Macular Degeneration

I enjoyed watching the Richard simulation video. It helped me to understand how an interview should flow using the COPM. It was also very helpful to see how to incorporate other models into an interview to help the interviewer develop a broader understanding of the client’s areas of needs and concerns. Viewing this video also helped me open my mind into who may need help. I teach a self-contained classroom. I think of individuals such as my children needing AT devices, and individuals with other disabilities. I rarely think of older individuals such as those who develop things such as Macular Degeneration or those who have had a stroke.

For Richard, I found two articles. The first artcle was Breakthrough in adaptive reading technology opens new doors for millions with impaired vision (http://www.closingthegap.com/lib/pdf/2005/Dec-Jan05/Spotlights/myReader.pdf). This article discussed a product: myReader. This device is light and transportable and can be used to aide in reading. The individual using the product places the reading materials in front of them, and the programs my reader to the text size and color they want. Another device I read about was an electronic magnifier called the PRIMER. It works with any television set. The device is hooked up to the TV and materials that he individual wants to read are then shown on the screen. This device was mentioned in the article Electronic Magnifier (http://www.closingthegap.com/lib/pdf/2002/April-May02/ElectronicMagnifier.pdf).
Both of these devices may be helpful to Richard. Reading was one area that he wanted technologies to enhance in his life.

Article 1

http://www.closingthegap.com/lib/pdf/2008/Dec-Jan/Spotlights/SocialSkill.pdf



I read the article A preschooler joins the world with a little help from his friends. I chose this article because the topic of early intervention is very interesting to me. I was also very interested in this particular article because the title really captured my attention with the words "joins the world." This article discusses how the use of a computer software program, Preschool Playtime, helped a preschool boy with a diagnosis of Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder (on the autism spectrum), develop appropriate social skills and increase appropriate communication. The Preschool Playtime software was successful for the little boy in the article. He was able to take the information learned from the software and generalize into real life situations. The world of autism is very interesting to me. There is SO much I don't know about it. I have one little boy in my class with a diagnosis of autism, and almost all of my ten students could use practice on social skills and appropriate communication. I have a book of social stories, but the concepts and connections in the stories are too advanced for my Kindergarten and 1st grade students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities. Something similar (to the software program mentioned) may be appropriate with my students. They enjoy the computer, and it seems more appropriate for my level of learners versus social stories.
This article also briefly discussed the importance of early intervention the importance of parents understanding developmental milestones. I strongly support early intervention and therapies. Early intervention is critical in helping to close the gap between typically developing children and children with developmental delays.

Introduction

I will use this blog to post weekly reflections from Closing the Gap Solutions articles. I hope in response to my reflections I will be able to learn more about the many uses of assistive technology and how to incorporate more assistive technology in my classroom.