March News You Can Use AT Tip: Supporting the Development of Symbol Understanding Pediatric Items Available
SSIP Update: Scaling Up
Edited by Allyson Robinson, SLP and Assistive Technology Specialist and
Sandra Wright, PhD., CCC/SLP, both of Oklahoma ABLE Tech
AT Tip: Supporting the Development of Symbol Understanding
Children who have developmental delays often have delays in understanding symbol/meaning relationships. If this is not addressed at an early age, these children are at risk for reading development difficulties. The letters of the alphabet are a symbol system that represent different sounds. The assistive technology included in the basic SoonerStart kit has a variety of resources that can be used to teach symbol/meaning relationship.
Professionals will often refer to early symbolic understanding as cause and effect. The Big Mack Switch can be utilized with a switch toy (the rainforest, the bubble machine, etc.) with a picture of the switch toy or it’s action on the Big Mack button created either through using Boardmaker (included in your AT kits), SymbolStix, a digital picture, or google images. The picture cue that represents the action can then be taken off the Big Mack and placed on a slant board to see if the child can make a choice of the activity when presented with a blank card (or a simple color) and the choice card on the slant board. This could then be expanded upon using two choice items, or the use of yes and no for confirmation or rejection.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech operates the Oklahoma Equipment Exchange (OEE) program to transfer durable medical equipment (DME) items that have been previously, gently used and are now available for other young children in need.
The OEE has recently acquired a Crocodile Gait Trainer ($325), a Pediatric Gait Trainer ($625), a pediatric shower/toileting chair ($550), and a pediatric wheelchair/stroller ($575).
ABLE Tech realizes the liability concerns that may surround using equipment that has already been used and encourages those acquiring the items to have equipment checked out by a DME Provider with expertise in the area of the device.
Per OEE Policies and Procedures: ABLE Tech shall not be liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including but not limited to settlements, judgments, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees) fines and penalties, arising out of any actual or alleged injury, loss, or damage of any nature whatsoever in connection with the sale or use of any device donated, purchased or sold under the OEE.
If you choose to obtain a piece (or pieces) of DME on behalf of children you serve, please consider the above stipulations as you take on the responsibility of the safety of the child regarding the use of the equipment.
The OEE currently has several DME items available for children to assist with mobility/seating/positioning, to see a full list please visit: Oklahoma Equipment Exchange: Pediatric Items
For more information on these items and/or to see other available items, please contact Diana Sargent at 1-800-257-1705.
SSIP Update: Scaling Up
The assistive technology trainings for Regions 2, 3 and 5 as part of the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) have been completed! Three different regions have received two 2-hour training on assistive technology with time devoted to specific training on early literacy technology and activities, as well as funding and transitioning of assistive technology for children who are ‘aging out’ of SoonerStart services.
Need funding to assist in the purchase of assistive devices? Oklahoma ABLE Tech offers a comprehensive online guide for Oklahoma Funding for AT. Additionally, ABLE Tech, in partnership with Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) and BancFirst of Stillwater, offers Financial Loans to purchase assistive technology. Several programs of funding are available, all with LOW interest rate and flexible repayment terms, as well as special qualification opportunities for applicants who might not qualify for a traditional bank loan. For questions on the Financial Loan opportunities, call Shelley Gladden for more information at 800.257-1705.
Sandra Wright,
PhD., CCC/Speech-Language Pathologist
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma State University
1514 W. Hall of Fame, Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 800.257.1705
Email: sandra.wright@okstate.edu
Allyson Robinson,
Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma State University
1514 W. Hall of Fame, Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 800.257.1705
Email: allyson.robinson@okstate.edu
The OEE has recently acquired a Crocodile Gait Trainer ($325), a Pediatric Gait Trainer ($625), a pediatric shower/toileting chair ($550), and a pediatric wheelchair/stroller ($575).
