2001 Conference Proceedings

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UNRAVELING INCLUSION CONFUSION

Don Kehoe
Adaptivation, Inc.
2225 W. 50th Street, Suite 100
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Ph. 605-335-4445

Summary

Inclusion of children with disabilities requires the classroom curriculum be applicable and accessible. This presentation will cover over 50 technology-based classroom applications promoting inclusionary activities.

The inclusion of children with disabilities into regular education requires that the classroom curriculum be applicable and accessible. In order for inclusion to be successful, teachers and other classroom personnel must be given tools which meet their needs as well as the needs of the students they are serving. Often the technology available to a teacher is limited to what is personally owned by their students. This poses many obstacles such as, little hands on teacher training with the device, unavailability to the teacher during planning periods, and inability to utilize the same technology with a variety of students. These obstacles greatly reduce the success of incorporating technology into daily activities.

Using technology that meets the following criteria can facilitate inclusionary activities that truly promote interaction among peers.

Portability

Ease of Programming
Ease of Implementation-Important for the teacher as well as the peers using the technology.
Ability to adjust programming to meet a variety of needs throughout the day.
Variety of features such as varying input modes (object-based, picture-based, etc.), timing options, and relay options.
Device versatility (scanning, direct selection, switch input, number of messages) that can accommodate the changing needs of its user or users within the same device.
Cost effectiveness

The presentation will incorporate functional application ideas demonstrated with technology that meet the above criteria. Several technology based applications, gathered from experienced professionals throughout the country, will highlight the joint use of technology between disabled and nondisabled peers.

Application ideas will incorporate the use of communication aids, switches, environmental controls, computer adaptations, and other assistive devices. The activities will include ideas for play, academics (reading, spelling, math), PE, music, and group projects as well as many activities that promote social interaction among peers. Although the presentation will focus on the use of products developed by Adaptivation, the ideas presented can easily be implemented with other commercially available products. The format of the presentation will allow participants to share their own ideas and experiences regarding technology and inclusion.

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