Session 5 - Dollarama Low Tech AT Presentations, Explore AT, Universal Design Playground Audits

Image source: https://www.gametime.com/resources/me2

Session 5 was jam-packed with lots of great material. We presented our Dollarama low-tech AT finds and inventions, were introduced to Explore AT, a one-stop-shop for information and resources on many different assistive technologies, viewed videos of assistive technology being used to enhance the performance of a student, and we were sent off to work on our universal design playground audits. 

Dollarama Finds

It was great seeing all the ideas my peers created from their Dollarama adventures looking for low-tech assistive technology. Everyone did an amazing job and it was wonderful seeing the amazing creativity within this group. I especially liked the super cheap and easy way Laura came up with the idea to use hockey pucks to turn a regular desk into a stand-up desk. Another one that stood out to me, was the portable flexible seating created by Betsy, Gizelle and Laura. They used a milk crate, bouncy ball and physio straps. What a brilliant idea for those kiddos that seek movement and need proprioceptive activities. For more ideas on proprioceptive activities, click on the picture below.

Explore AT

Explore AT is a one-stop-shop for information and resources on various assistive technologies. This is an amazing resource that can be shared amongst colleagues. I know many times, I have sat in TST meetings and have listened to colleagues ask the team how they can support a certain student. This resource can be a great support when discussing students during Teacher Support Team meetings. I especially like how the website is organized by hearing, speech, vision, computer access, daily living, recreation, environmental adaptations, vehicle modifications, mobility, reading, writing, math and organization. This makes it so much easier for you to find what you need based on the student.

Universal Design Playground Audit

For our playground audit, I was in a group with Sonja and Katherine. We decided to conduct a playground audit on Colby Village Elementary School Playground. After conducting our audit, we concluded that overall, it did not pass the universal design audit. Some strengths this playground has is accessible parking, the proximity of parking to the playground, side by side slides, imaginary play, ground-level play features, shaded areas, and frequent platforms for resting. Please see our full audit below for more details. 

Seven principles of Universal Design:

1. Equitable Use

2. Flexibility in Use

3. Simple and Intuitive Use

4. Perceptible information

5. Tolerance for Error

6. Low Physical Effort

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use 

Parking 

Criteria	Yes	No
Does the playspace/park offer accessible parking spaces and designated spaces?	X
Are accessible parking spaces located within 50 meters of the playspace entrance?	X

Entrance to the playspace

Criteria	Yes	No
Is the entrance to the play space close to accessible entrances/exits of the school?	X
Is the path to the entrance of the playspace firm, stable, slip-resistant and level without a steep slope?	X
Are there maps of the playspace? Are these maps at an appropriate height for students in wheelchairs, have Braille and have large font and signage?		X

Surfacing 

Criteria	Yes	No
Are accessible surfaces firm and stable to provide support and stability for mobility devices used in a playspace?		X
Does the play surface avoid sand, gravel and mulch?		X
Does the play surface provide different textures, shapes and colours for contrast?		X

      Accessible Routes

Criteria	Yes	No
Is there at least one accessible route provided within the boundary of the playspace and connects ground-level play components to elevated play components?		X
Are there accessible washrooms nearby?		Maybe in school?
Is there a continuous unobstructed pathway from the perimeter of the use zone to equipment?		X
Is there clear width of accessible routes at ground level?		X
Are the pathways and routes wide and can they accommodate individuals walking with guides or using a variety of assistive devices?		X

Elevated Play Components 

Criteria	Yes	No
Are entry and exit points of the elevated play components connected by ramps or transfer systems (e.g., platform or steps), which help people access elevated play structures without the use of a wheelchair or mobility device?		X
Are there side by side slides?	X
Slides of different width?		X
Are there spaces for adults to support and assist children who are on and/or accessing the play structure? Is that space wide enough to support two people comfortably?		X
Are there features and components designed to support imaginary play or to stimulate the senses (touch, hear, etc.)?	X
Are there stand-alone components, rockers, twirly chairs, teeter-totters? Are they accessible from a wheel-chair?		X

Ground Level Play Components

Criteria	Yes	No
Is there a variety of ground-level play features?	X
Are there ground-level play components integrated into the play space to foster interaction and socialization among all children?		X
Is there a variety of swings present?		X
Do any swings have a backrest?		X
Is there space on structures for an adult to assist a child accessing the play structure?		X

Landscape Elements

Criteria	Yes	No
Are there shaded areas available?	X
Are there natural elements such as gardens or aromatic plants?	X (There is a smell,  touch, and feel garden, but it is not in the playspace. It is next to it.)
Is the environment sensory-rich and stimulating for children of all abilities?		X
Are there clear lines of sight throughout?		X

    Turning Spaces, Level Landings & Entrances 

Criteria	Yes	No
Can two wheelchairs pass through the width of the ramp with ease at the same time and perform a three-point-turn?		X
Is there room to change direction, as well as to stop and enjoy play components?		X
Is there enough clear ground space provided at the entrance of all accessible components?		X

     Ramps, Transfer Stations & Handrails

Criteria	Yes	No
Do ramps have vertical bars on each side for the entire length of the ramp to prevent mobility equipment and equipment from falling off the side of the play structure?		X (There are no ramps.)
Are handrails present on all ramps?		X
Does the play structure incorporate frequent platforms for resting?	X
Is there a landing at the end of every ramp?		X
Are landings as wide as the ramp?		X
Are the slopes at a gentle grade?		X

     Phased Design

Criteria	Yes	No
Does the play space have room to grow if future funding allows?	X Playspcases 2 and 3 have room to grow.	X Playspace 1 is near a steep hill by the street.

Image of the parking lot near playspace:

Images from playspace 1:

Sources:

Para NB – Sport & Recreation. “Para NB - Sport & Recreation Playground Accessibility Checklist”. 2013. PDF File. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from http://www.recreationnl.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Para-NB-Sport-Recreation-Playground-Accessibility-Checklist.pdf

Ramps, transfer stations and routes. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://kaboom.org/resources/build-playground-toolkit/accessibility/universal-design/ramps-transfer-stations-and-routes

Session 4: SETT and Low Tech AT - October 31, 2020

Session 4 - SETT and Low Tech AT

During our session today, we discussed the definition of assistive technology, the SETT Framework by Dr. Joy Zabala and we worked in small groups to watch videos and reported back to the whole group with some examples of low-tech AT hacks created by occupational therapists.  

According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association, "Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities" (ATiA, 2020, para. 1). We looked at various low tech AT hacks during our session today and discussed how they fit into the SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Task, and Tools). For more information about the SETT Framework click on the picture below to watch an interview with Dr. Joy Zabala. 

After watching some of AT hack videos, it occurred to be that Occupational Therapists are like MacGyver. I guess I'm showing my age with this reference! I find it amazing how OT specialists can problem solve any OT issue! They come up with the most amazing hacks for the students that they work with. The way they can help individuals to become functionally independent is really awe-inspiring. I have started using the tennis ball hack for helping students who have difficulty with their fine motor when engaging in writing tasks. I also found the loop of ribbon around door handles, cupboards and drawers ingenious. 

Check out this video from the American Occupational Therapy Association describing how OT therapists look at the whole person: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnBqHl9cmE8

Click on the websites for some additional OT hacks that can be used with toddlers and elementary students: 

30 OT Life Hacks: Tricks to Make Life Easier for you and Your Child

Classroom Strategies and Tips for School

Just for fun... 8 Brilliant MacGyver Hacks That Work in Real Life!

References:

What is AT? (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/what-is-at/