February 2021
Know AT
with the Help of MoAT (vol.34)
THE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR!
Image of a student in the ETC Lab
The 2020-2021 ATR Program is now closed.
AT Purchased after July 1, 2021 may be considered for reimbursement during the 2021-2022 program, which will open in mid-July. Watch this newsletter or refer to our website for more information in the coming months.
Did You Know That They Have That at MoAT?
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
FOR CAUSE AND EFFECT ACTIVITIES
Several weeks ago, I was invited into a school to consult with a support team concerning a six-year-old student's educational needs. The team was looking for solutions to help this young student to engage with his surroundings. It was presented that the student did not understand the concept of cause and effect and would not engage with an augmentative means of communication.
While on-site, I quickly noticed that the student easily became overstimulated by the crowded therapy space and coiled against the wall where he placed his ear against the flat surface so that he could hear the noise and feel the vibration of his tapping on the wall. He soothed himself by tapping the door.
Since I brought my "bag of tricks" with me I was able to get this student to engage with other cause and effect activities lead by his behavior.
From this encounter, we at MoAT introduced the Pathway to Cause and Effect Development Kit last week via this newsletter. This kit can provide you with a "bag of tricks" to direct engagement for those students that are working on Cause and Effect and basic communication. This week's newsletter will introduce you to the functions of some of the separate components that I used with this student.
If you have any questions about how these devices may help someone that you are working with, please contact Laura Hoffman.

The Powerlink by Ablenet
This student was visually overstimulated by the workspace. However, he quickly engaged with a small fan that was made switch accessible through the use of the PowerLink 4. The PowerLink is a great way to introduce users to switch accessible Cause and Effect. Instead of overstimulating activities with a lot of movement and noise, try the items listed below. All of them are available through the ETC Lending Library at Missouri Assistive Technology.
Bubble blowing machine
small desk fan
Small AC powered strobe light
The most familiar switch to anyone working in the AT field is the Jelly Bean. This switch is not always the best option. In the Cause and Effect Bag of Tricks, there are several different means of access. The Jelly Beamer Transmitter communicates with the PowerLink wirelessly. The Candy Corn proximity switch does not require the student to make physical contact with the switch for activation. The Big Mack provides activation as well as single message communication.
Red Jelly Bean Switch
Jelly Beamer wireless switch
Yellow and whit candy corn proximity switch
Big Mack single message communication switch
Scout dressed like Bernie Sanders at the inauguration
Scout Introduces Several Mount Options Available Through MoAT
The Cause and Effect Kit also offers a cradle and mount for the iPad. Additional mounts are available through ETC for switches and other devices. Take a look at Scout's newest video to see other mount options.
Take a Look at What's New in Assistive Technology
Collage of pictures of Mount Mover users

The Mount’n Mover movable mounting systems offer unique features specifically designed to promote independence, access, and participation. Mount phones, trays, speech devices, laptops, and cameras on wheelchairs, tables, and more. From simple mounting solutions to motorized power mounts for complex needs - check out their website for options.
Take a Look at What's "Old" in Assistive Technology
But could be "NEW" to you!
Each week we will offer "recycled" devices free of charge. These are devices that we have retired from our lending library. We would like to offer these devices to individuals who can use them knowing that they are older technology and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Please contact Scout via email to request these devices. They will be shipped to you free of charge and will not need to be returned.
samsung chromebook
Samsung Chromebook
11.6” Chromebook 2
Do you have a student who needs a Chromebook? This compact device could be yours. It has 1G of storage and is not a touch screen. It comes with a silver Samsung Chromebook and adapter in the box. 
Chromebooks are designed to be connected to the Internet. You can create documents and spreadsheets or edit photos on a Chromebook using Google apps designed for these purposes. The Chrome operating system will not load and run traditional PC software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. However, files created in these applications can be viewed and edited using Google apps on your Chromebook or cloud-based applications like Microsoft's Office web apps.
What’s “App-ening”at MoAT?  

Ablenet Super Talker with overlay from the free app
This app will allow you to easily create printable picture symbol overlays for all of the components of the Cause and Effect Kit. So going back to my student example, the student immediately engaged with the fan, accessing via a jelly bean switch, connected to the PowerLink. Using this app, a captured picture of the fan could be printed to be placed under a clear cap on that Jelly Bean Switch for activation, the Big Mack for one message communication, or on an overlay for the Smart Talker FT which is also part of the new Cause and Effect Development Kit available through ETC.
So much information. So little time.
Do you know that
"Know AT with the Help of MoAT" Newsletters are archived on our website? View previous newsletters by visiting us at www.at.mo.gov.