Assistive Technology

The federal government and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) defines assistive technology as:

Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. [20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25)]Put definition here

Marquette-Alger RESA has a small lending library that can be accessed by anyone within the RESA. The tools can be borrowed on a short term loan (6-8 weeks), and must be returned at the end of the loan period. If we don't have access to a requested tool, we can either help you locate the item (or similar tool) or look at purchasing it for our lending library. We have a variety of tools ranging from low to high tech and in a variety of categories. See the photo for a sample of what we currently have available.

Simply fill out this google form to request AT tools or services including (but not limited to) trainings, PD, AT assessments, IEP help, consultation, etc.

https://forms.gle/22ndegfPWEYW6AqM7

All of our AT forms are housed in the Marquette-Alger RESA webpage under Assistive Technology Services.

We have purchased a 3D printer to allow us to print Assistive Technology devices and tools. These tools might include visual aids, pen/pencil grips, zipper pulls, fidgets, tactile symbols, and keyguards for AAC devices.

If your student would benefit from a 3D printed object, and has AT listed in their IEP, fill out the Google form to make a request!

Google Chromebook's are full of built-in accessibility features for students who need them. These are free, and already included on every ChromeBook, all you have to do is turn on the ones your student(s) need. Check out this great presentation created (and shared with permission) by Andy Mann from Muskegon Area ISD:

ChromeBook Accessibility tools to level the field.

Worksheets are a typical part of most classrooms. Pencil and paper tasks require students to be able to read and understand the information presented, and also write or choose their responses to the questions. But what if your students have difficulties with reading text, spelling, writing, or all of the above? These pencil and paper worksheets may not be truly accessible to all students in the classroom. If you make your worksheet virtual, then all students can access and complete the work independently with the use of text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and/or writing and spelling support build into their computers.

How does this work? I'm glad you asked! Kami is a free web based app that allows you to scan and upload paper based worksheets and the student can complete them on their computer and email them to you when completed!

Math and literacy materials and supports can be difficult to find for emergent learners. Take a look at these free resources that were shared at a conference by a teacher working in a SXI classroom downstate. She is using these ideas and strategies and seeing progress with her students!

Emergent Math Resources

Emergent Literacy Resources

We all know how to create documents, spreadsheets, slide shows, etc using Goggle as a resource. But did you know there are a TON of other ways to use Google in your classroom to engage students? Eric Curts presented at UPMACUL and shared a wealth of knowledge on Google sheets, docs, slides, and drawings. He also shares several Google Tools that you've probably never heard of (there were several that were new to me)! Check out his resources to learn how to further engage your students quickly and easily!

MacGyver Google

Hipster Google

9/3/2024

Want to be a part of the Region 1A Assistive Technology group? Fill out this form to be added to the group and participate in a group of Assistive Technology professionals across the Upper Peninsula. As a group, we meet quarterly as a way to network with others, problem solve, exchange ideas, and participate in professional development opportunities related to AT. You don't have to be an expert, or even working directly with AT to join the group, we'd love to have you!

Assistive Technology professionals from across the UP gathered on October 3rd for hands-on learning and professional development. The group gained practical experience through activities centered around switch and battery interrupter building, and learning some basics of 3D printing. The latter half of the day was focused on opportunities to learn about resources and happenings across the state of Michigan, time for networking and problem solving, and opportunities to discuss some key topics in AT including capacity building and moving from an expert to team models within their respective districts. This day of learning was sponsored by REMC21.

Kami and Read and Write for Google are excellent tools that can help students who are struggling with reading and writing. Kami allows students to complete paper based tasks virtually. Simply scan a document, or upload a photo of a document or books and Kami can convert it into readable text. Once your assignment is completed it automatically saves to your Google account and can be emailed or shared to the teacher.

Read and Write for Google supplies students with tools for reading and writing across all Google programs. Kami and Read and Write integrate seamlessly and are excellent Assistive Technology tools for all students! Watch the videos below to learn more, and ask questions if needed.

Don't forget the full version of Read and Write for Google is FREE for teachers, just fill out this form and then add it as an extension to get its full benefit.

The SETT Framework is considered the "gold standard" when it comes to AT evaluation tools. It is completed during an IEP team meeting after a REED is signed to allow for the assessment to be completed. SETT stands for Student Environment Tasks and Tools. It is set up in a way that lends itself to meaningful discussions surrounding the student and their individual needs across school and home environments. Often times when familles are present and participate in the discussion we gain meaningful, relevant, and often times new information than what might be discussed in the students yearly IEP. The SETT we use along with all other AT forms can be found on the Marquette-Alger website under the AT forms tab. Once completed the information can be used to support the need for AT in the students IEP. A copy of the SETT and the AT Implementation Plan should be kept in the students CA60 and reviewed at each IEP meeting.

Here are some quick 'how to' videos created to help with editing, backing up, and using TouchChat and TD Snap communication systems. If there are other videos you'd like to see, let me know and I'd be happy to create and upload them!

Here are some videos centered around the TouchChat app. Just as a note, these videos pertain to its' use on an iPad. If you have a device that was received by PRC-Saltillo some of these processes may look different. If you, or someone sets an editing passcode on the device and you cannot remember it, the override code is: 72584556.

These videos are centered around TD Snap. Just as a note, these videos pertain to its' use on an iPad. If you have a device that was received by TobiiDynavox some of these processes may look different. If you, or someone sets an editing passcode on the device and you cannot remember it, the override code is: 0520

These videos pertain to iPad specific features that might be helpful when used as a communication system for your student.

Our region 1A AT meetings have begun again! We will also have another in-person meeting on November 21, 2025 at the Marquette-Alger RESA building. You must register to attend by the end of the day on October 31st by using this registration form. I hope to see you there!