enough to be mobile. The fact that a child can transport it everywhere is awesome. This allows the student's world to open up even more. You could tell from the students' voices on the video, they were happy with the ability of this device to help them “navigate” day to day life, and also enjoyed sharing it with others.
 * Betsy Stein-Hoffmaster -"Capturatalk Mobile Dyslexia Solution'**

Response to Capturatalk by Chris Neidermyer: I really liked this movie for several reasons. First, I find it fascinating that they are using spy technology to help kids read. That is great. I also liked this movie because this is a very pratical way to help kids with dyslexia. I am amazed at the fact that you can take a picture and it will read the words back to you. I think this will be very effective in helping kids read because they can pick the material. Some books on tape depend on the materials that the teacher has purchased, however, with this gadget a student can read anything they want. Great video.

Response to Capturatalk by Brittany Plummer This video is very interesting. It's great that something that was used in earlier days to get information against each other has now been adapted to help people with dyslexia. It's great that it is easily transportable too. I would love for them to figure out a way to make the product a little cheaper so that more people could have the opportunity to use the device.

Response to Capturatalk by Emily Kershner I love that this device is small enough to be taken anywhere. I’d like to think that the device might even begin to foster a love of reading in children who’ve been frustrated in the past by how difficult it was to get through a single sentence. It was very interesting when one boy in the video said that he uses his Capturatalk to help his grandmother, whose eyesight is failing. This reminded me of my own grandmother and her love of reading, which was brought to an end by poor eyesight. This device could help people of all ages, and I think it’s a great idea.

Response by Chelsea Spence- I agree with what Betsy had to say about children with dyslexia being able to be very successful in school and out of school. I liked this video a lot because the technology is advanced but yet it is being used to help kids read. Reading is such a challenge for dyslexic student and it can be frustrating when everyone has to read to them but this technology has allowed them to be independent but still be able to function. This gives the students a sense of autonomy.

**Response to Capturetalk by Katherine Morales**
 * I thought it was very exciting to see technology advancing in directions. To know that spies once used this technology and now dyslexic students and generally those who can’t read can benefit from it and make reading possible is an amazing accomplishment. It was very neat that a dyslexic student could even help his grandmother read. The device is small and easy to use for the convenience of everyone.**

Response to Capturatalk Mobile Dyslexia Solution by Ashley Edmondson

I found this device extremely interesting. Not only was it used for spies but it can students who have many types of disabilities. I found it inspirational that Timmy was able to be in general education classrooms because of using this device and he is able to learn at normal speeds. Timmy and his family do not let his dyslexia get in the way of his life or his schoolwork and it is amazing what assistive technology can help people do. Reading is a very important thing to accomplish for all people and it is great to see that Timmy can accomplish it along with his peers. The device also seems very easy to carry around actually can be fun to use, especially with being able to take pictures and have it report back to you what the picture is.

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1 Voice: Megan E. Bausinger I chose the below video because it shows the true power that assistive technology can have on the lives of people with disabilities. People who before could not speak are now given a voice and it is wonderful. The part that speaks most loudly to me is the girl who uses her dynavox to say she wants to be spoken to as a teenage girl, not as a person with a disability. This is what technology gives people with diabilities the ability to do, is live as typical a life as possible, which is what most people with disabilities truly want. I chose this clip also becasue I have worked personaly with a young woman with cerebral palsy who used a dynavox as her main means of communication. I saw how greatly her quality of life was improved with her dynavox. She would chat up a storm with teachers and peers alike, I actually had to encourage her to be less vocal. Another student in the class with a similar disability who did not have a dynavox was not nearly as involved in class educationally or socially. Their dynavoxes give the children in the video the hope as well as ability to become anything they want, one child wishes to become a music copmser and with assistive technololgy this dream could become a reality.

media type="youtube" key="w5ZlUnU8Oeo" height="344" width="425" media type="youtube" key="DmDVEvJYQV4" height="344" width="425" icommunicator by:Brittany Plummer

This video is about icommunicator. It is technology created to help deaf or hard-of-hearing people better communicate. It takes words being spoken and converts them into text as well as into the words being signed. It is real time so that it makes it easier to follow along and also better helps associate the text to the signing. It also has a feature that allows the lectures to be saved and re-listened to whenever. It allows the person to type in responses to be played out of speakers to help people understand them, as well. The video also talks about Morgan Greene, who is a high school student that uses the icommunicator regularly. He says that he feels it gives him more independence and comprehension. It also helps him with improving his speech. He feels that with the help of the icommunicator he can set higher goals for himself. Instead of going to school to become a mechanic he can go to become a computer programmer and work in the computer field. He said that it has given him a lot more chances. Response to icommunicator by Chris Neidermyer: This is an amazing piece of technology. I want to know how it translates what is being said to sign language in real time. That is amazing. Also, this is another effective tool because the teacher can just put on the headset and the icommunicator does the work. That is important because it really cuts down on the time the teacher spends making he/she is communicating effectively because the icommunicator is doing it. Therefore, a teacher would not have to have special skills, they would just have to be able to talk. I really like that idea. Overall, I think this is a great piece of technology that will greatly increase student's learning.

WOW! This is so neat. I kept thinking of all the potential opportunities that are "opened up" for those individuals with hearing impairments. It appears as though they can take this device with them everywhere. It also seems pretty easy to use. The speaker can put the head phone device on and interact with the individual while the individual's device appears to be pretty straight forward as well. I think the fact that individuals can be more engaged in their environment is awesome. Not only does this help with academics, but also allows inclusion in medical appointments, church, socialization with others, and the workplace to name a few. I agree with Chris N., icommunicator certainly would make the classroom teacher, and anyone else interactiing with the individual feel more confident about the information that is being relayed because no special skills are needed.
 * Response to icommunicator by Betsy Stein-Hoffmaster**-

Learning Through Listening in your Classroom: By Chris Neidermyer This is a great video. RFB&D has a great selection of audio books. The books are on cd, so it makes it easy to find your place in the book and/or bookmark your spot. This is a great idea for students who have reading disabilities or have dyslexia. In this video it explains that these audio books help boost self-esteem because students can follow along with their peers. These books enable students to read (listen) to books that they otherwise wouldn't be able to read. For struggling readers this is a great way to encourage readers because they can follow along. Also, RFB&D has software that makes interacting with the books easy. Not only is this great for struggling readers but it is a great tool for teachers to utilize. It helps teachers read to a bunch of students at once. Also, according to research it is an effective tool to help students with print disabilities. Overall, this is a great way to reach struggling readers.
 * Response to Chris Neidermyer’s video – by Sharon Fitzgerald-Roche**

This technology looks very relevant in today’s classroom. I like the fact that it there is documented research-based evidence for positive results. Several of the teachers testified to the ease, flexibility and effectiveness in the video. There is a school and home-based component, so it would be very effective for partnering with families (assuming the cost would not be prohibitive). There are many root causes for struggles with reading, and it appears that this technology would be effective for the majority of them.

Leslie Allen media type="youtube" key="RO6dc7QSQb4" height="405" width="500" I found this video very helpful because it really showed the struggles that a child with autism has to go through every day and how much technology has changed the way they are able to live. I have always found AAC devices to be a rather neat technology- it helps those who are unable to communicate communicate with people through a machine that talks for them. It makes basic living skills for these children much more manageable than if they did not have the technology. I also think having an AAC would allow students to be able to sit in on general education classes instead of being restricted to a special needs classroom. Other tools mentioned in this video were using computer programs, using pictures to help study and grasp new concepts, and using tiles to show what tasks the child has completed throughout the day.

Kerri Ward- I enjoyed watching this video. I think the device used in this video is great! When the child is hungry, thirsty or anything else, he/she hits a button and relays the request. This is very convenient for the caretakers.

Response by Melissa Hollawell This device used in this video seems to be very effective for students with autism. Individuals with autism, since they are more visual learners as opposed to audio learners, this device is very beneficial. Simply with the touch of a button he/she can express how they are feeling, what they want to do, or what they need. Another important aspect is to make sure there are opportunities for the child to feel accomplished. By creating a “finished” box after a task is completed the child then has the sense of accomplishment and of success.

Response: Erin McDonough I really like this form of assistive technology. The fact that it really targets people with autism and their needs is really great. I think that all of the benefits and rewards that this form of technology will give the child will really help to enhance their lives. They are able to access just about anything they need. I think that this is going to be very beneficial.

Response to //Using Visuals to Teach Autistic Children// by Katherine Morales This video is wonderful. It tells us what autistic children have trouble with and the proper environment and way in which they can succeed. They have trouble with spoken words and they do best with visuals. The device used at the dinner table to convey messages such as “I want something to eat” and “I’m done” by the pressing of a button eliminates any frustration that an autistic child might have about eating and letting others know what they want. Keeping in mind that autistic children are “visual” learners will help others more easily interact and understand autistic children and allow the child to participate in a normal environment. This video definitely taught me something new!

Response: Kristy Rankin This video covers a range of assistive technologies that can be helpful for children with autism. All of the technologies have one thing in common, they utilize visual images to help communicate everyday tasks and objects. This is important because many children with autism are visual learners so this technology really plays to their strengths. I think this video also well demonstrates the concept that an assistive technology can be anything that helps an individual perform a task more effective. So something as simple as a laminated flash card with a pictoral image and corresponding word still qualifies as an assistive technology. I think this is important for us to understand as future teachers. When assessing a student, don't automatically go for the technology with the most bells and whistles, but instead strive to find assistive devices that truly enhance your students lives without doing everything for them.

media type="youtube" key="HXchQnJ6PoE" height="385" width="480" Assistive Technologies By: Courtney Haldeman I really liked this video because it covered multiple Assistive Technologies that can be used in the classroom. It also showed video of people using the devices. Even though this video is rather short, I really learned a lot in the short amount of time it played. This video was also very interesting and enjoyable to watch. They had devices for people with visually impairments, developmental/physical challenges and deaf and hard of hearing. For people with visual impairments, the video introduced the Screen Reader, Closed Circuit Magnification, and Braille Translation Device. Teachers need to be careful with these devices. Some students may need more than one to be successful. The first two devices are designed to help the person (through words or enlargement) figure out what is on the screen. The third is receiving the information through a different medium. For people with developmental/physical challenges, the video introduced the Adaptive Keyboard, Alternate Communication Devices and Adaptive Student Desks. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, a Personal Amplification Device, Audio/Visual Communication Devices or Voice to Text Translation Devices could be used as assistive technologies. These assistive technologies could be used in a variety of different classroom environments. There are a lot of accommodations and modifications that can be used to help your students succeed in the classroom setting.

I really like the video and your description because it really does what you say and covers a variety of devices one can use for a variety of disabilities and other purposes. It allows students to succeed who need to see the written text, those with hearing problems, etc. I think that as teachers, we need to look into the various things that are avialable to us to get through to children who have disabilities.
 * Response by Jonathan Thomas**

Response by Brittany Plummer I agree that this video is nice because it gives a wide variety of different divices that can be used for different imparments or disabilities. The one I found most interesting, however, is the technology of the computers and braille printer for blind people because I have never seen anything remotely like that. It's great to think that everyone can keep up with technology and that technology can improve to better help people adapt and get along no matter what problems they may have.

Response by April Weber: I also though the Braille component was incredible. Any thing that can help someone with limiting vocal and speech skill to communicate is highly important and this technology should de readily available in schools.

Michelle McLain - Response to Assistive Technologies video from Courtney Haldeman This video was very informative to me since I have only had one class dealing with Special Education and that did not include any assistive technology. Although this video did not include specific brands, it was very informative about what kinds of assistive technology are available and for whom and for what purpose they can be implemented. I watched it several times in order to understand and to experience each type of AT that was mentioned. What a great introduction to AT and its use in an effort to make education and communication available to all!

Dynavox Video by Jonathan Thomas Posted 11 am March 16 media type="custom" key="5636385"

This video I found on TeacherTube shows how a Dynavox speller is used as a form of assistive technology device to help students with disabilities in a spelling test or quiz. In this example, Adrienne is using it to help him be successful on his spelling test. It is a type of minicomputer that is shaped with large boxes with the letters of the alphabet on them.The teacher goes over the spelling words one by one with the student. the student then enters the correct letters on the touch screen computer and when he or she has entered all of the letters of the word the teacher pronounced, the student then hits a green enter key and the computer will give out the response of yes or no. This device is wonderful for working with children who have a cognitive disability like cerebral pulsy that cannot write words using traditional pen and paper. The dynavox can be used with anyone who has a speech language or physical disabilties.

Children can choose between 77 diffferent types of graphics and fonts to use.It is also used to communicate to the teacher or other students what the user needs or wants. It also has a feature to help children learn vocabulary words through the use of visual media. Another positive feature of the dynavox is that is compatible with both Windows and macintosh software. You can connect the dynavox to your home computer or television through a standard PC cable wire. In the classroom it allows teachers to have better access to students who have special needs. I would even imagine that it could be compatible with smartboards in the classroom enabling disabled children to acess the smartboard from his or her seat. I really enjoyed that this video showed two different people using this device. The first story was so great. It showed how the device helped a student complete his spelling test. He had trouble with his fine motor skills and this device was a wonderful alternative. The enlarged keys would definitely help him succeed with his education. Additionally, the keys were in alphabetical order so, it should be easier to find the keys. This device allowed him to express what he knew in a way he could do it. The only thing I wondered was about the background noise. It was pretty noisy while he was taking his test. I know if I was in that situation, I wouldn’t be as successful as if I had a quiet environment. The second story was about a Pennsylvania girl with Cerebral Palsy. It was very inspiring! She was in college and this device allowed her to compose music. This device really just allows people to be understood.
 * Dynavox Video Response- Courtney Haldeman**

I found this video very interesting. You would think someone who has problems with gross motor skills would have a hard time using this machine, but it showed a student who had problems with FINE motor skills as well. I think this is a great device to train students how to use, he was even tested using it! It reminds me of the video I posted. AAC devices are great inventions.
 * Leslie Allen**

**DynaVox Video Response– Emily Kershner** I would imagine that this device would be very helpful for children with many different disabilities. It’s great that it was able to help the first boy in the video, who had all of the mental capabilities to take a spelling test, but was simply unable to hold a pencil and write the answers on a piece of paper. Also, I was amazed that the DynaVox could make it possible for Sarah to compose music and sing! It’s wonderful when assistive technology can help people learn, but it’s just as wonderful when it can help people do what they love.

Response-Amelia Lingford I think that this device is a great tool to help students with disabilities work on spelling and help them take the tests without having to use pen and paper si​nce it could be much harder for them. This device looks like it would make everything a lot easier ​for them. I also like the fact that they can choose different fonts and or graphics to use to accommodate them better so they have a better chance at learning new vocabulary. Also the fact that you can hook it up to the computer or TV and you can also communicate between teachers and students. All of these things are very crucial to learning and it can only benefit the students.

Theresa Fitti media type="youtube" key="iz8bM1l_EPo" height="385" width="480" I saw this product used in a CSI show the other evening, and I thought it would be a wonderful technology to incorporate into the classroom and home for students with mobility difficulties. A brand of the product is called EyeTech Ergonomic Computer, but it simply is computing using one’s eyes and voice. Movement of the mouse can be done using one’s eyes and their movement and blinking. A voice recognition program allows for easy “typing” and document features, like return, tab, question mark, and more. Other program features can also bring up a keyboard on the screen and typing can be conducted using one’s eyes. That way, if one’s speech is also limited, they can still type. There are several videos on these types of products, but this video demonstrates how it is used. Anyone can use this product, even a child and student. It is especially useful for individuals who have limited mobility and use of their upper extremities. Students will benefit from using eye control when writing papers, doing research, and emailing both in and outside of school.

This device is UNREAL! Really, I didn't think it would be something that you can actually use. This would be great for someone who has no movement from the neck down. This is an advanced piece of equipment and I hope it becomes widely available in classrooms.
 * Leslie Allen**

Eye Tech Ergonomic Computer Response- Kayla Good I was quite amazed by this form of assistive technology. At the blink of an eye, literally, an individual with a disability which limits the movement of his hands can still remain connected to the internet, emails, word processing, etc. This would be especially useful in a classroom because the student could dictate his papers without requiring an aide to take dictation. This form of assistive technology would allow the student to take ownership of his ideas and expressions; a quality many people take for granted.

Communication Aids and Assistive Technologies - Alyssa McQuitty media type="youtube" key="fAdEOXD9Tvk" height="385" width="480"

media type="youtube" key="afKfSPvYQ3M" height="385" width="640" **S.W.I.T.C.H See What I Totally Can Handle! Chelsea Spence** I chose this video because I liked how it displayed assistive technology not just purely for academic reasons but for the expressive arts so that kids can get a chance to participate in fun activities that their disability would normally not allow them to take part in. Dr. Laz, who created S.W.I.T.C.H, is a part of a special needs expressive arts program. The students targeted for these devices are children with down-syndrome, involved autism, cerebral palsy, physical and cognitive challenges. Many of the children are non-verbal and most of them use wheelchairs for mobility. Dr. Laz uses the assistive technology to get the children participating in talent shows and his musical expression class. The switches basically stick true to their name. They are switches that when hit control all sorts of different parts of the musical show. The switches are often placed behind the students head so to activate the switch the student has to roll their head to the side. Another common place for the switch to be placed is between the knees so the student has to rock their knee back and forth to trigger the switch. The switch controls things such as the lighting, slideshows, percussion effects, drumming effects, and sound effects. There is even a switch that they call ‘step by step’ that allows the students who are non-verbal to be the MC or sing for the talent show. Each time they activate the switch it introduces the next act or sings a song. These switches teach the students cause and effect because they learn that once they hit the switch something will go off. But most importantly, it gives students with severe physical and cognitive challenges the chance to participate and work as a group to create something wonderful. Assistive technology has given even the most physically and cognitively impaired students the opportunity to create their own talent show and to participate in ordinary activities that they normally wouldn’t be able to take part in.

Kerri Ward media type="youtube" key="GT2pJrArbWs" height="385" width="480" Kerri Ward This video has several tools used to help teach students with special needs. Higher functioning students, who can hear and comprehend things, but can’t relay this to others, could use items like text speak. When you press the buttons, students can form sentences stating something they want or express their feelings. Next, the students are taught sign language as other forms of communication to use. A partner form is used for lower functioning students. It says yes, no, thank you, and I’m all done. This tool aids students in basic tasks each day. Also, a seven level communicator has various screens. This can be used to help tell a story. Students press the picture and it clearly retells the story. A step by step communicator is used to help social skills and build students conversations with others. It answers questions like the day of the week, the date, and many other questions. Lastly, the big mac switch is used to teach language skills and teach cause-effect. All of these assistive technology items to be helpful is only basic everyday learning tasks. I don’t think they are high tech enough for higher level learning. For younger students, these items seem perfect and could be effectively used.

Response: Erin McDonough This form of assistive technology seems really great. The fact that it targets both higher and lower functioning students is really great. It shows that people are concerned with many different disabilities. All types of students are able to use this form of technology and it will help them communicate with the student. If I were a teacher, I would be very appreciative of this form of technology because the student with the disability will be able to communicate with me as well as other students.

**Response to Kerri Ward’s video “Assistive Technology”** I was able to observe something similar to first piece of technology shown in this video. It was a tool that functioned like Text Speak and was used in a life skills classroom. It gave children who could not verbally express themselves an opportunity to tell those around them what they wanted or needed. Although some of the children were unable to speak, they still had alot to say. I think having tools like this available for disabled students in a classroom is an excellent way to enhance learning and provide them with a chance to communicate with others.
 * by Ann Mathiot**

Sharon Fitzgerald-Rochemedia type="youtube" key="XbTzbD8HwW0" height="344" width="425" by Sharon Fitzgerald-Roche
 * __Alpha Smart for Graphomotor disorders and other learning disabilities:__**

The Alpha Smart is a very small, lightweight word-processing device that is used to assist students with fine motor dysgraphia, or other learning disabilities that prevent the student from demonstrating written knowledge. It is usually indicated for young children, and is housed in a sturdy frame with very long-lasting batteries.

The embedded video is pretty comprehensive and balanced in its review. Overall the tool seems quite effective, although I would suggest that its memory be upgraded (100 pages is paltry compared to today’s MP3 standards)!

I was interested in learning about this technology since it was recommended for my son several years ago. He had a fine motor delay that was causing him great frustration. The doctor’s recommendation was to pair this therapy with exercises to allow him to improve while also displaying proficient work to keep his confidence up. The district responded as quoted in the Edyburn article; if he were allowed to use a “computer-like” device then other students would perceive it to be unfair (Edyburn, 26)..

There is a happy ending. They did allow him to submit homework in typewritten form, and we initiated the motor exercises with a vengeance. We changed districts and lived happily ever after. And I will soon be a teacher who advocates for assistive technology.

I liked this video because it really went into not only how it works but the features, advantages, and disadvantages. Sharon, thank you for sharing your personal experience with this technology including the feedback from your previous school district - interesting to say the least. Maybe now that more students in general are using computers to submit written work and projects, students with fine motor delays will not only be able to use this technology to complete ALL work but also feel like they are doing the same thing as other students just with a different device i.e. Alpha Smart vs. regular PC. Lastly, i liked the dialogue between the two cartoon girl characters re: use of the Alpha Smart. I can imagine that conversation occuring between students. media type="youtube" key="glCSAvGpHsU" height="340" width="560" Melissa Hollawell This video introduces and shows a child with autism using an (AAC) augmentative and assistive communication device called Proloquo2Go. What I found most fascinating is that Proloquo2Go is something that is accessed via the iPhone or iPod touch. Being that most kids are familiar with up and coming technology, I found it fitting that Gilles, the boy in the video, was very well adept when it came to using Proloquo2Go. It acts as a communication solution for people who have difficulty speaking. It includes natural sounding text-to-speech voices, up-to-date symbols, and a vocabulary of over 700 items. Proloquo2Go also includes word based construction and common phrases that may be used when answering a simple question. After watching this video it was very clear to me that this piece of assistive technology was very helpful to Gilles and made him much more comfortable. His teacher was able to prompt him, and with that simple prompt he was able to respond in the best way he saw fit. It was inspiring to see him get so excited to use the device to play a learning game. That was probably the best part of the video clip.
 * Response to Alpha Smart by Betsy Stein-Hoffmaster**

Proloquo2Go Response-Courtney Benoit

I thought the implementation of the iPod or iPhone was extremely appropriate for today's society. All children are familiar with this technology. With that in mind, it makes the Proloquo2Go extremely appealing to children. Gilles really seemed to be enjoying himself and the technology was easy to use and the teaching seemed to be having a good time as well. So Gilles was learning and he and his teacher were also working on interpersonal skills which are also very important with autistic children in particular. So many things are difficult for children with learning challenges, it is nice to see that people are finding ways to use current technology in a fun and educational way.

Proloquo2Go- Kerri Ward This video is really interesting! Technology today keeps getting more and more high tech. Children are learning to use technology at earlier ages in today's society. I like the fact that this program can be accessed on the iPhone or iPod touch. Children would absolutely be interested in this! The fact that the iPhone and iPod can make a child's life easier and be used educationally is highly appealing.

Proloquo2Go response: Theresa Fitti This application is awesome! I can just imagine a teenager who is mute having the iPhone and downloading this app, and suddenly they have a voice that fits in the palm of their hand. There is no speaking device or book or pictures, it is all on a cell phone, so no one would think anything different of the individual walking around carrying one. I actually searched for assistive devices that were within phones briefly but was unable to find one, but good for Melissa! I am thinking that this is probably one of the first adaptive technology apps that the iPhone developed, but there must be more that are being thought of or created as we speak. Soon maybe there will be enough apps that people with many different disabilities will simply need an iPhone to hold all the equipment they need. It will literally be at their fingertips.

Proloquo2Go- Shane Kishel The coolest thing about this video is the child’s expression when they are getting the game ready to play. He looks at it and goes WOW. I think this type of device is great for any individual that may have a hard time communicating with society. Learning about all of this type of technology is great for us teachers who will be prepared to help our students succeed at the highest level.

media type="youtube" key="WmcUsd-eZ0Q" height="385" width="480"April Weber I choose this video because I have worked with individuals with vision impairments and I can see ZoomText being beneficial to just about all of them. This assistive technology does more than simply enhancing the size of the text and icons on a computer. One can adjust many of the features, including the color of the screen, the type of mouse pointer and so on to accommodate the various needs and preferences of the user. One of the features includes a voice synthesizer which is a big selling point in my opinion. In the comments on YouTube, below the video, many people were turned off by the high cost of $600. But in the long run, for students with vision disabilities, $600 a school spends on this technology could mean the difference between success and failure in the education system.

Response to Zoom Text-Courtney Benoit I really enjoyed learning about this technology. I thought it was amazing before I learned about the voice enhancement aspect. The ways that the colors and size of the font can be so helpful as the instructor pointed out. The addition of the voice enhancement added another dimension that sent the technology over the top in my opinion. The voice enhancement reinforces what is being typed and helps with memory and reassures the student that what they are writing is exactly what they want to say. I don't think you can really put a price tag on something like that. media type="youtube" key="TuhT6TVQuk8" height="385" width="480" Amelia Lingford In this video Rhonda talks about all of the assisstive technology that she uses everyday to function. She uses a walker rolater to walk and she uses a neater eater to eat. Rhonda has Cerebral Palsy and without these things Rhonda would not be able to function. She has very bad hand control therefore she can not hold things or even feed herself. They talk about how effective the asstivie technology is to people with impairments and Rhonda says that it is good if it works. She feels that if it is broken then there is no point to them because they are no good but if they are not broke then the assitive technology is more effect to people with impairments. Rhonda also states how if she got a new communicator and she can't even use it because it doesn't have a keygaurd on it and they ordered one when they got it and it still has not arrived yet. This shows you how much time and effort goes into getting assitive technology for people with impairments. It also shows you how hard it is to get the necessary equipment for individuals that these people need. The neater eater that Rhonda uses to feed herself is a plate with an arm attached to it which that arm has a spoon attached to it and all Rhonda has to do is move the arm up or down to somewhat feed herself. The one time Rhondas neater eater broke and she said that she had to get someone else to feed her that day and that she would rather have the neater eater than have someone else feed her.


 * Response to Amelia Lingford’s Video: Rhonda – Assistive Technology By Danette Witmer**

I enjoyed this video very much due to the different forms of technology that it portrays. Also, as I listen to Rhonda speak in the video, I am delighted to learn that she enjoys using different forms of assistive technology because it makes her independent in the classroom. I enjoyed observing how the “Neater Eater” works, along with watching the clips that demonstrate how Rhonda successfully feeds herself with this device. If Rhonda would have to accomplish a task without the help of assistive technology, she may struggle or become easily frustrated. Assistive Technology has proved to be useful in the classroom, which we hear in personal stories of students’ diagnosed with a disability, such as Rhonda. Through using different forms of technology, Rhonda is able to be independent and successful in order to accomplish her dreams as an individual. I hope her keyboard arrived and is benefiting her in the classroom. Assistive technology is expensive, but worth every penny spent to the individuals who need assistance in the classroom and at home.

Kayla Good Response to Rhonda-Assisted Response The most important thing I took from this video is the idea that assistive technology provides independence for individuals with disabilities. Often we take for granted the daily tasks needed to lead a healthy life which is genuinely connected to world around us; eating, drinking, bathing, etc. For individuals with disabilities who need help completing these tasks, an incredibly personal task becomes public knowledge to someone other than that individual. I think it is safe to say that no one would want that. With the use of assistive technology, some of the need for the help of others is alleviated. In a classroom assistive technology would be a great way to teach students with disabilities to depend more on themselves when possible and less on the assistance of others.

Rhonda-Assisted Response – Shane Kishel I almost chose this video when searching through the internet but saw that it was unfortunately gone by the time I went to put it up. I thought it was very interesting how the girl could function using the assistive technology that she had been using day in and day out. It is very important to make everyone as independent as possible and devices like the spoon is just one more thing that she can accomplish by herself and make her day easier. Assistive technology will hopefully reach higher expectations by the time I am in the classroom and I hope to become more familiar with all of the tools that will help me assist my students in growing and becoming more dependent on themselves.

Technology for high tech writing by:Tiffany Yingling media type="custom" key="5644675" This is a talking word processor with word prediction. This program not only allows the student to type a word document with word prediction for a student with minor learning disabilities, such as trouble spelling or dyslexia; but also offers the student who may have more severe disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, the ability to say what they want to write. I choose this video because I feel that writing is essential to education. Without writing, in today’s world communication would be practically nonexistent. For many people, writing is a form of expression. For students with disabilities writing, in the traditional way with pen and paper, may be very difficult. With the aid of this word processor with word prediction many students with vast levels of disabilities will have a chance to communicate and express themselves.

media type="youtube" key="-8OOYBLvJ7I" height="385" width="480" Danette Witmer : James - Assistive Technology

In this video, we meet a young man named James who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. The result of the disability impacts the use of his hands, which no longer function independently. We all have dreams of what we want to do during out lifetime and for James, that dream is to tell and write stories. James discusses a type of Assistive Technology that has proved to be useful in order for him to successfully complete his writings. As shown in the video, James uses a head set, with a microphone, which records his verbal statements, and then places it or “writes” it onto the computer screen for him. James enjoys the fact that he is able to successfully produce his writings, however, he feels as though the head set, microphone, and computer are doing the work for him, making the stories not his own.

I believe that Assistive Technology is very useful and beneficial in the classroom. It allows for students’ to overcome the limitations of their disability and complete activities’ that would be difficult without assistance. The part of this video that I enjoyed the most was hearing James speak directly about his disability and how Assistive Technology has helped create both a positive and negative influence on his life. James states that Assistive Technology is helpful when it is working and functioning properly. If a device is broken, a student would need to request the assistance of an individual in order to complete the necessary assignments. Students with disabilities’, such as James diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, are appreciative of the development of Assistive Technology where they can complete activities independently in order to achieve their dream in life.

Response by Tiffany Yingling: I really like the idea of this word processor with word prediction, it is, if not the same as, the assistive technology that I found. I feel that it really gives a student the feeling of independence. The only bad thing about it is that like every thing it is not perfect. In my video it shows a word that the program did not recognize a word and it had to by manually typed in.

Response by April Weber I think it is great to see advancements when it comes to cerebral palsy, especially when it comes to helping them communicate. This technology could open a whole new world for the user.

media type="youtube" key="M4lBkdRereE" height="344" width="425" Ann Mathiot - FM Assistive Listening Device In this video, Professor Megan Conway demonstrates how an FM Assistive Listening Device can be used within a classroom to benefit students with hearing impairments or learning disabilities. Many times those who have difficulty hearing or focusing struggle when the person speaking is far away. With this device, a teacher speaks into a small microphone and their voice is transmitted directly into a receiver that is placed on the student. The receiver can be connected to the student’s hearing aid or can also be carried on the student’s body and headphones are worn to pick up the teacher’s voice. The purpose of the FM system is two-fold. It can cut down on background noise that serves as a further distraction to students. The system also allows a student who is hearing impaired or has difficulty focusing to easily and clearly hear a teacher even if they are across the room. I chose this video because I have seen this used before in a classroom with a student who was hearing impaired. Throughout the school day, the teacher wore the microphone around her neck. When she was teaching the class, her voice was transmitted into the student’s hearing aid. He was able to hear clearly what was going on regardless of her location in the room. Before the device was used, the student missed many of the directions given to the class and also had difficulty paying attention during activities. A device like this can improve the entire school experience for a student who is hearing impaired or has a learning disability.

FM Assistive Listening Device response: Theresa Fitti I have seen devices very similar to this that were actually used by teachers in my middle school and high school, but this one is slightly different. The ones that I have seen stay on one person and wraps around their neck. So usually the teacher is the only one wearing the device and whose voice is amplified. I LOVE the idea of passing the device around when other students are talking for I have never thought of that myself! The student cannot hear when their peers speak within the class, so hand them the transmitter and let them talk into that as well! Of course, a teacher or professor does not want to embarrass a student, but I think that the peers in the classroom should understand what it is for and why it is needed. If it is not explained then maybe the student could become embarrassed at times.

Michelle McLain - "Me and My Computer"

media type="custom" key="5651675"

This assistive technology is called Keystrokes. It provides the ability to select the keyboard keys on the screen using the pointer as well as provides word-predictor logic that assists the user with the next word in a sentence or phrase. Both of these features shortens the typing time and effort for the user so that they can more easily create and communicate within their software. I chose this video because I liked how independent this technology made this little girl. It gave her an effective way to communicate with those around her which she very likely would not have had without the technology. I have a 10 year old daughter and a 9 year old daughter and they have a lot to say so, I felt that this assistive technology was a wonderful was to give this little 10-year old girl her voice! Please note that Elina also uses Proloquo (the speech software that reads her sentences aloud) and assistive devices for the mouse pointer and select keys. Elina tells us how much this technology has helped her when she says, “The computer means life to me”.

by Ann Mathiot ** I really like this video because the child using it, Elina, demonstrates to us how it works. I think the video demonstrates just how important a computer can be to a child with a disability like Cerebral Palsy. Elina herself pointed out that the “computer means life” which I think is a powerful statement. Without it, Elina's life both at home and school would not allow her to be as independent. The Keystrokes allows her to complete schoolwork by herself that she otherwise would need one-on-one help to do since she cannot write. Just as Michelle pointed out, it assists Elina in communicating in a unique way that would not be possible without the technology.
 * Response to Michelle McLain’s video “Me and My Computer”

Anna Rux- Kurzweil 3000

media type="youtube" key="SwSwzeBCbq8" height="340" width="560"

Alex is a child with a learning disability. He has been introduced to an assistive technology known as Kurzweil 3000. Alex uses this technology which transforms text into words. Alex is able to read along with text as it is being read to him. He is able to retain the information from the text in order to perform efficiently in the class the following day. The text is highlighted as it is being read to Alex in order for him to follow along with what the voice is saying. Alex uses headsets to better listen to the text, so he can fully focus on what’s at hand. The speech of the program is not automated, it’s like the person reading to Alex is right next to him. Alex’s mother is excited at the fact that he can be more independent when it comes to reading, and also that he can use this same technology when he goes to high school and college. Alex’s grades are so much better thanks to Kurzweil 3000.

Kurzweil 3000 is the comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or those who are English Language Learners ("Kurzweil 3000 -,"). This program allows for schools to reach the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). This assistive offers a great amount of accessibility for students with learning disabilities. This program offers access to any curriculum which means it can access virtually information, whether it is printed, electronic, or on the Web. This technology can be used in any school setting in order to help students with disabilities. Kurzweil 3000 increases reading fluency, study skills, decoding support, and writing and self-editing tools. Students using Kurzweil 3000 are able to independently complete test through the help of this technology. This allows for the students to be more confident and make fewer mistakes when taking a test ("Kurzweil 3000 -,").

//Kurzweil 3000 - solutions for struggling readers //. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx


 * Response to Anna Rux’s Video - Kurzweil 3000 by Danette Witmer**

I enjoyed watching this video due to the fact that it provided the viewer with a descriptive summary about Alex and how his disability affects his learning. The form of assistive technology that Alex utilizes takes written words, found in books, and reads them to him as he follows along with the words on the computer screen. This is an effective approach due to the fact that Alex learns best through verbal and visual cues. Many people can relate to these learning strategies by considering their own preference when it comes to learning subject material. I agree with you Anna, this is an effective form of assistive technology to use in the classroom for students who have been diagnosed with a disability. It is good to see school districts and families using these forms of technology to work effectively with children who have disabilities. I enjoyed the video due to the fact that it was personable, by having Alex inform the viewers of his disability and how assistive technology has helped him. I also really admired this technology. There are so many students that struggle with reading in our schools today for a myriad of reasons. This technology is indicated for all of them, and can even extend into college to help the student succeed. Since Alex feels good about his grade improvement (what a great smile), it colors his whole outlook on school
 * Response to Anna Rux’s video – by Sharon Fitzgerald-Roche**

media type="youtube" key="zZ5CkpgVQJ4" height="344" width="425" Ashley Edmondson- Assistive Technology The video “Assistive Technology-Enabling Dreams” focuses a lot on computers but on other assistive technologies as well. A professional that was interviewed during the video states that assistive technologies are not implemented enough in classrooms today because teachers, parents, and other professionals are not educated enough about them. I feel that assistive technologies are starting to appear more and more in classrooms around the world because everyone deserves an equal education. Susanna Sweeney-Martini who is a student at University of Washington has cerebral palsy and was interviewed for the video and explains that she would not exist today as she is without assistive technology. Susanna is a sophomore at the university and uses a laptop for homework and a wheel chair for transportation. Susanna also uses a voice activated program to help her complete her work. Susanna does state that in high school assistive technology was not implemented very well and she had a hard time being involved with school work and activities. The video gives valid and useful information about assistive technology and how valuable it is for students with disabilities.

Response by Kristy Rankin I love this video because it represents to me what assistive technology is all about. Susanna is able to live a “typical” college life thanks to assistive technology, including her laptop, electric wheelchair, and her voice activated dictation system. Now, the challenge is to make these technologies accessible to all who need them. Many primary and secondary schools lack the know-how, finances, and teacher man power to provide the kind of assistive technologies students really need.

.media type="youtube" key="g_T96uOi2l4" height="385" width="480". Simon: Assistive Technology Simon is a person who uses assistive technology. He needs an aide 24 hours of the day. It is hard for people to understand his speech, which is where the assistive technology comes in to play. He uses his computer to communicate, go on the internet, email, and listen to music. Along with these things, he is able to use his assistive technology to write sermons because he is a preacher. It also acts as a wheelchair so Simon is able to get around on his own. With assisted technology, Simon is able to perform everyday activities as well as do the things he loves to do. If it weren’t for assistive technology, he would not be able to communicate or to preach his sermons to his church. For Simon, assistive technology really helps him in so many ways. <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g_T96uOi2l4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowscriptaccess " value="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g_T96uOi2l4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385">

Emily Kershner: Wannie's Liberator

media type="youtube" key="SnrjVrCwKOk" height="385" width="480" <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;">This video tells the story of Anna, a young woman with Cerebral Palsy. This disorder has left Anna unable to speak without the use of assistive technology. Prior to using up-to-date technology called a Liberator, Anna used a rod-like device that was strapped to her head in order to type letters on a machine, which spoke her typed words aloud. This method was slow and cumbersome in comparison to the Liberator. The Liberator is a small metal disk that is placed on the user’s head. It sends a beam to a computer screen, which taps the letter the user wants to type. After the user is finished, the Liberator can speak the words that have been typed. In a classroom setting, the Liberator could help students with Cerebral Palsy and other disorders that make speaking difficult or impossible. It makes communication possible and fast, allowing for students with disabilities to participate in classroom activities that they might have been left out of otherwise. Students could use the device to call out an answer to a teacher’s question, to participate in a class discussion, or to express ideas and collaborate during a group project.

Michelle McLain - Response to Liberator video from Emily Kirschner I especially liked the Liberator and its amazing ability to not only make something so routine for most of us - talking, accessible to this young woman but, it even made this task EASIER, opening up new possibilities and options for her life! I liked that she now has dreams of moving forward in her ability to help others and to reach out by “speaking” in schools. I am interested in this device also because we have a child with severe Cerebral Palsy in my husband’s family and I always wondered if there was more going on inside of his mind then he can let out on his own. It seems each time we are with him, he reacts to the world around him the best he can. Now, maybe I can suggest this device or at least the investigation of this technology for future possibilities for him!

Response to Wannie’s Liberator by Katherine Morales I love the name of this device ‘Liberator’ because it is doing exactly what the name means. It is liberating people with disabilities from the strains of communication by allowing them to communicate more quickly and efficiently with others. It is a wonderful assistive technology that will open many new windows!

Kristy Rankin

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<span style="font-family: Helvetica,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">What first caught my eye about this video was the fact that it was an assistive technology offered via an application on an iphone or ipod touch. The Proloquo2Go is an augmentative and alternative communication device that fits in your back pocket. What I love about this is that it’s discrete, affordable, and accessible. If you have an iphone or i pod touch, you can simply download the program from the apple website. The Proloquo2Go has many great options. You can create your own sentences and phrases and save them for later use. You can take a picture of something, attach it to a spoked word, and save the picture for later use. With these tools, it is easy to see how a student could slowly build a device that could serve him through all of the phases of his day. The cool factor of this assistive technology is a huge plus as well. Every kid, typical or not, wants to fit in with his/her peers. Having an i phone is universally “cool” in teenage world, and this further boosts the Proloquo2Go’s appeal.

Response by Tiffany Yingling: I have never seen something like this and it is very interesting. The thing that I like most about it is that the words have pictures that go along with it! This is something that I would be very interested in testing.

Shane Kishel - Scott Menzel media type="youtube" key="-CxmuBvVub4" height="385" width="480"

I chose this video because of the inspirational story behind Scott Menzel, a young man with a spinal muscular distrophy who hasn't let anything hold him back from realizing his dreams. Scott enjoys painting but does not have the ability to raise his arms to do normal daily activities. Scott started of his painting career by doing watercolor paintings. However, with the use of new technologies, Scott's artwork has evoloved and he is doing bigger and better things/ Scott now uses a computer to do artwork on which he uses specially made brushes that he can use to paint right onto the computer. The software that he uses has a system where he paints using the brushes and the screen is like a real canvas that correctly distrubutes each stroke he makes. Scott also does speaking at an elementary school which shows he is out to advocate to young children that they should not let anything hold them back.