Students are expected to develop the following skills through their coursework, applied laboratories, and supervised practicum.
Use a core set of technological systems including augmentative communication systems, mobility systems, and alternative computer access/display systems.
Function effectively on interdisciplinary assistive technology teams, incorporating assistive technology services, devices, or both into the student’s individualized education plan (IEP).
Assess a student’s need for assistive technology and make appropriate recommendations for devices and services.
Develop technology implementation plans that assure that assistive technology devices and services are fully integrated in the educational/home environment.
Share knowledge and skills through consultation and technical assistance, teaching, ongoing monitoring, and research.
Work at the school district level to develop and implement a long range program plan for assistive technology.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Introduction to the Use of Assistive Technology in Education and Community Environments
This course addresses assistive technology applications for educational and community environments that enable individuals with disabilities to fully participate in, and contribute to, their communities. It provides students with the knowledge and application of principles of adaptive seating, positioning, and mobility. Students gain an understanding and knowledge of computer access, augmentative communication systems, and environmental controls/modifications for individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology assessment and implementation plans are discussed within the framework of integrating technology into the educational program of the individual. The course also includes a brief review of potential funding sources for assistive technology.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems
The course examines augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in terms of options for individuals who are unable to meet their daily communications needs through natural modes. The emphasis of the course is on designing communication systems and determining appropriate technology solutions that can be intergrated into augmentative alternative communication modes. The course covers AAC options and features; characteristics of congenital and acquired communication disorders and appropriate AAC needs; service delivery and principles of AAC assessment; models of AAC intervention; computer-assisted rehabilitation; funding of AAC devices; and current research in AAC.

Computer Applications for Young Children and Students with Disabilities
This course focuses on information and training in characteristics, capabilities and operation of adaptive input and output alternatives for computers; special considerations in hardware and software selection; accessing computerized sources of information on assistive technology to aid in the identification of appropriate hardware and software to accommodate students with different disabilities; and application development and individualized educational planning. Each component of the course also requires practice/laboratory assignments in addition to attendance at course lectures.

Rehabilitation Technology and Human Performance
This course addresses the development of practical knowledge and the application of general human performance principles and human interactions with technology and the environment. Specific emphasis is placed on the critical analysis of assistive technology and environmental interventions used by individuals with various disabilities. The concept of Universal Design is introduced and applied throughout the course as a guide to identifying products and places that are accessible to a variety of individuals with differing needs and abilities. Specific areas of human performance and device utilization include posture and seating; human-machine interfaces and work stations; mobility; and environmental accessibility. Additional course content focuses on the mechanisms for the assessment and provision of quality assistive technology services. Factors for the future advancement of assistive technology are also discussed, including technology transfer; manufacturing; standardization and regulations; and research.

Assistive Technology and Individualized Education Plan
This course provides a basis for evaluating and implementing assistive technology devices/services for students with disabilities within the educational setting. Strategies for integrating technology into the curriculum, writing IEP goals that include technology, and developing transition plans will be discussed and implemented using case methodology.

Practicum in Assistive Technology
Opportunities are provided for students to participate as part of an assistive technology evaluation team, to implement and integrate a technology plan with an individual in the natural environment, and to develop an assistive technology service delivery program model in the student’s own work site. Students work with a supervising faculty member to develop specific objectives, timelines, and outcomes for their practicum experience.

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Frederick Rock | frock@uvi.edu
http://www.uvi.edu/pub-relations/viuapindx.htm