Assistive Technology:

Deaf Education
Assistive Technology

 Definition – “any item, piece of

equipment, or product system, whether
acquired commercially or off the shelf,
modified, or customized, that is used
to increase, maintain, or improve
functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities”
AT in Deaf Education

 Up to date – Assistive Technology has

focused on hearing systems and
access to communication
 Today – There are also supports for
learning available for deaf/hh learners
who have identified academic needs
Assistive vs Instructional Tech

 Assistive Technologies are tools that

a student partners with to increase
performance
 Instructional Technologies are tools
that teachers partner with to enhance
the instructional process
Traditional Accommodations

 Interpreting
 Amplification
 Cochlear Implants
 TTYs
 Alert Systems
 Digital Signage
 Seen in public places
 Used at FSDB in
classrooms and public
areas to make
announcements and
alerts
 Time and count-down
to class changes
 Other announcements
Other familiar technologies

 Notetaking
 Captioned Videos
 Captioned Movies
 Interpretype

Captioned Media Program:

A federally funded program that provides captioned and signed
materials freely to deaf/hh individuals of all ages.
 Captioning Services
 Can be offered live and remote
 Using keyboards OR voice
 C-Print, Typewell, CART
 IP-Relay (Internet-based)
 Instant Messenger Connections to
Relay
 Voice-to-Text Systems
 Personal Captioning System (Live)
 Viable Technologies (Remote)
 Voice-to-Text-to-Sign
 SignTel Interpreter
 iCommunicator Image: SignTel Interpreter

These are just a few of the captioning services

and technologies available.
Text Messaging

 Relay messages sent to a Deaf

individual’s text pager or phone
 Text messaging to a voice relay
operator to a hearing person
 Text-to-Text between Deaf and hearing
individuals
 Using IM during group activities to
level the communication “playing field”
Video Relay Service

 Videophones
 Sorenson
 CSD
 Hands-On Video Relay Services
 Hamilton Video Relay Services
 Other….
 Webcams
 Lower-end web
quality
3D Animated Technologies

 Vcom3D’s SigningAvatar™ Characters

 ASL Animation (GIF and MOV clips)
 Studio (Authoring Program)
 VREAL 3D Scenarios
 Cross-curricular learning environment
 Baldi and Timo
 Speech and Language Training
 Curriculum
 Digital White Boards (SMART Board)
 Scanners and Digital Cameras
 Document Cameras, Probes, Microscopes
These are
 Word Processing Devices & Digital Pens examples.
 Dana and Neo by AlphaSmart There are
other brands
 ioPen by Logitech of these
 Student Response Systems technologies.
 Classroom Performance System by eInstruction
Software

 Sign Language Dictionaries

 Grammar of ASL
 Vocabulary building
 Check older programs to make sure they
will work on new computers
 Sign Language Stories and Activities
 Many now available on DVD
 Developed specifically for children
Software

 Software not specific to deafness:

 Office Programs
 Graphic Organizers
 Concept Development Software
 Multimedia Software
 Writing with Technology Supports
Online Module
 http://breeze.fsdb.k12.fl.us/writing
Kidspiration
Inspiration – Pre-writing
 Writing Supports

 Co:Writer
 Clicker and Wordbar
 Kurzweil
 PowerPoint
 Word – built in references, grammar
checker, tracking changes for peer editing
and comments

Writing with Technology Supports Online Module

Clicker by Crick Software
Wordbar by Crick Software
Kurzweil
More to come….

 Learn more and share ideas at

Deafed.net’s Technology Integration
Bulletin Boards
 Get involved in some projects along
with classroom teachers and their
students
 Online Modules with more information
will be published soon!
Contact:

 Shelley Ardis
 Technology Specialist and Consultant
 ardiss@fsdb.k12.fl.us