Preschoolers with special needs often have developmental delays or impairments that inhibit them from independently accessing materials and developmentally appropriate experiences if they did not have a disability.
They require individualized modifications to understand and participate in daily activities with more independence. Assistive technology (AT) is one avenue to address the individual needs of our students. According to IDEA 97', an assistive technology device is defined 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 a child with a disability." It is not possible to make a decision about assistive technology until you can talk about the specific tasks that you child will be trying to accomplish.The functional capabilities of the child in any situation are directly related to the tasks that he or she is trying to accomplish. In preschool, professionals are often working with "beginning communicators," hence discussing AT entails a big focus on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Parents and professionals in the school district may have a lack of knowledge of what types of technology are readily available to them. Few school districts have a qualified assistive technology specialist on staff to provide consultations and assessments. At times, parents and professionals may disagree with which type of assistive technology is appropriate and necessary for the student to access education. An essential component to assistive technology consideration is being culturally sensitive. Since the use of assistive technology will be generalized in the home setting, the family's perspective of special needs and the use of assistive technology should be considered. If the family does not agree then it is meaningless to try this method.

So this site will focus largely on simple technology that will encourage independence in play and communication in preschool.

Arrival/Transitions/Departure

Circle time/Storytime

Snack

Bathroom

Art

Cooking

Free play/making choices

Sensorimotor activities

Pre-acadmemic activities

RESOURCES

Information provided by:

Cecilia Ng, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Eileen Cristobal, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher