AT+-+AAC

toc =What is Assistive Technology?=

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal special education law, provides the following legal definition of an assistive technology (AT) device: "any item, piece of equipment, or product system... that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." Under IDEA, assistive technology devices can be used in the educational setting to provide a variety of accommodations or adaptations for people with disabilities. =What is Augmentative & Alternative Communication?=

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC when we make facial expression or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write. Communication skills are intergral to social, emotional and educational growth and development. Many studenents have physical and/or cognitive challenges which can impede speech and language development. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is used to facilitate speech and language development. AAC either supplements or replaces speech. There are two types of AAC, unaided (e.g., manual signs and gestures) and aided (e.g., objects, picture symbols, photographs and voice output communication aids/speech generating devices). AAC can be employed to mediate communication for the nonverbal student while enhancing communication and instructional enviroments for all students. =Where can I borrow AAC devices in the Greater Harrisburg, PA area?=

Generally speaking, AT/AAC equipment can be borrowed for a trial period of 6 to 8 weeks. There are several sources for equipment and materials loaned for trial use and demonstration. 
 * 1) The CAIU Assistive Technologoy Loan Library also provides for more variety of equipment and materials. These items might include no-tech and low-tech quipment, high tech devices and assistive technology equipment such as mounts and talking books. Contact the CAIU Assistive Technology team, Elizabeth Panek or Rebecca Semke.
 * 2) Short terms loans can be procured from __ [|PaTTAN] __.
 * 3) Pennylvania's Assistive Technology Center (referred to as PIAT): Pennysylvania residents of any age can procure short terrm loans by contacting the Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC). Jackie Wardle (717-737-3477 or 1-800-998-4827) will assist you.

=How does our team request an AT assessment in the Greater Harrisburg, PA area? =

An Assitive Technology assessment request is a TEAM effort. All TEAM members need to be apprised of a decision to make such a request. Both of the forms below must be completed and submitted to request an Assistive Technology Requests are assigned to a CAIU Assistive Technology consultant.



=Device Trial Data Collection=

It is essential to take accurate data for any AAC device that is trialed. The following form may aid your team in keeping that data which will better enable the team to make decisions.



=AAC Video=

media type="youtube" key="IGKS95G4ynM" height="340" width="560"

=AAC Currently Available=

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=Resources=

[|Adaptable Minds]

[|Augmentative and Alternative Communication]

[|Augmentative & Alternative Communication: Supporting Children & Adults with Complex Communication Needs]

[|The Source for Augmentative Communication]

[|Free Augmentative Communication Resources]

=AT/AAC Links to Internet Resources=

[|AAC Language Lab at PRC]

[|Adapted Learning from Boardmaker]

[|Burkhart's Selected Links]

[|Closing the Gap]

[|Family Guide to Assistive Technology]

[|Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display]

[|SpeechPathology.com School-based Tips & Tools]

[|Teaching Learners with Multiple Needs]

=Links to Companies=

[|Ablenet, Inc] [|Adaptivation]

[|Attainment]

[|Augmentative Communication: Alphabetical listing of companies and resources]

[|Augmentative Resources]

[|Dynavox Mayer-Johnson]

[|Enabling Devices]

=Link to CAIU Assistive Technology=

http://caiuassistivetech.wikispaces.com/

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