"Technologies for Children with Disabilities" (SPED 480) University of Hawai’i, Manoa: Next session to be announced.

Technology has dramatically affected the world around us, from “dot.com. this” to live videos of family and friends on the Web. How can these new technologies be utilized for the classroom and individualized for children with delays and challenges? "Technologies for Children with Disabilities" is a University of Hawaii class which addresses this newly developing area of education. It is taught by the staff and volunteers of ALOHA STAC.

Course description: 

"Technologies for Children with Disabilities" (SPED 480) highlights the critical and growing importance of computers and related technologies in the lives of children with disabilities, including software, hardware, services, funding and the law. Field trips, A-V materials and “hands-on” learning opportunities are included. Students have opportunities both to review and design software for individuals with special needs. A new focus of the course will include the use of the Internet as a learning and teaching tool.

Required textbook: Alliance for Technology Access (2000). Computer and Web Resources for People with Disabilities, 3rd Edition. Hunter House, Alameda, CA. 

Additional handouts (not listed) may be provided to supplement course topics, such as HyperStudio and Intellipics tutorials. 

Recommended resources: Cook A.M., Hussey S.M. (1995) Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice. Mosby, St. Louis, Mo. 

Course Goals: 

This course is intended to overview a broad range of issues and possibilities in computer technologies for persons with disabilities, including: 

• Introduction to Microcomputers
• Adaptive Access for Microcomputers
• Software Applications and Multimedia
• Augmentative Communication
• Adaptive Toys and Environmental Controls
• Integrating Assistive Technology in the Classroom and Community (including the IEP process)
• Assistive Technology Resources
• The Internet as a virtual classroom 

Please call ALOHA STAC for future course information.