Independence & Empowering

After reading the articles and watching the videos on “Assistive Technology” I have a whole new understanding of the words “assistive technology” and what the words mean. Assistive Technology is any tool, equipment or service designed to help develop, maintain, or improve one’s ability to function in all aspects of their life. Assistive technology does this by making use of devices and services to reduce barriers and enhance independence for persons with disabilities. Assistive technology helps people of all ages who may have a broad range of disabilities or limitations. Assistive Technology is any tool or device that a student with a disability uses to do a task that he or she could not otherwise do; or any tool the student uses to do a task more easily, faster, or in a better way. These tools include commercial products as well as those that are home-made. Tools can be simple "low tech" devices such as pencil grips or expensive "high tech" devices such as computers. Such aids and adaptations allow individuals with disabilities to function independently in recreation, education and vocational activities. These devices and services enable students to achieve their potential. Assistive Technology helps students write, communicate, read, study, play, and achieve independence.

I really enjoyed seeing that educators and involved adults were making a real effort to find the most beneficial forms of assistive technology to help students be successful and independent in the video. I think that it was great that Susanna was able to referee soccer matches from her wheel chair and that the right computer software was found for Susanna so that she can achieve her full potential. I enjoyed this video because it shows how much assistive technology can have a huge, and positive, impact upon someone’s life. Assistive technology helps to minimize the struggles and difficulties experienced by persons with disabilities.

If I were working with a new student who only communicates via computer by moving his/her eyebrows my biggest concern would probably be my potential lack of confidence in being able to fully do my part to maximize the student’s success and level of security in their ability to make their needs etc. known while relying upon the computer. To alleviate my fear that I would not be able to do my best by this student, I would thoroughly research the technology that was being used, what might go wrong in its operation, and how I could fix it; learn everything I could about the specific program involved; and alternative technology that might be considered in the event that this particular program failed. The more confident I felt in my own ability to communicate with the student, the more confident he/she would feel in my ability to understand him/her. The student, who is already challenged by virtue of his/her disability, doesn’t need his/her educator to be a challenge. The student who only communicates via computer using his/her eyebrows depends upon assistive technology to make his/her needs known, and for all communication with those around him. If the program fails, the computer is down, those around him are unaware of his/her needs to communicate via the computer, the student’s ability to communicate is severely compromised. He/she maybe unable to communicate a need for help, that he/she is in pain, that he/she has a need, or that he/she has something to say. A student with disabilities that is able to utilize some type of technology tool, can experience a vastly improved quality of life. We all need to be able to communicate.