Class 9

We started by presenting our video social stories. They were all great! Awesome job class.

Movie - Integration Meeting The Challenge

The movie is about students that have multiple severe disabilities and how their support looks.

It started out by talking about the roles of the staff involved in the child's programming. Responsibilities and roles was such a big issue in the school I was at last year. I think that this was mostly because people didn't understand what their own and other people's roles were.

First we met Michael. He is integrated into the classroom for the majority of the day. The part that stood out to me the most about his story was that since joining the class Michael has become more responsive and alert.

Todd uses a switch and his programming is also integrated into the class. There are many roles he plays within the class that benefit the class and help him to reach his learning goals. The staff involved always try to have him connected to the group.

Joy has a personal dictionary that shows all of the ways she communicates. I think this is great for her peers and teachers that are new to her or might not be aware of all her ways to communicate. It would alleviate some anxiety of not being sure how to communicate with her.

One important point they brought up was that integration depends on the school attitude. Great point! Teamwork has to be present to make it work.

Next we looked at switch access devices and ideas.

There is an endless amount of ideas for using the switch devices. We looked at many ideas for using a switch. I had no idea the amount of switches that were out there. I actually had a cupboard in my classroom filled with these and didn't know what they were until a month into the school year. I didn't have any students at the time that used a switch. Here's a website that gives an overview of many different types of switches: http://www.inclusive.co.uk/catalogue/acatalog/switch_access_devices_and_accessories.html

I have a student coming to my school this year that uses a switch. I've never had a student that uses a switch but I know I will remember one thing. Don't say " hit the switch". I will make sure I am aware of the language I use and the language other people use when encouraging the student. Focus on the task.

Movie - Step by Step Guide to Assistive Technology

Immediately the idea that the task has to be what the focus is when using a switch was reinforces.

I found the most valuable part of the movie was explaining how a switch worked. i didn't fully understand how a switch worked with a device to complete a task. This was perfect timing for me to see this video. September will be the first time I work with a student that uses a switch and now I feel at least I have some knowledge about switches.