Assistive Technology for Community-based Organizations |
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Assistive Technology Definitions:
"Low" Technology: Visual support strategies which do not involve any type of electronic or battery operated device - typically low cost, and easy to use equipment. Example: dry erase boards, clipboards, 3-ring binders, manila file folders, photo albums, laminated PCS/photographs, highlight tape, math manipulatives, etc.
"Mid" Technology: Battery operated devices or "simple" electronic devices requiring limited advancements in technology. Example: tape recorder, Language Master, overhead projector, timers, calculators, and simple voice output devices.
"High" Technology: Complex technological support strategies - typically "high" cost equipment. Example: video cameras, computers and adaptive hardware, complex voice output devices.
General Support Package
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development (LWD) collaborated with Literacy Nova Scotia (LNS)
on the Learner Services Project. Included in the project was research into appropriate assistive
technology for use in Level I and Level II of NSSAL. Assistive technology packages were supplied
through LNS to each community learning network in May 2010. A formula was used for the distribution
that considered the size of the network and the geographic area it serves. Each learning network received
the following:
- Speak Q to be used with Word-Q
- Franklin Spellers
- USB Flash drive(s); one of which has an Assistive Technology Booklet describing different types
of technology and a list of sources
- Math sets: volumetric solids, geo shapes/silhouettes, fraction tower cubes, base ten blocks,
Cuisenaire red stamps, money packs, Cuisenaire rods introductory set, and GeoLeg Junior
- Post it notes for recording main points in a reading selection, and colored file folders to be used
to help learners organize their work
The Math/Science Curriculum Consultant will distribute 10 Graphing Calculators to Level III programs and the Communications Curriculum Consultant will be responsible for distributing Reading Horizons.
Assistive Technology Software Fund
Learning networks may apply for additional software support.
The assistive technology application link is below.
Networks may apply for the following software:
- Special adaptive technology recommended by a psychologist, doctor, speech language or occupational
therapist (For example, a special designed writing easel, tape recorder for note taking, etc.)
- Premier To Go (Reading Made Easy)
- Word Q
- Inspiration 9
- ALEKS Math Computer licensed program
Note: Other resources, such as LCD projectors and/or camcorders, may be applied for under the Literacy Nova Scotia
PGI Grants Program. Computers or laptops can be applied for under the Computer for Schools Program through Literacy
Nova Scotia. Ipad minis (16GB) may be applied for through the Assistive Technology Fund.
Who can apply to the Assistive Technology Software Fund?
Community learning organizations funded under the Nova Scotia School of Adult Learning can apply for approved
assistive technology software. The list of approved assistive software was developed by the Assistive Technology
Committee, a sub-committee of the Learner Services Advisory Group. Funds for the purchase of the assistive
technology have been allocated from the Learner Services Project and are limited.
The assistive technology must be directly related to a specific learner’s program and upon receipt becomes the
property of the learning network.
Funding will be approved upon successful completion and review of the Assistive Technology Software application.
Literacy Nova Scotia will order the software and arrange for the software to be delivered to the network.
Application Process
The Assistive Technology Software Committee will review the requests for software and iPad mini (16GB) purchase that meet the following criteria:
- The software is selected from the approved list
- The learner can benefit from the use of the software (or application) to improve literacy and essential skills
- There are sufficient funds in the Assistive Technology Fund
- The application must be emailed and signed by a network coordinator/executive director/administrator
- Networks may be funded to a maximum of $1000 per fiscal year
- Preference will be given to networks that have not received previous funding under the Assistive Technology Fund
- Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis
Applications must be submitted electronically and can be submitted at any time during the year. Applications are reviewed monthly.
The completed application is to be submitted via email to literacyns@nscc.ca. A copy of the application
signature page with the network coordinator’s signature must be faxed to LNS at 902-897-4020. The application will be reviewed by the committee.
Once the committee has reviewed the application, applicants will be notified via email regarding the
approval/denial of the application.
It is important for the networks to research carefully the availability of the software prior to applying
to ensure the order information is correct. If incorrect, the order will not be processed, approval will
be withdrawn and the applicant informed.
Application Approval
The Assistive Technology Software Committee will base decisions on:
- The quality of the application with respect to the eligibility requirements
- The cost of the software
- The current status of the fund
- The number of applications received
- In the case of ipad mini purchase (16GB), a description of how the assistive technology app(s) will be useful to the learner(s)
The mandate of the Assistive Technology Software Committee is to:
- Receive and review applications for assistive technology software and devices which include assistive technology applications, i.e. iPad Mini (16GB)
- Allocate funds to support these initiatives based on the fund criteria
- Manage the funds to ensure maximum benefit to the Adult Learning Program at the community level
- Promote awareness of the Assistive Technology Software Fund
- Provide opportunities for applicants to share fund-supported experiences and reviews
- Review applications monthly
The Assistive Technology Software Fund is sponsored through funding from the Adult Education Division of the Department of Labour
and Workforce Development (now Labour and Advanced Education LAE) and is based on a one time only contribution.
This fund is managed by the Assistive Technology Software Committee consisting of equal representation of LNS and LAE.
Assistive Technology Software Fund
Assistive Technology Expense Claim
Completed, signed expense claim forms and receipt copies must be submitted to Literacy Nova Scotia within 30 days of the approved application in order to receive reimbursement.
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