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Home / Newsletters / Computer Monitor / Spring 2005

Computer Monitor

Spring 2005

See the PDF version of this newsletter.

Apply Now for EXITE Camp 2005

Middle-school girls with disabilities have a great opportunity to pursue their interests in science and technology-or even to overcome their fear of those subjects. The fun begins at the third annual IBM EXITE Camp, where participants will build a circuit board, make a mysterious goo, tear down a computer, design a Web page, take a field trip, meet professionals with disabilities, and receive a mentor to encourage them throughout the upcoming school year.

EXITE (EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) Camp runs July 25, 27, 29, and Aug. 2, 4, 2005.

If you know a girl with a disability in 6th-9th grade who would be interested, call 952-838-9000 or go to www.pacer.org/stc/exite.asp for an application. The deadline is May 2, 2005. See p. 2 for details on an informational workshop.

STC Workshops and Events

Parents and professionals will fi nd helpful information at these important workshops. All are presented at PACER Center. Advance registration is required unless otherwise noted. To register, go to www.pacer.org/workshops/, or call 952-838-9000.

EXITE Camp Informational Session - No Registration Needed!

This free information session is for parents, professionals, and middle-school girls with disabilities to learn more about EXITE (EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering). Applications will be available.
Monday, April 18, 7 to 8 p.m.

Universal Design for Learning with Technology

Participants at this free workshop will learn how technology can support a curriculum that is accessible and appropriate for children with different backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and disabilities in widely varied learning contexts. The session includes demonstrations of technology options and a discussion of state and national initiatives.
Thursday, May 5, 6 to 9 p.m.

IntelliKeys & Overlay Maker 3

This workshop is a hands-on opportunity to try IntelliKeys and Overlay Maker 3 software. Participants will learn how to import graphic fi les, create templates, and make custom overlays for different learning applications. Everyone will receive a free trial version of Overlay Maker 3. A $30 registration fee is required. It is refundable at the door for parents and people with disabilities.
Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. to noon

Project KITE, Strand B: Universal Design in the Classroom

Project KITE (Kids Included through Technology are Enriched) is a training curriculum for parents and teachers of young children with disabilities. This hands-on session will teach you how to choose assistive technology for young children and make simple adaptations for toys and other learning materials that encourage active participation.
Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. to noon

How Assistive Technology Can Boost Employment for People

with Disabilities Participants will see demonstrations of workplace technology that can help people with a wide range of disabilities. The workshop is presented in collaboration with PACER's Project C3 (Connecting Youth to Communities and Careers).
Saturday, July 9, 9 a.m. to noon

IBM Web Adaptation Technology Online

Learn how the software can make Web sites more accessible to people with disabilities. Participants receive a copy of the IBM software, which PACER is piloting. The workshop will be presented online; participants need an Internet connection and a telephone.
Wednesday, July 13, 1 to 2 p.m.

Assistive Technology for Children with Autism

Come hear how assistive technologies and visual strategies can help young children with autism. Presenters will demonstrate communication tools, strategies, and software. The workshop is being co-presented and sponsored with AbleNet, Inc.
Tuesday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to noon

Call the STC at (952) 838-9000 with questions or to pre-register for workshops.

Read All About It!

If you are interested in learning about technology that can help children and young adults with disabilities, these publications are for you.

All may be ordered at www.pacer.org, or by calling 952-838-9000. Unless otherwise noted, the materials cost $3 each ($2.50 each for 10 or more copies). Most can be downloaded for free by visiting PACER's Web site and searching for the specific title.

New! - Computer Resources for People with Disabilities: A Guide to Assistive Technology, Tools, and Resources for People of All Ages

The new edition of this award-winning book shows how today's technology is redefining human potential and what it means to have a disability. Fully revised fourth edition, by Alliance for Technology Access.
$24.95 paperback, $31.95 spiral bound

Just Your Type: Alternative Keyboarding Options

This handout gives an overview of keyboarding alternatives for typists using one hand and other people with disabilities who have difficulty using a standard keyboard. Updated 2005.

Opening the Doors of Communication

Learn more about communication tools for your child. This handout covers low- to high-tech devices, strategies, vendors, and more! Updated 2005.

New! - Reaching All Students: A Guide to Using Multimedia Tools in Special Education

Learn more about using multimedia in special education for teaching, assessment, and access.

This handout includes multimedia basics, strategies, and tips, and a product list. 2005.

Really Useful Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities

This handout has an extensive list of useful technology, such as writing software, portable devices, and reference tools. 2003.

Speech Recognition Technology

Learn about the latest developments in speech recognition technology and how they can help people with disabilities. Updated 2004.

New! - Toys: Universal Tools for Learning, Communication, and Inclusion for Children with Disabilities

Learn how toys can affect the development of a child with a disability. This 12-page booklet outlines buying tips, categories, skills through play. 2005.

Meet the Staff: Katrina Weibel

Katrina Weibel is an assistive technology specialist in the Simon Technology Center (STC). Her favorite part of the job is learning about new assistive technology products and informing families about what is available. "When parents and professionals come in, I like to help them find the software or hardware that could help make their child most successful," Katrina said.

In addition to overseeing the library and assisting with workshops, she provides technical assistance on IBM Web Adaptation Technology. (This software allows you to control how Web pages appear.) Katrina also consults with transition-age students and manages the STC Web site.

Katrina joined the staff last August. She was drawn to PACER because she believes in its mission of helping parents of children with disabilities.

A Beginner's Guide to Assistive Technology

by Janet Peters, STC Coordinator

More than ever before, technology makes it possible for children with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives. If sorting through the thousands of options seems overwhelming, take heart. You do not need to know them all in order to move forward.

To begin, think about how technology might help your child with tasks that are now difficult or impossible to do. The more specifically you can identify your child's tasks and the barriers he or she faces, the better you will recognize important features of any technology you might choose.

Life circumstances, goals, and age will shape your assistive technology plan. Whether the technology is needed at school, at work, or at home will determine what funding, legal rights, and resources are available. So where do you start? Other parents, professionals with relevant expertise, the Internet, and publications can prove invaluable as you learn about assistive technology.

Ask Parents

Talking with other parents of children with disabilities about technology successes can be inspiring and helpful. Parent support groups, conferences, and technology workshops are good places to connect with other families using technology.

• PACER's Simon Technology Center can share such resources available in Minnesota and surrounding states. Call 1-800-537-2237 for a list or to set up a free consultation.
• Every state has a federally funded Tech Act agency, which can help you research assistive technology options. Visit www.resna.org/taproject/ to learn more.
• Each state has at least one Parent Training and Information Center or Community Parent Resource Center to help families connect with other parents and advocates. Visit www.taalliance.org for details.

Work with Public Schools

If your child or young adult qualifies for special education services, you may want to consider assistive technology as part of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). Talk with your child's teachers, therapists, and other IFSP or IEP team members to determine what technology expertise they have to share. Many school systems have a coordinator of assistive technology resources. Try to connect with that person.

Explore the Internet

The Internet provides abundant information about assistive technology. It may be most useful after you have identified potential products that might work for your child. Vendors can show you the features, prices, and even images of the products you are considering. They also may be able to provide names and phone numbers for additional resources or upcoming events in your area.

See "Tech Tips: Searching the Internet" on p. 10 to learn more about effective ways to find information.

Read Publications

Many publications can provide you with an introduction to assistive technology. Two excellent ones are:

• Assistive Technology Pointers for Parents by Penny Reed and Gayl Bowser.
  
  This workbook helps parents work with schools and other agencies to identify appropriate assistive technology devices and services for their children with disabilities. It focuses on specific questions that parents can ask to help move the decision making process forward. $12. To order, call the Coalition for Assistive Technology in Oregon at 541-440-4791, or go to www.edtechpoints.org/order.htm.
• The Family Information Packet is published by the Family Center on Technology and Disability.
  
  This handout has three sections:
  • The Possibilities of Assistive Technology
  • Assistive Technology in Schools, and
  • Funding Assistive Technology.
  Cost: $10. To order, go to www.fctd.info.

For additional resources, call the Simon Technology Center at 952-838-9000 or e-mail us at stc@pacer.org.

SUPER Service Links Buyers, Sellers of Used Assistive Technology

Looking to buy adaptive software? Need to sell a wheelchair? Then the Simon Technology Center's SUPER Service is for you.

The SUPER (Still Useful Products and Equipment Referral) Service connects buyers and sellers of used assistive technology. And best of all, it is free. Shop or post an item for sale at www.pacer.org/stc/super/. Or call PACER at 952-838-9000 for a printed list.

More than 250 items are available in the following categories:

• Ambulation & Walking
• Architectural Adaptation
• Augmentative Communication
• Computer Hardware and Software
• Daily Living Aids
• Environmental Controls
• Ergonomics
• Health & Therapy
• Prosthetics & Orthotics
• Ramps & Lifts
• Recreation & Leisure
• Seating & Positioning
• Transportation
• Vision & Hearing Technology
• Wheelchairs & Scooters

Summing Up Math Access Software

by Annette Cerreta, Assistive Technology Specialist

If you are a parent or teacher of a child who has organizational, visual, or physical difficulties when completing math problems, here is some good news. More and more math programs are being designed for students with a broad range of learning styles and needs.

Some of the products, such as MathPad by Intellitools, have been on the market for several years and have been greatly enhanced in recent versions. Newcomers to the market, such as Virtual Pencil and Calcu-Scan, have accessibility features and functions that educators and parents have been wanting. Here is a look at what some of these products have to offer.

MathPad™ & MathPad Plus™ by Intellitools

MathPad is geared for students at the K-2 skill level and MathPadPlus for those at the 3-8 skill level. Both programs work with alternative access, such as switches or the Intellikeys keyboard.

With MathPad and MathPad Plus, you can easily create math worksheets with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems for students to work out on the computer. MathPad Plus also features fractions, decimals, pie charts, fraction bars, and decimal grids.

You can customize just about any feature of the program to better fi t the needs and learning style of the individual student. Here are some examples:

• Problems can be set up in a vertical or horizontal format.
• An auto-navigation feature can be activated to guide students through their calculations.
• Grids and lines can be added to the worksheet to help students keep their work organized.
• Font size, page color, and other visual characteristics can be adjusted.
• Speech feedback is available to read numbers, problems, and answers out loud.

MathPad and MathPad Plus are well-designed software tools that can help students work math problems and improve math skills performance. If you'd like to learn more about these products, call 800-899-6687 or try the online demo of MathPad at www.intellitools.com.

Virtual Pencil

Virtual Pencil allows students to do math problems on a computer instead of with pencil and paper. The program is very intuitive and intended primarily for users who are blind. All users will need to learn a few keyboard commands to take full advantage of the program, which includes text-to-speech capabilities.

One of the distinguishing features of Virtual Pencil is the built-in tutor that guides the student through trouble spots when working a problem. The tutor can be turned off when the student is taking a test.

Virtual Pencil Arithmetic handles addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, and fraction math work. A new release, Virtual Pencil Algebra, allows students to solve algebraic equations. For more information, visit www.virtualpencil.com or call 888-533-6284.

Calcu-Scan by Mayer-Johnson

Calcu-Scan is a switch accessible "virtual" calculator with digitized speech and many customizable options. It allows you to modify calculator layouts by key color, size, and type. Several of the layouts can be used to show both the math problems and the calculator on the same screen. All calculators can be enlarged to full-screen size.

The calculator results and work steps may be displayed, spoken aloud, or printed. You can view, create, and edit the math problems and save lists of problems.

Calcu-Scan promotes inclusion for students with communication disabilities. Thanks to the digitized speech feature, students can participate more actively in math-related classroom activities. The program also has applications for students with other needs, such as vision or motor limitations. For example, it accommodates multiple scanning and selection methods. Learn more at www.mayer-johnson.com.

MathTalk™ by Metroplex

MathTalk lets students use their voice to write any math calculations from pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics through Ph.D. level. This includes voicing graphs. The program requires Dragon Natural Speaking® voice recognition software and Scientific Notebook ™ software to work. Learn more at www.metroplexvoice.com.

This sampling features just a few of the technology options available for students to improve their math proficiency. For additional math products and resources, call the Simon Technology Center at 952-838-9000.

Making the Most of Intellikeys: A Product Overview

by Katrina Weibel, Assistive Technology Specialist

Many children with disabilities have difficulty using a standard keyboard or mouse. With assistive technology, however, most can gain full access to the computer. Alternative keyboards, such as the IntelliKeys keyboard by IntelliTools, can make using the keyboard simpler.

IntelliKeys is a fl at keyboard with a touch-sensitive surface. It plugs into a USB port and works on a Windows or Macintosh computer. It is lightweight and durable and can be adjusted to tilt up or lay fl at. The IntelliKeys also has two switch ports and the ability to adjust settings, such as key sensitivity.

IntelliKeys comes with six standard overlays that are read by a bar code. An overlay is a piece of paper or thin plastic that is placed over IntelliKeys' touch-sensitive front panel. The standard overlays are easier to use for children with disabilities because of the larger letters, numbers, and use of color. The choices within the standard overlays make IntelliKeys useful for children with a variety of physical, cognitive, or visual disabilities. For example, one overlay is a fully functioning keyboard, others are in alphabetical order, and one has arrow keys that emulate mouse movements.

Keyguards are also available for the IntelliKeys keyboard to help students make accurate selections of keys. Keyguards are plastic frames that attach to the top of the keyboard and provide distinct separation between keys.

In some cases, IntelliKeys may be the only assistive technology needed for a child to use the computer. In other cases, however, the standard IntelliKeys overlays may not meet the individual's needs.

In that event, a software product called Overlay Maker 3 can help you create personalized overlays.

Overlay Maker 3 creates keys in the size, shape, and color that work best for a child. You can also program the keys for specific functionality, such as short cuts to applications, e-mail, or the Internet.

Overlay Maker 3 integrates with the other IntelliTools software products, and the files work with both Windows and Macintosh. The software comes with template support and a step-by-step user's guide with a number of built-in tutorials.

Even with the new features that make Overlay Maker 3 versatile and easy, it takes a while to learn how to create custom overlays. You should also know that creating overlays requires a time commitment. The effort, however, is worth it. IntelliKeys combined with Overlay Maker 3 offers a wonderful benefit of customizing the computer for a child who might not otherwise have access.

Interested in learning more? See p. 2 for information on an Intellikeys workshop.

Seven Useful Tips for Integrating Technology in the Classroom

by Kristi Corens, Assistive Technology Specialist

Computers, communication devices, and other forms of technology can help children with disabilities learn more and participate more fully in school. Here are seven tips to help teachers integrate such tools into classroom activities. The result will be an enriching experience for all the students.

1. Start with the curriculum, not the technology. Technology is just a tool. It should serve the needs of the child and curriculum. As you look at those needs consider:
   • Which technologies might help your students with disabilities reach their goals? "Technology" is a broad term that includes computers, software, adaptive devices, and more. These solutions can be low-tech or high-tech. (See "A Beginner's Guide to Assistive Technology" on p. 4 to learn more about selecting technologies.)
   • How can the technology reinforce the skills being taught? For example, technology can present guided practice activities, monitor students' responses, and provide students with immediate feedback.
   • How can technology support the learning that occurs throughout the classroom?
2. Choose software that is developmentally appropriate, meaningful, nonviolent, nonsexist, nonracist, and nonstereotypical. Just as you would choose books that are appropriate for your students' ages, interests, gender, and the like, select software that meets their needs.
   • Look for software that promotes collaborative play, learning, and creativity.
   • As you observe children using the software, identify both opportunities and problems. Make adaptations as needed.
3. Offer individual time and small-group activities on the computer. Doing so gives children a chance to communicate, cooperate, initiate, and interact in different ways than they do with more traditional activities.
   • Give all the children time to explore how to use a computer, regardless of their behavior or performance. If you use the computer as a reward for good behavior or completing tasks, you limit its value.
   • Provide a computer center as one of many equally valued areas in the classroom. Allow use, access, and choices as you would any other center. For example, you might introduce musical rhythm with actions, recordings, and a computer-based rhythm-matching game. The children would then work in small groups with the computer program as one of several learning centers.
   • Place computers in the classroom instead of in a separate lab. Doing so makes it easier to integrate lessons and technology.
4. Use customization options. Some programs allow you to control content, choose different ability levels, and select various accessibility options. Using these tools can make the difference between inclusion and exclusion for some children. They also can help you collect performance data and make teaching decisions.
5. Use technology as a tool to present new information. Although technology is certainly not the only instructional strategy available, using it provides an additional resource for introducing new material. Doing so also teaches children that technology is a valid, useful tool for everyone.
6. Be sensitive to gender equity. Many studies show that as girls grow older, they spend less time with computers than boys do. Computer use in schools sometimes perpetuates those inequalities. To counterbalance that trend, consider using these approaches:
   • Work to maintain girls' interest in computers and technology.
   • Consider girls' interests and interaction styles when selecting and evaluating software for classroom use.
   • Model the use of the computer as a learning and productivity tool and invite children, especially girls, to observe and assist in the work.
   • Offer special computer times for girls only and boys only. Doing so permits girls to explore the computer without having to directly compete with boys.
7. Make technology part of the everyday routine. Technology is truly mainstreamed when it becomes an important tool not only for students but also for educators. Here are some ways you can make that integration natural.
   • Attend trainings that encourage the full use technology in the classroom.
   • Encourage parental involvement with technology, match technology to the learning needs of individual children, and look for cross-curriculum/crosscultural applications.
   • Work with your school to make sure it provides regular instruction on how to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum and assessment process.
   • Use digital cameras for visual data collection and assessment.
   • Be open to new possibilities, new devices, and new software. Set aside time to explore these options.

For a bibliography or more information on this topic, call the Simon Technology Center at 952-838-9000.

Stretch Your Training Budget with Customized Sessions

Professionals and parent groups can help stretch their training budgets with customized in-service training on assistive technology and educational software. The hands-on trainings are tailored to meet the needs of the participants. They can be presented at your location or at PACER Center.

Here's what past participants say about Simon Technology Center customized trainings:

"The reading aids demonstrated will be very useful for my classroom. The training also helped me think of less expensive ways to adapt materials for my students."

"This in-service broadened my understanding of assistive technology for speech, reading, and writing. Well worth the money!"

• Half-day sessions (up to 3 hours) are $300.
• Full-day sessions (up to 6 hours) are $600.
• Travel expenses are extra.

STC Tech Tips: Searching the Internet

The Internet has a wealth of information, but finding what you need can be time consuming. Using the right type of search tool for your specific needs can speed up the process and improve your results.

Search tools are categorized into three types: subject directories, search engines, and meta-search engines. Each accomplishes a different task, locates information in a different way, and provides different results.

When should you select one over another? These guidelines can help you determine which type of search tool will work best for you.

Subject directories

A subject directory classifies information by topic. LookSmart, for example, lists categories such as "computing," "science and health," and more. You can drill down for further subdivisions, or you can search by typing in a keyword or phrase.

Subject directories are most useful when you are researching a broad topic such as "developmental delay" or "parental advocacy."

Subject directories include Digital Librarian (www.digital-librarian.com); LookSmart (search.looksmart.com); and Yahoo (www.yahoo.com).

Consider using a subject directory when you want to:

• research a broad topic or idea
• see a list of sites recommended and annotated by experts
• find sites relevant to your topic, rather than numerous individual pages contained within these sites
• avoid documents that have little relevance to your search.

Search engines

A search engine uses keywords to scan the entire contents of the Internet. This tool is most helpful when you are looking for a specific Web site or when you want to retrieve as many results as possible on a certain topic.

Search engines include Google (www.google.com); Excite (www.excite.com); and Lycos (www.lycos.com).

Consider using a search engine when you want to:

• research a narrow topic or idea
• look for a specific site
• search the full text of millions of pages
• find a large number of documents on your topic
• search for particular types of documents.

Meta-search engines

A meta-search engine scans many search engines and directories simultaneously and displays the most relevant responses from each. It is best used when searching for obscure topics such as "IEP long-term goals" or "developmentally appropriate practice."

Meta-search engines include DogPile (www.dogpile.com); IXquick (www.ixquick.com); and MetaCrawler (www.metacrawler.com).

Consider using a meta-search engine when you want to:

• retrieve a relatively small number of relevant results
• search for an obscure topic
• see an overall picture of what is available on the Web for a specific topic.

Remember...

Evaluate everything you encounter in your search results. The Internet is a self-publishing medium-and that means you'll find a mix of information that can range from professional and accurate to inaccurate or even fraudulent. Also remember that subject directories and search engines will give you different results, so try several of them to see the broadest array of responses.

Did You Know?

You can refine your Internet searches by using the "advanced" option on the search tool. Most search engines and directories offer this feature in some form. With it, you can request results that either include or exclude specific words or phrases.

Simon Technology Center Q&A

Q: I am trying to find an easy program that will allow me to create fill-in-the-blank worksheets. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

A: ClozePro by Crick Software is worth a try. It allows you to type or paste text into a document, then remove words to create a fi ll-in-the-blank worksheet. The missing words are displayed in an on-screen grid; students can either select the words with a mouse click or type them in manually.

You can modify the difficulty level with ClozePro. For example, you can place the answer grid on the screen, have it appear as a pop up window, or not show it at all. You can have one grid for all words or a separate grid for each blank. Other options include having words removed as they are selected; receiving hints; and displaying the missing word one letter at a time.

ClozePro has many accessibility features. You can:

• Access worksheets by mouse or switch.
• Add pictures, either as decoration or as a word guide. An extensive picture library allows you to import images into the activities.
• Employ the speech feature. The program speaks words one at a time or by sentence.
• Print out worksheets to be completed on paper. You can create a single worksheet, or you can create several and link them together in a related group.
• Adjust the visual display, from the background and font color to the font size, type, and style.

All in all, ClozePro is a comprehensive fill-in-theblank program that is simple to use. It costs about $200. For more information visit www.cricksoft.com.

An alternative is to use software you may already have on your computer. Microsoft Word, for example, allows you to create a fill-in-the-blank worksheet in Word. If you scan the worksheet as a Rich Text Format (.rtf), it will retain the images but will treat the words as text. Once the document is scanned, open it in Word and clean up any errors. From there, use the "form" option to create text fields, checkboxes, dropdown menus, and other form controls. You can find these tools by going to VIEW > TOOLBARS > FORMS. When the worksheet is complete, lock the form so users have access only to the controls that you created and not the surrounding text and images.

Learn More!

Interested in a demonstration of ClozePro or Word forms? Just ask!

Simon Technology Center staff conducts demos by request on:

Tuesdays, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 952-838-9000.