SoonerStart Collaboration

Collaboration Overview

The Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Department of Health partner to provide the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program. Oklahoma ABLE Tech partners with SoonerStart to provide assistive technology (AT) to infants and toddlers, birth to three, with disabilities.

Oklahoma ABLE Tech provides AT to SoonerStart teams in the form of demonstration kits. SoonerStart uses these kits when working with families. The goal is to increase access to and acquisition of AT that may benefit children with disabilities in the SoonerStart program.

Assistive Technology (AT) for Early Intervention

Definition of AT

AT is any piece of equipment or device used to improve the capabilities of children with disabilities. AT can also be a service that directly assists in the selection, acquisition, and use of an AT device.

AT Categories Overview

Computer Access

Computer Access AT can be input and output devices that enable individuals with disabilities to use a computer.

  • Adaptive keyboard/mouse
  • Built-in computer features, such as Microsoft and Apple iOS options

Daily Living

Daily Living AT helps individuals complete everyday activities using adaptive equipment. Examples of Daily Living AT devices are:

  • Modified eating utensils
  • Calming sleep aids

Environmental Adaptations

Environmental Adaptations AT can be structural or non-structural alterations of a home or any other setting. These AT devices help individuals complete everyday activities within any setting. Examples of Environmental Adaptations AT devices are:

  • Visual schedules
  • Switches to turn on toys/appliances

Hearing

Hearing AT enhances sound or substitutes sound with visual or tactile signals. Hearing AT can be helpful anywhere that effective communication is needed. Examples of Hearing AT devices are:

  • Amplification devices
  • Alert devices

Speech Communications

Speech Communications AT encompasses any and all means of communication other than oral speech. Examples of Hearing AT devices are:

  • Speech-generating devices
  • Picture boards

Learning, Cognition, Development

Learning, Cognition, and Development AT can help individuals with disabilities better comprehend reading materials, compose written work, and organize their thoughts and belongings. Examples of Learning, Cognition AT devices are:

  • Early Literacy apps
  • Task timers

Recreation

Recreation AT Devices promote participation in hobbies and allow access to sporting, recreational, and tourism events. Examples of Recreation AT devices are:

  • Switch-adapted toys
  • Adaptive musical instruments

Vision

Vision AT Devices help people see better or better comprehend what they cannot see. Examples of Vision AT devices are:

  • Lightboxes
  • Build-In features on an iPad

Seating, Positioning, and Mobility

Seating, Positioning and Mobility AT Devices support or improve mobility, postural support, and pressure management. Examples of Seating, Positioning, and Mobility AT are:

  • Adapted highchairs, strollers and seats
  • Other AT devices with straps or material providing positioning support

Vehicle Modifications

Vehicle Modifications AT Devices refer to changing a vehicle by replacing, adding, or removing a vehicle’s components/systems to enable an individual with disabilities to access and/or drive the vehicle. Examples of Vehicle Modifications are:

  • Customized car seats
  • Vehicles with wheelchair access

AT Overview Resources

As Oklahoma’s AT Act Program, Oklahoma ABLE Tech contracts with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to provide AT devices and services for Oklahoma children ages birth to three. The AT for Infants and Toddlers Overview below is a resource to help children, families, caregivers, and service providers to increase access to and acquisition of devices that benefit children in the statewide SoonerStart program.

AT Demonstration Kits

Oklahoma ABLE Tech provides each SoonerStart District with one or more assistive technology (AT) demonstration kits across the state. These kits enable SoonerStart families to explore various AT devices, compare their features and benefits, and become familiar with the available options.

By demonstrating the AT devices, families can make informed decisions about whether these tools will help their child participate in activities that might otherwise be challenging or impossible. The Oklahoma ABLE Tech YouTube playlist features videos showcasing each assistive technology (AT) device included in the AT kits. These videos explain the features and benefits of each device, helping viewers understand their potential impact.

Additional Resources:

AT Consultations

Oklahoma ABLE Tech assists individuals via phone, email, or other virtual platforms in identifying, assessing, and acquiring appropriate AT devices and services.

AT Discovery

The AT Funding Guide helps individuals find public and private sources for funding DME and AT in Oklahoma. The guide contains fact sheets including eligibility criteria, AT devices and services covered, the application process, and contact information for over 60 funding options in the state.

AT Funding Guide

The AT Funding Guide helps individuals find public and private sources for funding durable medical equipment (DME) and AT in Oklahoma. The guide contains fact sheets including eligibility criteria, AT devices and services covered, the application process, and contact information for over 60 funding options in the state.

Special Education Resolution Services (SERC)

The SERC program offers innovative programs that assist school districts and parents in settling disputes regarding the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of students with disabilities.

Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Early Childhood Resources

SoonerStart Success Story

Gianni is an olive-skinned toddler with short dark hair. He is standing next to a refrigerator, on which a low-tech communication board with various images of different foods is displayed where he can reach.

Gianni is almost three years old and experiences speech delays that create frustration, especially when he cannot communicate his needs and wants. With the help of a low-tech assistive technology (AT) communication board, Gianni can now communicate quickly and clearly with his mom and dad.  

These communication boards display photos, objects, or icons. These boards are used to help individuals make decisions and communicate them, as well as to build vocabulary. 

Trialing the choice and core boards from Oklahoma ABLE Tech gave Gianni a way to communicate what he wants to eat and drink. This communication style has significantly decreased frustration for Gianni and his family. Gianni’s mom hopes this will encourage him to begin verbalizing many of the words he points to on his communication board. 

Gianni’s new goal is to learn the correct names and pronunciations of familiar food and drink items. Gianni is verbalizing more since his mother introduced the low-tech assistive technology! 

Quick Links for SoonerStart Personnel

Core Programs and Services: