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iPads as Instructional Tools

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com

The iPad can be a wonderful instructional tool for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments to use in conjunction with other, more traditional, instructional strategies. TVI’s can use iPads as instructional tools with students on their caseload in a variety of ways. The following are some ways you may incorporate an iPad into instruction:
  • Instruct the student in how to make the iOS device accessible as a means of communication and learning for both current and post-graduation needs.
  • Trial apps with students during instructional time to determine apps that will allow the student to access the curriculum using their iPad or another tablet device.
    • Demonstrate how the student can access and download books using the Bookshare’s Read2Go, Voice Dream or other accessible app to access digital books. Although the student can access Bookshare on the computer, the iPad provides a portable means to access books and the student can download the needed books to their bookshelf.
    • There are many magnifier apps available from free to very expensive. The TVI can trial different apps with the student in order to determine the app(s) that is most helpful for the particular student. The TVI can then provide the parent with suggestions if they participate in the schools BYOT program or have a school-issued iPad.
    • Instruct the students in how to access screen sharing tools such as JoinMe.
    • Instruct the student in using a variety of other tools for note taking and accessing digital print.​
  • To assist in the development of visual attention, tracking, eye-hand coordination
    • It is very common for students with CVI to only attend to materials that are back-lit as they are drawn to lights and reflective materials. By using an iPad for instruction, you are using a tool that will encourage a student to visually attend and interact using sound apps and/or cause and effect apps.
    • There are many matching, tracking, tracing apps available on the iPad that support vision specific goals and are great for motivating students and engaging student’s interest.
  • To access resource websites when providing consultation with individual team members as well as in IEP meetings.
    • Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI's) can use the iPad during meetings to access scanned files that are digitally stored (eye report, FVE, LVE, AT eval, O&M eval, etc.)
    • TVI’s can show parents and team members websites that can be helpful resources.
    • TVI’s can demonstrate tools the student is using during instruction.

Obtaining an iPad

iPads can be used as assistive devices for students who are visually impaired or blind. Students who are blind or visually impaired can use the iPad to perform a variety of tasks to access both the standard curriculum and the expanded core curriculum. Although they can’t replace all devices for many students, they can take the place of much more expensive equipment for many students. There are many accessibility features on the iPad that make it accessible to students with low vision or those who are blind. Many schools are embracing tablets and encourage students to participate in Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) programs, but not all families can afford the expense. The following are some possible ways families can obtain an iPad.

Insurance Company

Families may be allowed to purchase an iPad under Durable Medical Equipment but even though an iPad is significantly less than other augmentative communication devices, insurance companies typically won’t approve the purchase for fear of widespread abuse. If you are preparing to make a request, the insurance company will expect detailed information on why an iPad is needed/desired so be prepared to make the need very clear (i.e. the features needed, apps that will benefit the student, etc.).  If insurance denies the request, the denial letter can be used to show the school, charities or other programs that you already asked your insurance and the request was denied.

Charities

Local charities are sometimes willing to help children in their community. Most communities have a Lion's Club whose focus is on helping persons who are blind. There may be other local organizations that would be willing to provide a grant to the student.

Grant

There are programs and organizations that specialize in getting funds to students with special needs. The following is a list of just some of those organizations.
  • The Conover Mobile Technology: The purpose of this grant is to promote the use of mobile technology and their apps to improve freedom and independence.
  • Danny’s Wish: This program grants iPads for children with autism.
  • Little Bear Gives: Little Bear Gives has a current project that focuses on providing CVI iPad packages to families in need.
  • Different Needz Foundation: This organization raises money to provide annual grants.
  • First Hand Foundation This organization provides both domestic and global funding with the belief that every child deserves the chance to live a better life.
  • The Lindsay Foundation: This is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting families that have children under 18 years who have been diagnosed with long term illnesses.
  • Small Steps in Speech: This organization helps children with speech and/or language disabilities. They offer grants to purchase communication devices including iPads.

School

A school district may provide the student with an iPad if it is required in order to access the curriculum. The team will need to explore the features that the student needs and compare to other tools that will provide access. The school may determine that the iPad provides better access to the student and can replace more expensive assistive technology solutions. Keep in mind that if the school provides the iPad, it would be the property of the school. An Assistive Technology evaluation should be conducted by the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments or by another professional familiar with both the student’s disability and using an iPad. The assessment will explore the student’s response to a few different assistive devices and then report back on which ones worked best. The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments or another appropriate school professional will instruct the student in whatever Assistive Technology device is determined to be appropriate.
Guided Access Directions
​Guided Access
A great feature I take advantage of when working with students, particularly those with multiple disabilities, is the Guided Access feature. Using Guided access allows the student to interact with an app without accidentally clicking on an ad or switching to another app. I put together this handout that will walk you through the steps of using Guided Access. 

Assistive Technology Forms

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE VI AT forms and references on the Free VIAT Printables page. Simply click on the Log In | Register link in the navigation bar. If you haven't joined yet, you will be prompted to create a password. ​Below are just a few examples of the free VI AT Printables.

Selecting the Right AT for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired Recorded Presentation

$25.00

Are you overwhelmed by the process of selecting assistive technology for your students? This presentation will encompass the process and steps of selecting the right assistive technology for students who are blind or visually impaired using the SETT framework. Key points covered in this presentation include identification of the current problem; consideration of current skills; understanding unique visual and learning needs; awareness of AT for VI; AT equipment considerations; the process of building a toolkit; instructional strategies; and next steps. 


Objectives:


  • Identify required steps in conducting an AT evaluation for students with visual impairments.
  • Analyze student’s current skills and unique needs to make appropriate AT recommendations
  • Develop strategies for selecting low, mid and high tech Assistive Technology  


Includes:


  • Recorded PowerPoint Show
  • Transcript
  • Presentation handout
  • Printables & Links to Resources discussed in presentation


Request a Certificate of Completion

To receive a certificate of completion for 1 contact hour, complete the short "Selecting the Right AT" quiz on Google Forms and receive a score of at least 80%. Don't worry. If you don't pass, you can re-watch the presentation and retake the test! If you have any accessibility issues with the form, please don't hesitate to let me know and we can make other arrangements.  ​


System Requirements:

Presentations are recorded PowerPoint presentations. You must be able to access PowerPoint to view the PowerPoint presentation. Please note that the presentation pages are closed member pages available to individuals who have purchase access to the presentation. 


*Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO.
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