Allison
Allison faces behavioral and physical challenges. Because Allison had problems learning to tell time, naming days of the week and counting money, she recently started using a specialized computer workstation developed by Woods' assistive technology specialist. The workstation hides the mouse, keypad and other add-on components that can be distractng to children with disabilities. Allison also has a choice of using a touch screen, a joystick, or a large track ball to help her control the computer.
Children with disabilities face multiple challenges to learning, such as short attention span that makes it difficult to focus on a task. Allison was having problems learning to tell time on the quarter hour, naming days of the week, and counting money. She recently started using a specialized computer workstation developed by Woods’ assistive technology specialist. The workstation hides the mouse, keypad and other add-on components that can be distracting to children with disabilities. Allison also has a choice of using a touch screen, a joystick, or a large track ball to control the computer.
The workstation makes it possible for Allison to use a software program called the Discreet Trial Trainer. The Discreet Trial Trainer is designed for children with autism and other disabilities. It uses learning exercises and rewards to teach children a variety of subjects.
The Discreet Trial Trainer is programmed to address Allison’s individual needs. For example, the program will present her with a math problem, such as 1 + 2. Each time she correctly solves the problem, she gets a token that serves as a visual reinforcer. Once she gets three tokens, she is automatically rewarded with a favorite picture, game, or sound. For example, she might see a puff of smoke on the screen and when she touches it, it blows up. This is one of Allison’s favorite rewards and it keeps her motivated to try new math problems or other exercises. The software also encourages independent learning. One day, Allison’s teacher found her using the program to learn how to count by fours – a task she initiated without assistance from anyone.
Perhaps most importantly, Allison regards her time at the computer workstation as fun. She can use the software to learn at her own pace and to reinforce what she has learned in the classroom (or vice verse). She has also overcome the challenges she faced in learning basic skills, such as how to tell time and count coins.
