Michael is an early elementary student with Down Syndrome. He has a number of physical difficulties, is prone to seizures and is currently learning how to sit on his own. He is working on collecting and learning sensory information as well as interacting with others. Music is one of Michael’s favourite activities as well as outdoor recess. Overall the other children are accepting of Michael.
Using today’s technology I would teach Michael how to use the powerlink device and perhaps link the switch buttons to play musical or make sounds. A switch accessible car, as featured in the Go Baby Go video (Class #8) would be a great way to motivate Michael to learn to sit on his own. I would really need to spend a bit more time with Michael to get a better understanding of his cognitive abilities. We know that he doesn’t appear to have very good fine motor control of his hands and for this reason I would like to explore using the Eyegaze system with Michael. If he showed success maybe you could eventually pair it with an AAC device such as Proloquo2go and help him learn to communicate.
Todd is a ten year old student. He has CP and a visual impairment. The biggest challenge for staff is finding ways to help Todd become involved in what the other students are doing while working on his own goals. Todd is learning to use a switch to work a fan. He enjoys buddy reading time and is working on weight bearing physical goals.
Using the technology we learned about today the powerlink device and switch buttons could be used to help with his physical goals. Eyegaze would also be a great options so that Todd could work on some of his own academics rather than just helping his peers. The Eyegaze program that we were using had good contrast which would also be important as Todd has visual impairments. If you could pair the Eyegaze with ChromeVox or a Talkback feature (and other accessibility options) on the device he was using it would really help Todd with his visual challenges! Using programs such as Book Creator would create lots of academic avenues for Todd. Todd appears to have some control over his hand movements so he may also be able to use a switch accessible apps to play games with peers but again would need support/accessible options to support his visual challenges.
Justin is a high school student who uses switch controls.The biggest challenge for Justin was in grade seven when the students became “too cool” to talk to him or spend time with him. By grade 9 and 10 they started to come around again. The EA and teachers are crucial member of Justin support team. The way they respond to and communicate with Justin models how other students should interact with him. Giving Justin time to respond is an important skill for students to learn. Eyegaze would also be a great program for Justin. Pairing it with Proloquo2go or other ACC may allow him to use his own unique voice rather than using pre-recorded tapes.
Joy is a grade seven student who uses a head switch to communicate with others. She is very social and interacts with many different groups of people over the course of her day (secretary, younger students). The school is instrumental in teaching the community about people with disabilities and how to treat others with respect. The school is also a reflection of what is going on in the community and therefore it is extremely important to welcome all learners and learn to work with their unique strengths and challenges.
Joy finds hand switches difficult so definitely the Eyegaze or the On Screen Keyboard (switch mode) would be great tech options for her today. Cognitively, she is very aware so both of the programs would be a great match. The Eyegaze would probably be the best option as the switch mode would take more focused concentration, tiring the user more quickly.
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