Low Tech Assistive Technology! ( Thank You Dollarama)

OFF THE SHELF LOW TECH AT

Technology:

Carrying bag with exterior picture sleeves

Student personality:

This item is for a student named Molly. Molly is a 12 year old girl who has profound global delays. Molly has memory issues and needs support with appropriate communication with adults and peers. Molly also needs support organizing herself for her classes and following routine. Molly is integrated into the regular grade 7 classroom with the support of an EPA.

Task and Environment:

Molly will use this bag to carry her school supplies to class. The picture sleeves will be used by Molly as a visual checklist reminding her of her schedule, her teachers and the items she needs for her upcoming classes. The photos on the bag can be updated (by the EPA) and Molly can check her photos before transitioning to her next class. Molly will be able to prepare for and go to and from each classroom with independence using this tool that also helps her to stay organized with her supplies. Molly will also enjoy carrying this trendy canvas bag as they are popular with the teenage girls in her class.

MODIFIED LOW TECH AT:

Task 2

Molly is working on classifying numbers, pictures, and objects according to sorting rules. For example, given numbers, coins, or Molly will sort them as smaller, bigger and same. To do this Molly must move items around on her desk using a graphic organizer or by circling items. This classifying is difficult as she struggles with fine motor and often gets distracted from her tasks. She also tends to mix up her piles (smaller, same, larger) on her desk even when using a flat jig.

Technology

We have adapted a three compartment snack tray that fits easily on a classroom desk top. We have labeled each compartment (ie smaller, same size, larger) and using manipulatives (foam cards, playing cards, number blocks, coins) Molly can sort with more structure and support. The EPA or teacher can alternate the category labels by swapping removable cards using sticky-tac.

Other low tech AT found on the Dollar Store adventure:

• Foam dominoes for counting, adding and classifying
• Large key calculators
• Adding and Subtracting flash card game
• Red plastic ashtray sets used upside-down replicating the small math counters used regularly in class
• Large clothes pins used as paper stabilizers or label holders
• Two sided tape
• Multi-coloured laser finger pointers