SENSORY DIETS AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION
All students can benefit from some form of sensory input. This module will explore the concept of sensory diets, simple sensory inputs that you can create in your classroom and low-tech assistive technology. All these will promote an even more accessible classroom.
This course will include:
This course will include:
- What is a sensory diet?
- How does it differ at various grade levels?
- Sensory Integration Theory
- Who benefits from a sensory diet?
- What is assistive technology and how is it used in the classroom?
KNOWLEDGE-SKILLS-MINDSET
Knowledge:
Skills:
Mindset:
- Special educators will have knowledge of sensory integration theory, proprioceptive input and the ways in which sensory integration can help students to focus in the classroom.
Skills:
- Understanding and implementing sensory integration theory in the classroom.
- How to request assessment/services for students that truly have sensory needs.
- Creating a tool box of strategies and skills to make a more sensory-inclusive setting.
- Teaching students sensory input strategies when they have certain sensory needs/emotions.
Mindset:
- Occupational Therapists and Assistive Tech Specialists should be the ultimate decision makers when developing sensory diets/assistive tech plans for students who have diagnosed needs. However, some students who do not qualify from these services can still benefit from some of these strategies/resources.
- Most people have some type of sensory need. Being sensitive to sensory integration theory and the needs of students can promote a more inclusive classroom.
IMMEDIATE CLASSROOM ACTION
Participants of this course will receive information about sensory input and assistive technology that may benefit students in their classroom. They will receive low-tech ideas for both of these areas and an understanding of how these may relate to specific students in their classroom.
TAKE THIS COURSE IF...
- You support students with a variety of learning needs and find that it is sometimes difficult for your students to make it through a lesson without breaks and additional supports.
- You would like to build a more sensory-focused classroom but don't necessarily have the resources of an OT to help you.
- You are interested in learning more about what sensory diets and assistive technology look like.