Assistive Technology's
Questions and Answers for children birth to three years of age

How can a computer help my child in their speech goals?
•  It can improve attention to the spoken language.
•  It can also improve awareness of pitch and loudness.
•  It increases identification of objects, pictures and actions.
•  Increases ability to indicate wants and needs.
•  Improves labeling of objects and pictures
•  Encourages spontaneous language
•  Encourages idea that communication is fun!

How can a computer help my child with cognitive skills?
•  Increases attention to tasks
•  Develops matching skills
•  Expands understanding of spatial skills
•  Develops understanding of sequencing.

How can the computer help my child interact with people?
•  Develops positive relationships with family and friends
•  Encourages waiting and turn taking skills
•  Facilitates independence for your child and a positive self concept
•  Increases imitation skills
•  Young children learn by example. They know a computer is important because important people in their life use one.

How can a computer help my child's fine and gross motor skills?
•  Promotes erect posture in sitting and standing
•  Develops eye hand coordination in using the mouse
•  Encourages using the pointer finger in pointing out objects
•  Facilitates weight shifting and balance while the child is engaged in an activity
•  Increases body awareness

How can a computer be used in everyday living?
•  When a child is given the opportunity to explore and play at the computer, they will see it as a useful tool to accomplish tasks.
•  A computer can be as natural in play as coloring or playing in sand with toys.
•  Our children will grow up in a technologically rich world full of information; they should feel as comfortable using the computer as talking on the telephone.

How long should my child sit at the computer?
•  Initially don't expect them to stay interested more than 5- 10 minutes. Young children have short attention spans with any activity. You can increase this time slowly to fit your child's attention span.
•  Children should be monitored as with any activity such as watching television or playing video games.

Why is the placement and position of the computer important while my child is using it?
•  You should place the monitor on a sturdy surface at a comfortable eye level for your child. You don't' want them looking up extending their necks for a long period of time.
•  There may be times you want to place the monitor and keyboard on the floor for interaction
•  You may want to remove things that distract your child like the keyboard or extra computer diskettes.
•  Select a low traffic area to limit distractions.

What's the purpose of assistive technology for my child?
•  To help them to be able to access their environment, including their computer, like their typically developing peers.

How could I adapt my computer at home so my child can use it?
•  A touch window allows the child to reach out and touch the screen instead of using a mouse.
•  A switch interface allows you to hook a switch up to your computer instead of using a mouse.
•  An adapted mouse
•  Keyboard accessible programs

Who would I contact if I thought my child would benefit from assistive technology?
•  The Infant Toddler (Birth to three, Part C) Program in your county
•  Your local school district
•  Assistive Technology of Kansas