Opening Doors to Independence through AT @bsandersot17-blog - Tumblr Blog

Whenever I see anyone using a wheelchair now

don’t mind me, just checking the position of your body in the chair….

This organization provides over 33 different resources for AAC funding. It was started by the Central Coast Children’s Foundation. I really like this website because it provides a wealth of information for AAC users such as educational material, online videos, apps that use AAC, free pamphlets, communication boards. It also provides the important information in regards to government and how to receive proper funding. This can be very beneficial to clients as well as the therapist (especially in finding resources for the client). A lot of times the clients are unaware of the resources that are available to them and as the therapist is is our job to provided them with the necessary information to increase their independence. With that being said, here is a PDF link with all of their resources mentioned:

http://www.augcominc.com/userfiles/file/ResourcesfromACWN(3).docx_docx_7_13.pdf

disabilityhorizons

Top ten websites for switch activities on Switchmounting.com

Funding Assistive Technology for Infants & Toddlers - Durable Medical Equipment http://flip.it/VC8Wp From FlipBoard-This is an awesome program that assist those residing in Oklahoma , who have a disability or other impairments to access and acquire assistive technology. It is located on the campus of Oklahoma State University in the Department of Wellness. The program consists of accessibility coordinators, assistive technology teacher, assistive technology specialist and so on. I thought it was interesting that they had a assistive technology teacher. There primary position is to help teachers consider assistive technology devices and accessible instructional materials for students in public school. I have never heard of that position before. I've known the ATSpecialist to take on the educational role. Another service that they offer is Durable Medical Equipment reuse and exchange so if someone is no longer in need of their DME, they bring it in and donate it to the program. The program then reassigns it to another Oklahoma resident who Is in need of the DME at no cost. There should definitely be more programs like this!

davidthesloth-blog

It turns out special education isn't just for special education students.

Unit 4:

I found this article through Reddit, where it describes a school district advocating the use of assistive technology in their classrooms. They abide by a “universal design” method, which incorporates AT in order to benefit every student. The school wants to provide AT and/or allow it in a classroom setting, in ways that benefit the student. They understand that every student is different, and so technology can be specific to their needs. Within the article, there are specific quotes and examples of positive reactions to how AT has helped.

girlkeven-blog

This is a great article about a specific school district, and I think sharing personal stories like this one about the effectiveness of AT are important for collaboration and understanding across different fields. Universal design is also something that should be recognized across disciplines as well, so I am glad you and this article mentioned it!

asteinbecker1-blog

Articles like this would be great to share with special education teachers so they can advocate in their own schools. I think too often, teachers can wrongly assume assistive technology is only beneficial in the educational setting for those with severe disabilities. There are so many benefits to a universal design for every student. This also helps with AT device use because children won’t feel singled out for having a device. Great read!

bsandersot17-blog

This article just proves the “students with disabilities cannot use the same technology that typical students use” myth wrong. A while back I mentioned my sister (who works for special school district) receiving a lot of push-back from other teachers regarding using assistive technology for children who have special needs. A lot of times this occurs specifically because the teachers find that it is difficult to manage multiple students (in one class), with all different needs and abilities and still finding the time to understand the technology themselves. I believe that students with disabilities can and do benefit from the use of technology because it increases the students motivation and engagement. Also, the learning can now be tailored to the student’s individual needs.

martinekenblog-deactivated20180

Haptic Braille is a small mouse-like device designed by Baek Kil Hyun. Winner of the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2010, Haptic Braille allows you to scan any kind of printed material, recognize the characters through OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and translate the words of the text in Braille readable directly on the surface of the device.

qjusttheletter

once again, could someone with the time and brain power caption the images? please and thank you

cisispiss-deactivated20190114

leatherjacketsknitsweaters

[There are four images, all displaying an ovular object about a hand’s length and breadth with flat sides. The first image shows the object over resting on a book, the image has the words “Haptic Braille” on it. The second image shows the layout of the device, the power button on the middle of the left side, the text scanner on the bottom of the device, below where one’s fingers would rest, and directly above that is where the Braille is displayed for the reader. The third displays someone using the device to read a book, and the fourth image is another of the device but with the text, “Optical character reader and Text to Braille converter software inside” and “Biodegradable plastic PLA (Polyactic acid) environmentally friendly plastic’]

otstudent

Hi my name is Rachel. I just stumbled upon your website and I think its wonderful! Im a new OT student, just started in September, so that means our first couple of exams are coming up. Im really stressing over neuroscience. I was wondering if you can give me any tips or any pointers on how to study if you don't mind. Thanks, Rachel

Hi Rachel!! Congrats on getting into OT school! It’s not always easy…or fun…but it’s all worth it if you believe in what you do. Thank you for the kind words about my blog too :)

Okay well let’s get to it. General studying tips first, then some neuro tips. DISCLAIMER: This is how I study best, your mileage may vary.

Try your best to keep up with the readings during the year. I know it’s not easy, but it makes studying later a lot easier. If there are subjects you find difficult, make it a habit to study that class…for example, in first term, I spent every friday afternoon, from 12-1 studying neuro. It was perfect, because no one else ever wanted to hang out, because it was Friday and who the hell studies on a Friday (answer: nerds). I had peace and quiet and could just do readings and review the lecture from that morning. It got to the point where it was weird if I DIDN’T do that. Taking the extra time during the year helps the inevitable cramming go smoother.

Take advantage of extra labs and tutorials. The profs run those for a reason. Go. Even if you don’t think you’ll find it useful, go. Even just sitting there hearing/seeing the concept you know again is going to help you later on.

Pay attention in class. Sound stupid, but I need this reminder sometimes.

Figure out your learning style (link to example quiz). Study to your strengths. Are you kinesthetic? I have a friend who literally paces in the library when she studies - it apparently sticks in her head better. Visual? I know someone who turns EVERYTHING into a flow chart. EVERYTHING. Audio? You’re lucky. Tape those lectures and listen to them again. Join in group discussions about the material. Mixed methods? do it all!! Tactile? Head to the lab. Re-write the notes….etc etc etc.

Make it meaningful. We learn as OTs that clients do best when the occupation is meaningful. Apply that to yourself.

If it’s time to cram and you haven’t had time to review before hand, stick to what’s on the slides and use the readings to supplement, rather than trying to learn it all.

NEURO:

learn the cranial nerves and their function.

Some Say Money Matters, But My Brother Says Big Boobs Matter More. (S=sensory, M=motor, B = both)

Try to apply things — e.g. okay, so a lesion in this part of the optic nerve leads to hemianopsia. cool. what are the functional outcomes of this impairment?

study the brain!!!! http://otstudent.tumblr.com/post/31612477341/blogging-ot-i-hate-studying-for-neuroscience

I tried to keep it general, because I don’t go to the same school as you (possibly?) so I want to be careful about what I tell you. But I truly hope this helps!! You’ll be great. :)

I guess if I can give one last piece of advice, it’s to really be wary of profs who want you “to be creative” and ask you to “show your clinical reasoning.” Yes, ideally, that is what we would be tested on. But in reality, everyone is looking for something specific to give you marks and it’s really to your benefit to figure out what they are asking you for and writing that, than taking a little bit of creativity and explaining it. Even if your reasoning is good, you’ll find it is not rewarded. Save the creativity and confidence in your clinical reasoning for the real world, and just play along for these next two years.

Cruddy deal, I know, but that’s been my consistent experience over the last year.

TED2011 Fellow Sumit Dagar talks through the innovative features of his braille phone.

cbaumbach1

Braille Smartphone

A lot of us have hopped on the technology bandwagon, and have multiple devices that we use (tablet, iPad, smartphone, iPod, etc.). Technology is there to make our lives easier. In most cases, it does. What we don’t stop to consider, though, is that not everyone is able to use technology the way that we are able to. There are many different features on devices that cater to those with disabilities, and they have immensely improved daily tasks for people. As future OTs, we need to keep all of these handy tools and features in our back pockets so that we may utilize them with our clients. Here is another tool for us future OTs: a smartphone that takes ordinary documents and images and translates them to Braille. There are still a lot of people out there who have visual impairments and benefit from Braille text. There are other devices on the market that do similar things, but imagine giving a smartphone-like device for a client that can do all of this for them. It would allow them to continue to use a system (Braille) that they are already familiar with in their everyday lives. This product was introduced by Kriyate, which is based in India, and is in the testing phase. How cool would this be if it comes to the American market and is available for our clients?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/karstenstrauss/2013/04/24/breakthrough-braille-smartphones-for-the-blind/

bsandersot17-blog

Cassie,

This is a great example of technology as a means for communication. It gives those with visual impairments an opportunity to engage in communication and be social with other individuals and to the user, it may be more socially acceptable. I think this would be really cool to have also I was blown away by how defined the braille smartphone could get especially detecting the emotions of a person in a photo.

coolcatteacher

The SAMR Model for Technology Integration by Sylvia Duckworth. So well put.

bsandersot17-blog

I recently attended a learning conference at Maryville University and the SAMR model was mentioned during a presentation. The SAMR model was designed to help educators infuse technology into teaching and learning. Sometimes teachers and professors are reluctant to use technology because of all the training and skill that it entails.This enables the teachers to learn new ways to integrate technology into the classroom. Also instead of technology being the learning outcome, through the use of this model, it allows educators to use technology as a tool to achieve a specific learning outcome. However, I believe that first the educator needs to determine the students learning needs then decide what level of the SAMR model should be implemented.

As a high school chemistry teacher, Ramsey Musallam expands curiosity in the classroom through multimedia and new technology.

Ramsey Musallam is a chemistry teacher, who believes that learning is meaningful when education is involved. He quotes that his goal is, “ to meaningfully integrate multimedia into hands-on, inquiry-based learning cycle” and to empower other educators to do the same. He uses of a blog called Cycles of Learning where he educates students how to properly navigate tool such as Google Docs, screen casting from Apple products and YouTube by providing them with educational tutorials. In the video he speaksabout 3 sparks to learning when utilizing technology in the classroom which i too feel can be applied when first utilizing technology in a classroom. All teacher should keep these rules in mind. Rule #1: Curiosity comes first, Rule #2: Embrace the mess (accept the fact that there may be errors), Rule #3: Practice reflection (what worked and what did not)

This is an article posted by Zite about the most popular apps for education that teachers can use. Some of which we have already been introduced to. While Feedly was challenging in the beginning during my OT Evals course, it became more and more interesting as I continued to work with it. It's also took me out of my comfort zone and to another level of creativity. Rather than putting a thousand words on my PowerPoint I was able to depict meaning through the use of visuals. I would recommend this app as an option for students to at least try. However, to the teacher, it is important to understand that when utilizing this app that it may or may not be for everyone.

The Best 5 News Apps for Teachers

The Penclic Mouse looks, feels, moves like a pen and creates a relaxed working posture to secure your strength by allowing your forearm to rest on your desk while you work.

psfk-blog

Folding Keyboard Looks Like a Flip Phone, Fits In Your Pocket

Flyshark 2 has lots of handy features like shortcuts for selfies, Internet searching and screen capturing

Read More On PSFK.com

bsandersot17-blog

This device is called a Flyshark keyboard. It is an alternative mini keyboard that provides physical keys which serve as an alternative to a touchscreen keyboard. It is compatible with Windows, iOS as well as Android. Although it has not been released yet, it provides the same efficiency as if you were typing on a laptop keyboard. Dr. C watch out for this one!

dawod123

Unit 2 In interventions class we talked about telehealth and how it was being used in therapy sessions. Telehealth allows you to basically Skype your clients to instantly see them if they are having a problem or to conduct a therapy session. This is a blog on Feedly of an OT that utilizes telehealth and she takes you through her typical day of this type of therapy session. She goes in detail about her day and the clients she treats without physically being present with them. There is also a video in the link that demonstrates how a typical session goes. This is an interesting way to treat clients, especially if they are having difficulty completing a task and needs quick guidance at that moment.

cbaumbach1

I have been interested to see how useful telehealth is. It was a very interesting concept to me when it was brought up in class, so having this resource to see how it is utilized in everyday therapy is awesome. I like that this could be a starting point for us as future OTs if we ever need to conduct sessions via telehealth and we aren’t sure where to begin.

shanfoley

I think Telehealth is an awesome option for Occupational Therapists, especially for those who live in a rural areas and aren’t able to meet in a clinic everyday or even every week. This gives the opportunity to still communicate. It also allows the therapist and client to see each other, so the therapist can demonstrate interventions and also observe and evaluate how the client is performing tasks.

bsandersot17-blog

Telehealth, I agree it appeals to individuals who may be physically disabled, geographically isolated and do not have access to the nearby health professional or allows the healthcare professional to see the client in their natural environment. However I question the level of confidentiality that it provides. I also wonder about the individuals who are unable to afford the proper technology to utilize teleheatlh. While a skype account may be free what about the computer with the built in camera that is needed. I am also curious how insurance coverage will work for telehealth consultations? Also would a virtual therapist to client visit be as comprehensive as a in-patient to therapist visit? While there are still questions to be answered, telehealth will thrive and benefit many.

asteinbecker1-blog

Here are Top 8 Accessibility Tips to Make iPhone Use Easier for the Elderly.

This article is a great reference for the iOS features we discussed in class regarding accessibility, specifically pertaining to the elderly. This particular link identifies 8 as being most important for this population - 1) VoiceOver, 2) text enlargement, 3) zoom, 4) enable Button Shapes, 5) inverted colors or grayscale for nighttime reading, 6) Speak for selected text, 7) Reduce Motion option for motion sickness, and 8) the Special Display zoom feature. I found the Reduce Motion option most interesting because I do not remember addressing this in class but it is a good point to think about. If you pay attention to how fast the iphone moves and how quickly screens pop up and move around, it can easily be overwhelming for someone who is prone to motion sickness. I come across so many older adults who want to be proficient on the iPhone. These minor adjustments in Settings can make accessibility so much easier for them and can allow them to connect with their family and friends just like everybody else.

bsandersot17-blog

This is extremely important because specifically in the older adult population, some tend to avoid the use of cell phones or upgrading to a fancier cellphone due to the constant change or new technology which can be overwhelming especially if the have hearing or vision problems. The provided accessibility features are very helpful, however I am curious if the iPhone has an accessibility feature that allows the user to change or limit the amount of applications that appear on the screen. I too agree that having these adjustments will allow and increase their connections with friends and family,especially the grandchildren:)

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