Accessibility
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The Hazlet Township Public School system provides numerous assistive technology devices and software to support students with disabilities and special needs. This includes touch screen monitors, microphone/headphone devices, Phonic Ear systems, AlphaSmart keyboards, font and image enlarging software, and various educational software packages to support different grade levels and needs. Teachers will also receive training on finding and using free online assistive technology resources, and an educational networking site will be created to share information and resources between teachers.
Accessibility
- 2. Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies. http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109
- 3. • In 2009-2010, we implemented inclusion classrooms across the district at all grade levels with the goal of improving educational opportunities and state assessment scores. • Inclusion classrooms provide special education students with instruction in the least restrictive environment. • Team teaching provides the expertise of subject-specific and special education teachers. Both general education and special education students benefit from this environment. • Using modifications and assistive technology, special education students and those with 504 plans are able to achieve the same NJCCCS and 21st Century classroom standards.
- 4. The Hazlet Township Public School system offers numerous assistive technology devices to classified, ESL and regular education students within our district. The following list supports our goals of providing the best possible technology for all students: ƒ Microphone / headphone devices ƒ Image / font size increasing software ƒ Touch screen monitors ƒ Alpha smart keyboards ƒ Variety of software packages for all grade levels ƒ Phonic ear ƒ System 80 machines
- 5. Touch Screen Monitors Microphone/Headphone Devices Allows students with spatial and fine motor disabilities to operate computers and utilize educational software. Students with a lack of fine motor, comprehension and written communication skills can record oral answers and create Podcasts to communicate information.
- 6. Phonic Ear AlphaSmart Keyboards Allows students with auditory processing disabilities to hear the teacher ‘s voice amplified through an FM speaker system. Students are able to complete assignments and type class notes faster and neater than writing by hand. The device also provides text-to-speech capabilities.
- 7. Font Increasing Software Educational Software Designed to help students of all ability levels increase acquisition of basic skills. Helps students with visual impairments use computers.
- 8. •Sticky Keys allows students to type combination keystrokes without pressing the keys simultaneously. •Slow Keys helps children with unsteady hands or difficulty in key targeting. •Auto-repeat can be disabled to support students with reflex control challenges. •High-contrast LCD screen and multiple font sizes help children with vision challenges. •Linked Files make it easy to provide customized assignments, instruction, and support materials. Neo 2 Mobile Lab http://www.renlearn.com/neo/NEO2/specialneeds/default.aspx The next generation of AlphaSmart Keyboards.
- 9. Universal Access Provisions The READ 180 Software can be easily programmed by teachers to provide students—individual or whole class—with universal access. The provisions comprise text captioning for anchor videos, adjustment of audio-reading speed, alternate color schemes, and button rollover. Individualized Instruction and Reports Powerful reports, such as the Student Diagnostic Report, provide educators with the individual student performance data they need to fine-tune instruction and improve student performance. Instructional Routines that Promote Active Participation of Special Education Students The rBook Teacher’s Edition and the three Resource for Differentiated Instruction books present educators with best practice routines designed to help striving learners feel safe. Examples of such routines are: Oral Cloze, Text Marking, Repeated Readings, Explicit Instruction of Academic Words, and Sentence Starters. http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/read180/
- 10. Reading, Writing and Learning Software • Compatible with any printed work. • Helps increase reading speed, fluency and comprehension. • Provides visual and auditory feedback to help improve study skills and keep up with assignments. • Text-to-speech helps model fluency and increase comprehension. • Writing and self-editing tools allow students to self-correct while working. http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx
- 11. • All teachers will participate in a one-hour workshop in which strategies for finding free online assistive technology resources will be discussed. • Ongoing assistance will be provided by the director of special services, technology facilitator, child study team, and in-class support teachers. • A educational networking site will be created on Ning.com to help spread information and share ideas and resources. The Ning will be maintained by the technology facilitator.