Low Cost at Three Cost-Effective

Low Cost AT

Three cost-effective solutions that could be used to solve challenges faced by Amos.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy offers on its website solutions to employers who seek cost-effective methods to make workplace adjustments so that all employees can do their jobs. As the site points out, adjustments or accommodations can be simple, or may require advanced technology. In some instances, an accommodation may be procedural. The focus of any accommodation is the work that needs to be done, and what is needed to make that happen. Several examples are provided. In one, tennis balls are cut in half to provide a better grip for an individual with poor motor skills. In another example, the best solution is a modified wheelchair costing $7,000. These varied examples show that assistive technology (AT) can cost very little or, depending on the size of the organization, represent a significant sum of money.

With today's school budgets frequently under close scrutiny, classroom teachers and special educators are looking for cost-efficient ways to provide accommodations for their students. The student in this case study, Amos, is a nonverbal kindergartener who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Three cost-effective solutions are presented here that could be used to solve challenges faced by Amos.

Nonverbal or low language students benefit greatly from adapted books, which are actually kits that have a book and various props needed to act out the story. "Adapted books help students connect in their minds that objects and actions are represented through language and literacy. They create a multisensory experience that offers multiple pathways for students to participate in the lesson and demonstrate comprehension" (Kowalski, 2009). Beanie Babies, dollhouse furniture, and toy food are items that are easily obtainable and may already be in the kindergarten classroom. Kowalski also suggests the Dollar Store, Michael's Arts and Crafts, and even the Salvation Army as place to purchase inexpensive items to make kits for books.

Patten and Watson (2011) reported on successful behavioral interventions that targeted attention in young children with autism. They noted "[t]he ability to focus and sustain one's attention is critical for learning." One strategy is allowing Amos to engage in self-directed play. Child-directed play, as opposed to adult-directed play, lets the child chose the object of focus. Another strategy is reinforcement; especially the strategy called "natural reinforcement" could be beneficial to Amos, as it would require him to communicate the need for something and then receive that item. The speech and language therapist is using this method to try to get Amos to verbalize his needs. Another method of reinforcement noted by Patten and Watson, a small food reward, will not be used with Amos, since both his mother and his doctor are somewhat concerned that Amos is overweight. Amos occasionally receives pretzels to help redirect him when he gets frustrated, and it is thought that food should not be used in a second scenario as well.