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T.R.E. MATTERS

TRE (tre), n. Technology Resources for Education Center

Matters n. pl. 1. Subject of discussion; something of importance.

Fall 2000 VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 3 Free Newsletter

1. A.T. Trainer Certification

2. T.R.E. Center’s Web Site

3. Linking Emergent Literacy

and Accountability

4. Assistive Listening Corner

5. 6-Day Assistive Technology Competency Certificate Program

6. T.R.E. Workshop Schedule

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINER/INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION

(A.T.T.I.C.) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Are you an Assistive Technology Professional who would like to:

• "Get in on the ground floor" of a new and exciting Distance Education initiative?

• Win a scholarship to become a certified instructor of Assistive Technology Courses?

• Serve as an adjunct instructor to train service providers all over New York to "appropriately consider assistive technology and provide assistive technology services consistent with State Guidelines and federal statute"?

• Strengthen existing Assistive Technology Services in your region?

• Earn additional income?

If so, then the T.R.E. Center, in collaboration with VESID and the Research Institute for Assistive and Training Technologies at the National Association for State Directors of Special Education (RIATT@NASDSE), invites you to apply for the second annual A.T.T.I.C. Scholarship. The scholarship, valued at over $3000, will cover the costs of tuition and materials fees to RIATT@NASDSE for the six courses that comprise the NASDSE Basic Competency Certificate, and partial travel expenses to Albany for four days.

RIATT@NASDSE Instructor Qualifications

Becoming a Certified NY-RIATT@NASDSE instructor allows you to teach for RIATT@NASDSE and thus offer your participants options for NASDSE PDUs (Professional Development Units) and Competency Certificates, ASHA CEUs, as well as university credit from several universities throughout the country. To become a NY-RIATT@NASDSE Instructor, applicants must:

1. Be from one of the following "Joint Management Team" areas in the state:

The deadline for submitting your application materials is November 30^th.

Successful applicants may only teach a course if they have taken it. Thus, once selected, the successful scholarship winner must complete coursework for the NASDSE Basic Competency Certificate (or equivalent) plus have completed the coursework in the classes they wish to teach. Applicants may begin taking the Overview course and others at any time. Course registration information is available at www.trecenter.org.

RIATT@NASDSE Instructor Certification Seminar

The Instructor Certification Seminar is designed to prepare the applicant to be an effective distance educator using the RIATT@NASDSE materials. These two, two day workshops provide the certification required to teach these courses for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association through RIATT@NASDSE. Successful applicants may also become adjunct instructors for universities who currently offer or who will offer the RIATT@NASDSE courses. These sessions are necessary to:

• Develop the group into an effective team

for ongoing support;

• Facilitate effective distance education

learning and interaction;

• Develop and use criteria to evaluate non RIATT materials to integrate with RIATT materials as appropriate;

• Coordinate RIATT@NASDSE training with other NYS pre-and in-service training activities. In what ways might we share information to strengthen assistive technology service delivery in New York State?

• Learn student registration, grading, reporting procedures (for CEU/univer credit)

• Multimedia usage and troubleshooting (both Windows and Macintosh platforms)

• Access RIATT@NASDSE website to retrieve course updates

• Payment procedures.

To participate, each applicant will have access to the Accessible Learning Kit related to the courses in which they will be trained. By the end, each NY-RIATT@NASDSE Certified Instructor will have an Instructor Guide, computer media for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, and a troubleshooting guide for each course in which they have received training. The first NY-RIATT@NASDSE Instructor Certification workshop will be offered in the spring 2000 at the TRE Center in Albany, NY.

If you have any questions about becoming an instructor for the NY-RIATT@NASDSE program, please call David Grapka, TRE Center toll free at 1-800-248-9873.

TRE Center Web Site: TRECENTER.ORG

The TRE Center Web Site provides:

Contact Information - all the ways to access us including e-mail, 800#, fax, mail, etc.

Real Time Chat & Email Listserves

Newsletters - Save the trees and read the TRE newsletters online! Get them faster than mail!

Services - What's TRE all about? All of TRE's services are outlined and described.

A.T. Resource Links - What are the most important places on the net for AT providers? We think we have assembled a great starting point for your needs here.

A.T. Training - What / When are the upcoming trainings? Offered by specialists from around the country. TRE, VISTA (BOCES), RIATT, etc.

Conferences & Exhibits What / When are the most important conferences & exhibits coming up?

RIATT@NASDSE Training - TRE has teamed with RIATT @ NASDSE to help provide distance learning opportunities to providers in New York State. Find all the information you need here.

by Linda Reece, Sharon Miller, & Lynn Grant

There are few standardized tests that are functional as assessment tools for students with profound disabilities. Up to recently most classrooms for the profound did not have an academic basis. Often students were not active participants. Teachers and aides took more of a caretaking role and completed activities for them. After attending "Connsense" conference four years ago and "Closing the Gap" the following fall, we decided to adopt Emergent Literacy as our curriculum. At the same time Integrated Therapy was being introduced into our BOCES programs. As a team (teacher, speech, OT, PT, APE, nurse), we chose to use a theme and storybook that enabled us to meet student goals and objectives through meaningful, experiential activities. A core vocabulary was chosen from the storybook theme using the picture communications symbols from Mayer Johnson's Boardmaker. Our goal was to reinforce the acquisition of this vocabulary throughout our classroom activities. We used many types of instructional media. Books were scanned into the computer for switch access through the IntelliPics program. Interactive laminated storybooks were utilized daily. Songs were developed around our themes and accessed through Hyperstudio and IntelliPics. As appropriate, some students used velcro boards with their selected vocabulary. For the nonverbal students voice output devices such as Big Macs, Multi Levels, Step by Steps, Tech Talks and Tech Speaks were programmed with repetitive lines, comments, questions, directions, etc. for participation in the story activities.

As we became more comfortable with the Emergent Literacy curriculum, we found that the students needed three to four weeks of theme immersion. Accountability with the severe and profound has always been difficult to assess. Now we felt we finally had a vehicle upon which to base more tangible assessments.

Our assessments range from observations to data collections. Prior to beginning a unit we choose vocabulary based on student ability. One student may have ten words and another only four. For those students who we feel can't indicate a preference or choice we establish more observational criteria. The observational criteria may include awareness levels, body language, gross vocalizations, toleration of the activity as well as increased length of participation.

Students are assessed at the beginning of the unit and the results are noted. Students are then assessed throughout the unit and at the completion of the unit using the same measure. This repetition of assessment gives us more reliable results since our students have variable performance based on physical status changes.

The types of assessment we used are based on student abilities. Some students use the picture communication symbols to make choices upon request using manual selection or eye gaze. Some students are asked to reach and touch a picture when given verbal cues. Other students use their communication devices to indicate the requested vocabulary or to fill in a blank in the story line. In addition students use the Intellikeys to indicate choices or build simple sentences about the unit. The more verbal students were able to answer comprehension questions using the picture symbols as tools for retrieval. A number of multimedia programs such as Hyperstudio and IntelliPics have quiz components that were easy to adapt to our students.

We take this assessment data including photos to the students' CSE meetings as traditional testing methods are not available or appropriate. This gives the CSE team a clear picture of how we are meeting the student's needs and they are an active

participant in their program.

This linking of accountability with emergent literacy has given validity to the premise that all children can learn.

Central Institute for the Deaf, 4560 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

314.977.0000 voice, 314.977.0001 tdd

URL: http://www.cid.wustl.edu

Be sure you can see clearly. You can listen with your eyes, but you must have clear vision. Be sure you have glasses if you need them, and that they are properly adjusted.

Relax when you lip-read. It will allow you to watch lips and speakers carefully without tiring or letting your attention wander.

Be alert. This takes practice, but to listen with your eyes, you have to keep your attention on the speakers and their lips at all times.

Be confident. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. You will learn with practice and mistakes will begin to disappear.

Train the muscles of your mouth to remember how the shape of the sound looks. Silently make the shape of each sound when you see someone else make it. At the start of your study, this may be a useful trick, but later you will concentrate on lip reading sentences not isolated sounds.

Practice, practice, practice. Use every opportunity to lip-read - with your friends, in crowds and in public.

Be patient. Sticking to it will really pay off, but it does take time. Once the basics are mastered you need to practice in everyday life, every day.

Develop a sense of rhythm. Speech has rhythm, and it affects how sounds are formed. Be aware of this.

Lip-read for thought or content. You are interested in sentences not sounds. Your aim is to communicate with people and to understand what they are saying.

Have fun with lip reading. Let your sense of humor cut loose. Enjoy it as a game.

Source: Central Institute for the Deaf.

For more information read: "Lip Reading Program Helps Seniors" by Connie Farrow, The Associated Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Henter-Joyce, Sharon Spencer (727) 803-8000

Blazie Engineering Bryan Blazie (410) 893-9333

Freedom Scientific, Steve Leese (760) 602-5232

HENTER-JOYCE AND BLAZIE ENGINEERING MERGE TO FORM FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC INC.

Henter-Joyce, the leading U.S. software company specializing in products for blind people, has merged with Blazie Engineering, the leading U.S. manufacturer of Braille hardware devices, to form Freedom Scientific Inc. This is a new company dedicated to offering a broad line of assistive technology products for people with sensory impairments and learning disabilities.

Henter-Joyce, founded in 1987 by Ted Henter, who learned to program computers after losing his sight in a car accident, is known for having developed the world's best selling screen reader software, called JAWS"Job Access with Speech") for Windows. By allowing blind people to achieve the same or higher productivity in computer-based jobs as sighted people, JAWS has increased employment opportunities for people who are blind while helping employers and universities meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Henter-Joyce employs 71 people, of whom 31 are blind or visually impaired - the majority working in software engineering, computer programming, sales or technical support. Ted Henter will stay on with Freedom Scientific as vice president of advanced development for software products. Blazie Engineering, founded in 1986 by Deane Blazie, an electrical engineer with an advanced degree in computer science, manufactures a broad line of hardware products for blind people, including note takers, Braille printers and Braille displays. Blazie developed the Braille 'n Speak, the world's first note taker - a personal digital assistant (PDA) with Braille input and voice or data output that allows blind users to take notes, keep their address book and update their personal calendars without reliance on pencil and paper. Blazie now offers five different models of note takers and holds a leading global market share. Blazie employs 75 people at its facilities in Forest Hill, Maryland and Stuart, Florida. Deane Blazie will stay on with the combined companies as vice president for advanced development of hardware products.

Freedom Scientific is headed by Richard H. Chandler, founder and former C.E.O. of Sunrise Medical, one of the world's major manufacturers of rehabilitation products for the elderly and disabled. Chandler observed, "Ted Henter and Deane Blazie have both built highly successful companies committed to delivering technology based products that open the doors of employment and education for blind and visually impaired individuals. In aggregate, their businesses grew by more than 25% last year. This growth should be further invigorated by this merger, with its opportunity for offering customers a broad line of hardware and software products, along with improved levels of customer service and support. Ted and Deane will continue to provide strong leadership voices in the blind/low vision industry. Freedom Scientific, meanwhile, will seek additional acquisition opportunities in related assistive technology markets, such as products for the learning disabled and speech or hearing impaired." Freedom Scientific's mission is to change the world for people with sensory and learning disabilities by creating innovative, technology based products and solutions.

Receive the TRE Matters Newsletter in your e-mail or look for it online on the TRECENTER.ORG Website!

In order to save money and trees, soon there may no longer be a paper edition available.

Sign up today for the email edition at our website today. It’s accessible! Screen reader friendly and large text versions are also available online.

ATTENTION ALL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS AND WRITERS!

The T.R.E. Center wants to publish you in T.R.E. Matters, the statewide newsletter for Assistive Technology. Here is your chance to become famous, add to your resume, and help others by sharing your knowledge and experience!

For our readership of over 3,500 we are interested in publishing human interest stories and anecdotes, information about current events and resources, and qualitative research in any of the following topical areas:

 

• Reviews or Descriptions of Assistive Technology services in the area

• Local, state and national training opportunities

• Reviews of AT devices and educational and assistive software programs

"Tech Tips" and shortcuts

 

• Successes, strategies, and stories - the "How To" of implementing AT

• AT policies, especially at the local level

• Legislative updates

• Hearings and mediations - binding decisions about AT

Please send your article(s), along with any photos or graphics, to:

E-mail: TRECenter1@aol.com

Website: http://WWW.TRECENTER.ORG

MS Word, Mac format on disk or e-mail is the preferred method of receiving and processing your material. Please include a SASE if you want a hard copy of your material returned.

Thank you in advance! We look forward to reviewing your materials.

Sincerely

TRE Matters Staff

Call Now to Tailor the Program to Your Needs and Schedule!

Now the Technology Resources for Education (T.R.E.) Center teams up with the Research Institute for Assistive and Training Technologies at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (RIATT@NASDSE pronounced ree' - aht at nazz' - dee) to offer this 6-day Competency -Based Certificate training in Assistive Technology.

This program uses RIATT@NASDSE's award-winning multimedia materials. These materials, currently used in RIATT@NASDSE's Professional Development Program, have been adapted for an interactive, face-to-face setting for your site. You can conveniently schedule this competency-based, accessible 6-day training program either as consecutive days or spread them out into two, three-day blocks, to accommodate your staff's schedules.

Bring yourself and your peers into compliance by learning how to provide appropriate assistive technology services according to IDEA regulations. More importantly, assure that your staff and students have access to tools they need to succeed in a "high standards" environment.

Each participant will receive a set of assistive technology multimedia materials (videos, textbooks, CD-ROMs, hands-on kits and more) while earning RIATT@NASDSE's nationally recognized Competency Certificate in Assistive Technology Services as well as International CEUs. Participants may obtain graduate credit for an additional fee.

These courses have been approved /used by:

New York State Education Department's Office of Vocational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)

New York's Columbia University

 

• Numerous universities, continuing education agencies, and State Departments of Special Education across the Country.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

• National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)

This Assistive Technology Training Program provides instruction and competency level outcomes in the following areas:

• Overview: Assistive Technology Laws, Regulations, Funding, Resources

• Computer Access

• Assistive Technology Assessment Process: From Consideration to Report.

• Family Involvement

• Classroom Integration of Assistive Technology

Successful completion of the program will prepare participants with a firm knowledge of how to:

 

• Organize and lead an assistive technology assessment team

• Implement assistive technology devices within the curriculum in a high standards environment

• Involve all IEP team members in an effective assistive technology process

• Locate and use available resources & websites in New York and the world

• Appropriately consider and assess students for assistive technology needs

• Provide a broad range of assistive technology services in general and special education classrooms

• Resolve computer access issues and reduce potential for costly hearings

The courses cover a wide range of essential materials and topics and you can customize them to address your group's needs. On-site training is available to groups of 15 or more at a special discounted price of only $250 per course per person.

In the past 5 years thousands of educators have given exceptionally high marks to RIATT@NASDSE Faculty and TRE Consultants. Here are what some past participants and current clients have said about the RIATT@NASDSE Assistive Technology Training Program:

"Planning for training sessions will be easier for me since I now have this background." (Marcia, Schodack, NY)

"I found the specific recommendations for effective technology plans particularly useful." (Debbie R., Poughkeepsie, NY)

"Inspiring...It opened my eyes..." (Ellen C. administrator, Watertown, NY)

"An excellent way to organize needs for assistive technology." (Cindy, coordinator, NY)

"Enthusiastic Instructors. Motivating activities!" (Eileen, Nyack, NY)

For a list of course competencies, to discuss how to tailor the training to your needs, or to schedule training dates, please contact:

Greg Blalock, www.riatt@nasdse.org

Email:riatt@nasdse.org

Phone: 1-888-438-1938 (Free)

David Grapka, TRECenter.org

Email: TRECenter1@AOL.com

Phone: 518-456-9290

Toll free (In NY): 1-800-248-9873

TRE Center Staff for 2000-2001

Assistive Technology & The I.E.P: The Assessment Process

#31A (11/7/00)

#31B (1/25/01) $25, 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Tactile Symbols for Non-Verbal Students with Blindness / Low Vision

 #34 $25 11/ 15, 2000; 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Integrating Educational Software & Classroom Strategies to Assist Students with Learning Disabilities

 #35 $40 12/ 8, 2000; 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Integrating the Internet into Your Curriculum: Intermediate Level

 #36 A (12/14/00) #36B 2/15/01) $25

Intellikeys, IntelliTalk and Overlay Maker (BYO Intellikeys)

 #37 $25 December 1, 2000; 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Paying for Assistive Technology: Challenging Issues and Practical Answers

 #38A 11/30, #38B (3/1/01) $25

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Speech Recognition Software

 #40 $25 February 9, 2001, 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Technology Tools for Students

with Learning Disabilities

 #41 #40 February 2, 2001; 8:30 - 2:30 pm

Fee: $40.00

** Prerequisite: Must have some knowledge/experience using computer technology with students.

Technology Tools for Visually Impaired Students

 #42 $25 October 25, 2000;

12:00 - 3:00 pm Fee: $25.00

Thinking Outside the Instructional and Assistive Technology Boxes: Creating a Wisdom Exchange

 #43 #40 RIC - Training Rooms 1 & 2,

November 17, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Fee: $40.00

Working with Inspiration!

 #44 $25 Fee: $25.00

November 2, 2000; 12:00 - 3:00 pm

For More information on workshops, feel free to call our toll-free line or access our website.

T.R.E. Matters is designed as a resource for the NYS SETRC network, educators, and parents of students with disabilities who want to learn more about assistive technology. It is supported by grant #0031-98-0825 from VESID. Inclusion of information in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by VESID.

TRE Center (Technology Resources for Education Center)

Ph: (TolI Free in NYS) 800-248-YTRE (9873)

Ph: 518-456-9290

Fax: 518-456-9289

Internet: http://TRECENTER.ORG

Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga BOCES Non-Profit Org.

TRE Center U.S. POSTAGE

Maywood School PAID

1979 Central Avenue Permit No. 373

Albany, NY 12205 Albany, NY

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