Calculators

Calculators are used to assist students with or without disabilities with math computation. 

Talking calculators -  reads aloud each number, symbol, or operation key that is pressed and it states the answer to the problem. This calculator performs the basic functions (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing). A talking calculator is good for students who have Dyscalculia or struggle with math.

Image of a talking calculator

Large calculators - to assist with fine motor skills or vision problems. This calculator performs the basic functions (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing).

Image of a large calculator

COIN-U-LATOR (money calculator) - teachers the value of each coin and visually represents it. Also, allows students to add and subtract different values of coins.

Image of COIN-U-LATOR

Assistive Technology for Students with Autism

            Assistive technology comes in a wide variety of forms from an AAC device all the way to a pencil grip. Assistive technology is meant to enhance the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

            Students with Autism can benefit from using assistive technology such as visual representation systems. Visual representation systems can include pictures, drawings, photographs, written dialogue, objects, etc. Visual representations can help the student see what they are supposed to do as opposed to just reading what they are supposed to do.

            Visual representations can be made with many different materials. Visual representations can be made without any electronic devices being used such as 3-ring binders, dry erase boards, manila folders, Velcro, laminated items, photographs, etc. Some devices that are electronic include tape recorders, video cameras, computers, etc.

            A visual schedule is an example of an assistive technology that can be used for a student with Autism. A visual schedule is a set of pictures that displays the steps to a certain activity. Visual schedules help students understand their daily life events.

Example of a visual schedule

About me..

          My name is Alyssa Jenrick and I am a junior at Illinois State University. I am majoring in Special Education as a Learning Behavior Specialist.
            When I was a senior in high school I was in a program called Senior Leaders. Senior Leaders was a program during physical education where students would be an aid to a teacher for the full year. The students got to choose what type of PE class they would like to aid. I chose to aid a special education PE class. However, there were not any special education students in PE class during that time so the special education PE director decided instead he would use my help in the classrooms. I worked with a variety of students and saw them every day of the week. I also had the opportunity to go on a camping trip with these students to Wisconsin for the weekend. I also accompanied them to Six Flags. Every day with these students was the best part of my day but it also was a learning experience. Those students were my inspiration to become a Special Education major.
            I plan on graduating from Illinois State University in the year of 2013. I would like to get my masters after I graduate. I'm hoping to work with high school children with Autism. 

During the Senior Leader camping trip!
(same with below picture)