Rentsch_Enhancing+Lives+with+Technology

=Enhancing Lives of Persons' with Developmental Disabilities using I Pads, I Pods, and Cell Phones= My name is Kay     Rentsch. I am a program Specialist at an agency that operates residential facilities for person's diagnosed with   mental retardation    and developmental   **    disabilities    **. Every since I was in junior     high school     , as it was called then, I wanted to work with person's with learning problems. I thought I would be a teacher for children with **special needs** but life has a strange way and I ended up working with adults diagnosed with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. I have worked in this field for 30 years and I have seen many **   changes   **  some good and some bad. I think the   integration of technology    into their lives will greatly enhance the way they live, work, communicate and socialize. **MY PRESENTATION ** media type="youtube" key="VtS6x_9JsFU" width="392" height="219"
 * A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME**
 * ISTE STANDARDS-STUDENTS**
 * There are two standards that I feel would align with using Ipads, IPods and IPhones with persons with developmental disabilities.**

__Communication and Collaboration:__ Students will be using these devices to better communicate with others, especially their care  givers and teachers.

__Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making:__ Students will be using problem solving by using IPads for scheduling and reminders.


 * RESOURCES:**
 * Ipads, Ipods and Iphones can be purchased at Best Buy, Walmart and Target for $300 or less**
 * There are many applications available for Apple products and can be purchased through the ITunes store.**


 * Some apps discussed in this presentation were: Assistive Chat, Yes/No, Model me Going Places and Proloquo.**

__**Free apps:**__


 * Tap to Talk** Designed for children, picture-based icons that talk. Free but annual subscription of $100 for a self designed library.


 * Talk Assist** Type text for robotic speech. Free, no ads, saves history of phrases.


 * Locabulary** Interesting location-based app, offers phrase choices appropriate to where you are. Uses GPS to automatically select phrases offered.


 * Dragon Dictation** Speak text and see it printed, must have wi-fi for it to work


 * Talking Tom** Cartoon cat repeats what you say in a cartoon cat voice. Responds to kindness and abuse. Good for encouraging reluctant verbalizers to do so. Many talking animals to choose from.