C. 2019) UDL is often the first area of intervention in the continuum to be considered when looking at the occupational performance areas listed above. Occupational therapy and other team members are able to aid using UDL and AT options through direct service, coaching, consultation, and advocacy. Using the Occupational Practice Framework 4th edition and the HAAT framework as guiding structures it is possible to optimize interventions with individuals throughout all areas of occupa- tion, no matter the need, context, diagnosis, or age. EXAMPLES OF UDL AND AT A first grade student with cerebral palsy has difficulty participating in classroom reading and writing tasks because of limited motor control in her arms. The occupational therapist works with the teacher, and they introduce many high- and low- tech options, including a computer and digital tablet with word prediction/abbreviations to increase her writing efficiency and legibility; an adaptive desk with supports for her arms so she can access a large print keyboard; testing using the computer or tablet and accessible testing. She reads using a digital tablet with access to online digital book applications, and she uses a dedicated speech generating device for communication (intro- duced by the speech pathologist). These supports allow her to access literacy in the classroom, participate in classroom discus- sions and communicate with classmates and teachers. An 81-year-old man with vision loss resulting in low vision lives at home. An occupational therapist helps identify and implement a variety of supports to increase his function in the home for iADL’s, including a Smartphone with a camera to photograph and enlarge labels and recipes; speech to text on the tablet to help him search for recipes online; high-contrast dials with tactile dots for the oven and stove; and large-print cookbooks and measuring tools. These interventions allowed him to remain independent and safe in his home without addi- tional assistance (AOTA, 2015). These supports also allow him to access literacy activities such as searching for and reading recipes on his tablet, using his Smartphone to enlarge labels so that he can read the labels and reading the markings on measuring cups while cooking. Today there are many options from built in accessibility features in devices, apps, chrome extensions and other more specialized assistive technology. Using a continuum of options from universal design for learning and low tech/high tech assis- tive technology it is possible for everyone to have access to literacy opportunities and participation.
The table below shows a few options and other information can be found through the Closing the Gap Resource Directory, Microsoft and Apple accessibility.
Table of Literacy Modes, Devices and Software/applications (not inclusive)
Code: Switch Access: SA, Voice Access: VA, Gaze Access: GA, Auditory Output: AO, Text to speech: TTS, Speech to text: STT
Area of Literacy Access/Access Type
Assistive Tech- nology Devices
Function of AT
Universal Design for Learning
Reading
Braille books JAWS Screen Reader Other Screen
To read to gain knowl-
Immersive Reader Built in Accessibility Options on Commer- cially Available Devices Starfall app., or website ABCmouse app. Literacy app: Inclusive Tech. Choose it Maker 3 software and Choose it Maker app.: Inclusive Tech. Chrome: Read and Write, Read Aloud Other Reading Apps: Easy Reader Read and Write, Readability, Kindle, Tar Heel Game Play Tar Heel Reader Pictello Magnifier Apps Built in Accessibility options: text to speech, speech to text, high contrast, magnification, switch activation, iPad “Recipes” Use of external keyboard, onscreen keyboard, speech to text, word prediction, short cuts/abbrevia- tions. Chrome: Read and Write for Chrome Cowriter Speech to Text/ Recording software/ apps: Audionote, Notability
edge and for leisure activity. 2. augment or substi- tute
Readers/Magnifi- cation Software CCTV’s Magnifiers/Digital Magnifiers
Writing
2. Adaptive keyboards: Big Keys, Large print Logic Keyboard: KeyCaps IntellikeysBig Keys Keyboard Refreshable Braille Displays Smartbrailler Mountbatten Learning System Clicker apps
To write indepen- dently with varied access.
Notetaking
Onenote Evernote Glean
voice recorder (Built in to OS or Android), Google Keep
6 https://www.closingthegap.com/benefits-of-membership/ | February / March, 2024 Closing The Gap © 2024 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
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