AT Devices for Richard

After doing a search for articles pertaining to AT devices for individuals suffering from macular degeneration I found the following article: Announcing Aladdin Sunshine: Telesensory delivers auto focus in one-piece color CCTV. http://www.closingthegap.com/ctg2/solutions/editorial_detailsinline.lasso?Solutions_EditorialID=E968&-session=XServeAuthenticate:4BB25115054682C533kyw1DB9B2B

The article I linked to discusses the Aladdin Sunshine. This device allows individual with vision difficulties to focus and see color all in one integrated unit. The article mentions that the Aladdin Sunshine allows individuals with low vision to see photos, work on crafts, and read books/magazines with the benefit of automatic focus. Furthermore, the ergonomic design allows individuals to sit comfortably when reading books, doing crossword puzzles, examining prescription bottles. Also, the device is easily transportable.

I felt this device was helpful for Richard because first and foremost it allows him to focus on what he is seeing, which is the root of the problem. Also, when he is participating in quiet leisure activities, the design of the Aladdin Sunshine allows him to sit comfortably, in this way increasing the likelihood he will frequently use the device. Also, the device is transportable so that he can take it with him when he goes out to visit friends. In this way allowing him to read things when he's away. If we didn't put much thought into it, we might think that Richard only needs to read while at home and may not consider all the times we need to be able to read when we are away from home. For example, in order to get to place to place Richard needs to be able to read signs. Also he may need to read labels when he's at the grocery store or pharmacy. Therefore, the fact that the Aladdin Sunshine is transportable is a real plus. Not to mention that having devices that were easily transportable was something Richard really reiterated during his interview with Crystal.

The following quote was included in the article:

“With the Aladdin video magnifiers, you become a whole person again,” says Florese Brown of Martinez, California. “It gives me a life that I would not have had without it. Now I can do what I want and no one can take advantage of me because I can read everything!”

With the Aladdin Sunshine hopefully Richard can feel like a "whole person" again and he can continue doing the activities he enjoys doing and needs to do on a daily basis. Furthermore, the ability to read things such as labels and signs will help him regain his independence.

AT Article #1

The first article I reviewed for this class is called "Assessing reading, listening, and observational comprehension in students with physical conditions" and the link to this article can be found here:
http://www.closingthegap.com/lib/pdf/2007/Aug-Sept/Brundige.pdf

This article describes the Comprehension CD., which is a product that assesses an individual's listening, reading, and observational comprehension. Within this product are pre-made templates for educators to use to asses comprehension of those who may be disabled, but this product also allows the educator to develop their own questions. The student first reads a selection, hears a selection or views a movie. Then the student is asked questions about what the read, heard, or saw. The student receives feedback on their progress, simulatenously the program collects data on how the student is doing for the educator to look over. The overlay is simple so that it can be used by individuals with many different ability levels. As mentioned earlier the material can be read, heard, or viewed, in this way allowing individuals of multiple types of disability to benefit from the product. The article indicates there are a lack of AT products that focus their material on Social Studies and Science, therefore the Comprehension CD is mostly comprised of material covering these subject areas. Lastly, the Comprehension CD has advanced questions so that it is beneficial for the more cognitively/academically advanced students as well.


As a school psychologist intern I am not only responsible for assessing an individuals aptitude, but also for assessing an individuals academic achievement. It is often difficult to assess academic achievement in students with physical disabilities such as deafness or blindness. These individuals may not be able to hear my instructions, read the printed material, or see the pictures in order to answer the questions. I like that the Comprehension CD gives me a way to assess a student's comprehension in various domains, despite any physical impairments the student might have. To learn more about the Comprehension CD go to the website below. Type in George Washington in the search box and click on the link entitled Comprehension CD Learning Magic. Here you can see the type of subjects the Comprehension CD covers and get a feel for how it works. Enjoy!

http://www.learningmagicinc.com/

Introduction

Hi Guys!

My name is Meredith Cox and I am a student in the School Psychology program here at ECU. I am completing my third and final year by doing an internship through Onslow County Schools. I am newly married (some of you may know me as Meredith Price) and loving it. Life is a busy as a student, intern and newlywed, but I am managing. I am taking this class to increase my Assistive Technology knowledge base so that I can assist in determining AT needs in the schools I work in. I can't wait to "meet" everyone else.

Meredith P. Cox