Switch Acess

This week we watched a video about the use of technology in the classroom with students that have varying abilities. We had an opportunity to see a number of switches to support the students technology and program. As a program support teacher it is important that all team members work together to make each students program successful. The first student that we seen in the video was Michael. It was his first year in the classroom setting and the goal was to have him interacting with students during the school day with the support of his assistant. His ability was limited and the assistant accessed the switch for his go talk. Even though he wasn't able to do this on his own he had the opportunity to be with his peers in a positive accepting environment from his peers. Todd was another student we seen in the video. He also accessed his technology by a head switch. buddy reading was used in the classroom to get him involved and interacting with peers. Todd also was involved with reading by listening to a tape recorder and again a switch was used to operate. He was accepted by peers in the classroom and all other school environment. For example gym class. He used a standing frame during class time to be involved in activities. All the students seen used many switches daily to support learning.This is very important to all parts of each students program and will need to be continued and evaluated from the team. Great video!!! I enjoyed it very much and everyday will be a challenge for all!!!

Boardmaker Plus and Physical Access

Wow!!! What a class. Boardmaker Plus is a wonderful program. I enjoyed making my own Ebook for one of my students. Using the program at first was difficult because I didn't have the basic boardmaker skills. Once going through this tutorial things became more clear and easier to apply. I know this program I will continue to use because it will allow me to program for particular students and develop social skills for some students. An introduction to physical access switches was also very interesting . Even using them was more of a challenge. I was able to understand from a student perspective with physical limitations , how they would feel at the beginning or when first introduced to certain particular devices. I am looking forward to seeing more devices and how they are used to support students.

Our first week of class we had the opportunity to watch a video called" Including Samuel". This video was a reflection of how the parents of a young boy (Samuel) would overcome many challenges to be involved in inclusion. Inclusion is a sticky topic and many have a different perspective in what it really is and how to implement .
For Samuel and his parents, inclusion was a big part of Samuel's life. Samuel is able to function as a regular student and individual due to the fact that his daily program is developed in such a way that he is able to interact positively with peers and staff.
Samuel is able to use technology in the classroom setting(computer) and also use his classmates and program assistant to do many other activities. Including participating in Physical Education class with the support of various Adaptive Equipment best suited for Samuel. This equipment was also used outside the school setting to have Samuel involved. Also in music he was able to use a program that enabled him to participate.
As a parent and an educator this video was very heart felt. You seen the fear, determination and challenges that would be faced on a daily bases, but through it all " Samuel" came out on top!!!! He is a happy boy who participates fully and inclusion works for him!!! He also is a great younger who loves his family very much!!!!