Monday, May 12, 2008

Universal Design-Assistive Technology Videos

What is Universal Design for Learning?

In today's schools, the mix of students is more diverse than ever. Educators are challenged to teach all kinds of learners to high standards, yet a single classroom may include students who struggle to learn for any number of reasons, such as the following:

Learning disabilities such as dyslexia
English language barriers
Emotional or behavioral problems
Lack of interest or engagement
Sensory and physical disabilities

Teachers want their students to succeed, but a one-size-fits-all approach to education simply does not work. How can teachers respond to individual differences?

CAST's solution is called Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL provides a blueprint for creating flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that accommodate learner differences.

"Universal" does not imply a single optimal solution for everyone. Instead, it is meant to underscore the need for multiple approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners.

UDL mirrors the universal design movement in architecture and product development. Think of speakerphones, curb cuts, and close-captioned television—all universally designed to accommodate a wide variety of users, including those with disabilities.

Embedded features that help those with disabilities eventually benefit everyone. UDL uses technology's power and flexibility to make education more inclusive and effective for all.

CAST Universal Design for Learning

VIDEOS

Pay Attention
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEFKfXiCbLw

Did you know 2.0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U&mode=related&search=

I Can Soar Video
http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/category/i-can-soar/

Disabled Bodies, Able Minds: Giving Voice, Movement, and Independence to the Physically Challenged---Edutopia

http://www.edutopia.org/node/1241

Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams From voice-activated software to customized laptops, assistive technology is changing the way disabled students communicate, learn, and play.

http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-0

Project: Instead of a Mouse

http://homepage.mac.com/terryjohnmick/jafw/html/projects/scenario/tab_n_enter.htm

AssistiveWare videos on computer accessibility
http://www.assistiveware.com/videos.php

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to "...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities...", according to the definition proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.

Assistive Technology products can enable people with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities, in essence, help them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life. Assistive Technology devices can help improve physical or mental functioning, overcome a disorder or impairment, help prevent the worsening of a condition, strengthen a physical or mental weakness, help improve a person's capacity to learn, or even replace a missing limb.

Assistive Technology Services support people with disabilities or their caregivers to help them select, acquire, or use adaptive devices. Such services include functional evaluations, training on devices, product demonstration, and equipment purchasing or leasing.

Assistive Technology is best understood when divided into categories or product families. To view a comprehensive classification of AT products by disability type, go to
www.rehabtool.com/at.html