Stefanie Longtin EDU 429 Assistive Technology June 13, 2012 Assistive Technology Evaluation/Device Implementation Student s Background Information/Needs and Abilities: PZ is a student I worked with during my special education practicum this past spring. He is 16 years old and a sophomore in high school. Although I do not know the specific disability PZ has, he has severe physical disabilities as well as intellectual disabilities. PZ comes from a family that is unsupportive of him. His parents do not help him learn and grow, and they are uninvolved. This poses a large problem for staff, because everything PZ is learning is not reinforced at home. PZ uses a wheelchair at all times, and he is unable to complete any transfers on his own. PZ also does not communicate verbally. He will make some noises he thinks are funny, but he does not use any words. To communicate, PZ currently has 3 switches mounted on the tray of his wheelchair. Different staff record messages for each button, but they are rarely functional messages. Rather, the messages are usually jokes or greetings. During mealtime, PZ eats very small portions for pleasure only, and he receives his nutrition though daily feedings through his G-Tube. The evaluations I completed were based mainly on prior observations, since I was unable to evaluate him in person. Sensory o Functional Vision: PZ s vision is within normal limits as expected of other students his age. He does receive eye drops for dryness, but he sees as well as the other children.
o Visual perception: As far as anyone knows, his visual perception is fine as well. Since PZ is unable to vocally communicate, it is impossible to know how well he sees. o Tactile function: As far as I know, his tactile function is within normal limits as expected for his age. He generally only uses one hand, but I have not witnessed any signs of poor tactile function. o Auditory function: I think PZ s auditory function is certainly within normal limits as expected for age. For example, he often mimics the sound his feeding pump makes as it runs every day. The sound is quiet, and he would not be able to mimic it if he could not hear it. Physical o Posture: PZ is always in his form-fitted wheelchair unless he is lying down. PZ uses waist and chest straps to keep him sitting upright since he sometimes hunches forward. o Mobility: PZ does not walk, and he has very limited use of his legs. Often, he will cross his ankles, but other than that he does not use his legs. He is able to use both arms, but he does not have full range of motion with them. His left arm has slight spasticity, but he does use it as becomes more comfortable with the people around him. He uses his right arm most of the time, especially to push his switches or to pretend to play peek-a-boo. He is unable to grasp small items, though. o Strength and effort: Since PZ is unable to move much, he does not have much strength in his muscles. He is able to push a pillow to the
ground or move a plate from his tray, but he is not able to lift anything else. o Energy: PZ has large bursts of energy followed by periods of time where he is very tired. During the time when he is energetic he is often joking or laughing. When he is tired he quickly falls asleep in his wheel chair. Cognitive: PZ is at an age where the majority of his school tasks are focused on daily living tasks. Since I only worked with PZ when his education was focused on these daily living tasks, I do not know the extent of his cognitive ability in regards to the general curriculum. I do think he understands cause and effect because he loves to play peek-a-boo, and he thinks it is funny when he throws his pillow onto the floor. He is also able to stay focused on a task for a period of time. As for sequencing and following directions, though, I am unsure what his abilities are. Psychosocial: I am not exactly sure what PZ s specific interests are, but I do know he has a sense of humor. He loves to laugh and joke with everyone he sees. Tasks needed to be performed: One of the biggest issues PZ has is not being able to communicate. Aside from the few switches on his tray, his only means of communication is using an eye gaze to make a choice. In order to participate in every environment, I feel as if he is in need of a different way to communicate. I think if he were able to communicate, the staff would be
able to better understand what else PZ is able to do and wants to do. He should be able to communicate in all environments including his classroom, the lunch room, his home, and the community. At school, PZ has both a special education teacher and a full-time paraprofessional with him. These individuals would be able to assist PZ with any of his communication tools. At home, PZ does not have a strong support system. Potential Assistive Technology Solutions I think the most beneficial type of assistive technology for PZ would be some time of communication device. I think he could even benefit from the use of simple pictures for communication. Although simple pictures might work, I feel as if PZ is capable of using a more complicated device. Some devices I have found are the 4TALK4 from Traxsys Input Products or a GoTalk 9+. The 4TALK4 is a direct selection communicator that features picture choices. The pictures can each be attached to an external switch. This would be perfect for PZ because he is able to use jellybean switches. This device has four different levels, so it could potentially be used with 16 pictures. The pictures can also be personalized to fit his needs. I also really like this device because of the ability to record vocal messages. This device costs $329.00. The GoTalk 9+ is similar to the 4TALK4, but it has the capability for 45 messages. The other difference is the GoTalk 9+ does not have the capability of using external switches for each picture choice. This device also has the capability of vocal recordings. This device costs $144.00. Most Reasonable Assistive Technology Solution
I think the most reasonable assistive technology solution for PZ is the 4TALK4. Although it is more expensive than the GoTalk 9+, I really think the capability to use external switches will benefit PZ. PZ could start by only using the 4 choices, but eventually he could move up to the use of 16 choices. I think one of the best aspects of this device is the ability to use personal images and voices so PZ feels as if he is communicating with those around him. I think the fact that this device has more than one level will make it adaptable to the different environments PZ needs to communicate in. This device can be purchased through Traxsys Input Productions online for $329.00. Follow Up Plan I think this device would need to be implemented at school. The special education teacher could be in charge of installment. After the special educator learns how to use the device correctly, she could train the paraeducators about the device. The paraeducators would then be in charge of assisting PZ in using this device on a regular basis. Since PZ s home life is not very supportive, I am unsure if this device would be used at home or not. In school, however, the paraeducators could be sure the communication device is being used correctly. The special educator could also take part in making sure the device is benefiting PZ and working correctly. It would also be the special educator s job to determine whether or not the device is the right device for PZ. I think the funding for this device could come from the school district through IDEA because it is necessary in order for PZ to actively function in school.