Technology Assessment #1- Assistive Technology, Enabling Dreams

Enabling Dreams




When developing a lesson plan, the teacher needs to consider the fact that he or she may have a child with a disability in the class, at some point. It is important to ensure there is flexibility in the traditional plan so each child has the opportunity to participate and gain knowledge from the lesson. Some teachers may find it challenging working with a child with a disability, but they should know they are not alone in this conquest.
With all the programs and support groups available, parents and teachers can get the help they need to assist a disabled child in and out of the classroom.
One of the major movements is the availability and accessibility of assistive devices. Assistive technology devices help the student to be able to interact and participate more normally in a regular classroom setting, both academically and socially. "Considering the significant potential it has for facilitating personal independence and social inclusion, assistive technology (AT) has become an increasingly important tool for improving the quality of life for individuals with severe disabilities."( Reichle, 2011) Even with required modifications, students with physical disability may still struggle with logistics and other physical aspects. By introducing kids to technology, early in life, they can learn it faster and can focus more on curriculum later on in the future.(Edutopia, n.d.) This is the key ot helping a child become accustomed and adjust more efficiently to mainstream learning.
There is so much we can do for our students, in terms of modifications, but assistive technology will help both student and teacher. With all the new technological developments, there is always a way to help a disabled child succeed. We as teachers need to be open minded and proactive when approached with these new devices. In the past disabled students were left behind struggling either mentally or physically with limited options. Now with all the advances, they will not struggle as badly academically.



Resources:

How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams. (n.d.).Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-video

 

Reichle, J. (2011). Evaluating Assistive Technology in the Education of Persons with Severe Disabilities. Journal Of Behavioral Education, 20(1), 77-85. doi:10.1007/s10864-011-9121-1