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for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Assistive Technology as a Modality
Content:
A Technological Modality can simply be defined as an alternative
treatment method which has a technological aspect to it. Assistive
technology is often used as a compensation aid, whereas a modality is used to
remediate a deficit or disability. Therefore, technological modalities are
treatment approaches which use the latest technology (such as computer software)
to remediate a deficit, or enhance one's abilities.
In the case of children, there are several examples of these modalities that
have become popular as of late. As a consumer, it is important that you
thoroughly research what each of these modalities claim to do, and who can
benefit from them. A modality, which is backed up by the evidence of
scientific research for it's advertised use, should be considered before one
that claims all sorts of benefits with no scientific data to support its claims.
The following three modalities all claim to improve many of the same problems that
children with disabilities may face. On the surface it is difficult to
distinguish exactly what each claims to do, and this is not by accident. A
prospective consumer is more likely to try a new approach if it's claims are
broad and general.
Earobics - Literacy
skills training
Earobics Step 1
Price: $59.00-$299.00
Medium: CD-ROM
Special Skill: early childhood, language development, IEP/IPP,
instructional management
Academic Skill: language arts, prereading, reading, spelling
Disability: cognitive, hearing, learning, speech
Skill Level: preschool, elementary
Computer: Macintosh, PC
The Earobics Step 1, for children developmental ages 4-7, develops a full
range of phonological awareness, phonological processing, auditory processing
and introductory phonics skills. Younger children learn these critical reading
readiness and early literacy skills that will enable them to become better
readers, listeners, and learners.
Classroom, Specialist/Clinician, and home versions are available.
Cognitive Concepts, Inc.
990 Grove St., Ste. 300
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-328-8099
Fax: 847-328-5881
Email: cci@cogcon.com.
Web: www.cogcon.com
Earobics Step 2
Price: $59.00-$299.00
Medium: CD-ROM
Special Skill: scanning, single switch, communication, early childhood,
eye-hand coordination, language development, IEP/IPP, instructional management
Academic Skill: language arts, prereading, reading, spelling
Disability: cognitive, hearing, learning, speech
Skill Level: elementary
Computer: Macintosh, PC
Earobics Step 2 teaches children developmental ages 7-10 a full range of
phonological awareness, phonological processing, auditory processing, phonics,
and language comprehension skills. Training of these skills allows older
children to become better readers, listeners, and spellers.
Classroom, Specialist/Clinician, and Home versions are available.
Cognitive Concepts, Inc.
990 Grove St., Ste. 300
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-328-8099
Fax: 847-328-5881
Email: cci@cogcon.com.
Web: www.cogcon.com
Earobics 1 for Adolescents and Adults
Price: $59.00-$299.00
Medium: CD-ROM
Special Skill: scanning, single switch, communication, language
development, IEP/IPP, instructional management
Academic Skill: language arts, reading, spelling
Disability: cognitive, hearing, learning, speech
Skill Level: secondary, adult
Computer: Macintosh, PC
This Earobics program provides game-style, multimedia instruction designed to
appeal to older students who are struggling to read faster, spell better, and
improve their comprehension. The program teaches key reading skills such as
phonological awareness, auditory processing, and phonics skills.
Cognitive Concepts, Inc.
990 Grove St., Ste. 300
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-328-8099
Fax: 847-328-5881
Email: cci@cogcon.com.
Web: www.cogcon.com
Fast ForWord - Language
skills training
Fast ForWord® uses acoustically modified language sounds based on complex
mathematical algorithms to train children to understand, process and use
language more effectively.
Fast ForWord has been reportedly been shown to improve auditory processing
speed, working memory, serial order processing, phonological awareness,
listening comprehension, syntax, and morphology. All of these skills are
critical for learning to read or becoming a better reader.
Currently, you must have a specialist/clinician provide you with Fast
ForWord training. Pricing varies. See their website for a list of
providers in your area.
Scientific Learning Corporation
1995 University Ave.
Suite 400
Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: 1-888-665-9707
Fax: 510.665.1717
Email: info@scilearn.com
Web: www.scientificlearning.com
Interactive Metronome
- Rythmicity training
The IM is based on the premise that Rhythmicity is a critical
foundation to our ability to learn. This training program claims to
retrain one's brain, and replace the faulty timing sequences many of us were
born with. IM works based on the theory that rhythmicity is a prerequisite
to our ability to plan and sequence. Planning and sequencing is a
foundation for problem solving behavior such as copying shapes, writing
words, language, social behavior, and many academics including reading, writing,
and arithmetic.
The IM is an educational intervention that may be a very useful component as
part of an overall program for a variety of challenges, including many learning
disorders, speech and language difficulties, attention problems (including
ADHD), plus many behavioral and cognitive disorders.
Currently, no home program is available. IM therapy must be provided by
a professional practitioner, and is a 15 session minimal commitment.
Results are advertised as long-term with no need for follow-up sessions upon
completion of entire regimen. Pricing varies. Refer to IM website
for providers in your area. In Chicago area, please email troykruger@eunicorn.com
Interactive Metronome
Email: cassily@interactivemetronome.com
Web: www.interactivemetronome.com
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