Switch Access

Last class we watched the film Needs in the Classroom: Switch Inclusion (not sure of exact title), this film, was very good at demonstrating the different types of switches that are available. Another great thing about the video, and something that I really enjoyed was how they split up who is involved with a student that needs extra support to succeed in the classroom. The list they had was as fallows: Classroom Teacher, Programs Support Teacher, PSA, Therapists (in school and at home, all different types), Principle and the Family. I have no experience with switches so this video with actual cases along with the great tutorial disk has given me some insight into how and what you need to do before you introduce a switch. I learned that a lot of people are involved and that there are many different options for switch however there are some universal steps that go along with goals in choosing a switch.
The four key points are:
· Positions- what is the position of the user
· Movement- what is the movement to make it work
· Control cite- what is the switch used for- can the body handle where its located
· Type of switch- so many types for different jobs as well lots of options in mounting the device.

This last class was great I learned a lot. J

Cliker 5

What can I say besides that I love clicker 5! I was very luck to get to spend a whole day with Barb working on different types of computer software to bring back into the school, however I really did enjoy the clicker 5 over all of the programs. I feel there is so much room to grow with the program and I cant wait to have it on the computer at school for the students to use.

Laura's RANT

I will start off with some positive thinking for the blog today.

I loved the AT newsletter I think they are a great way of letting teachers know what is available for them and their students.

Now for the bad I am having some difficulty with the Boardmaker assignment however I am learning a few things about myself. One thing I learned so far is that the program does not work at the school (I love how high the security is that we cannot get free software). Second thing is you cannot save programs on a school laptop from home, they disappear! Finally I learned that I am not the type of learner that can take what I see on paper and apply it to the computer.

I can’t wait to get back to class.